Are you noticing a tire sensor light after having a tire rotation in your vehicle? Don’t get flustered as it may be a simple error in the tire pressure sensor and simply requires a resetting. But how to do so, right?
To reset the tire sensor of your car after rotation, first, you have to determine the TPMS type of your specific vehicle. After that recalibrate the transponders and get the job done either by following the magnet method or the scan tool method.
However, we will not just leave you with such an incomplete answer. In today’s write-up, we have gathered all the information that you are searching for. So, for an ultimate know-all, keep on reading!
Why Is It Required To Reset Tire Sensors After Tire Rotation?
You know, it is recommended to reset the TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System after a tire rotation. It is normal to have the query, but why do you even need it for? Let us get to know that first for a clear conception.
It is because when you have a tire rotation, it is likely to mess up with the TPMS sensor. It doesn’t mean it damages the TPMS sensor, it just creates confusion with the new tire placement that they are in after rotation.
As a result, things will become funky and tire rotation becomes a headache if you leave the tire pressure sensor without resetting as you may get a TPMS warning light that may not even be correct. Moreover, you will not know which tire is low.
That is why, you need to reset or reprogram the tire sensors to let them know where each wheel and pressure moved after tire rotation.
It will ensure that the system is accurately monitoring the pressure in each tire of your vehicle and providing accurate readings.
So, How to Reset Tire Sensors After Rotation of Your Car?
The process for resetting the TPMS after rotation will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Sometimes the process differs even in the different models of the same manufacturer.
In some cases, some vehicles do not even need the resetting process as they can detect automatically.
That is why it is best to consult your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. However, let’s see the highlights of the steps in how the resetting process is done.
Step 1- Determining TPMS System Type
As the first step of resetting the tire sensor, you need to determine the type of TPMS system in your vehicle. This is because the resetting process varies depending on this.
Nowadays vehicles have two types of TPMS systems: Direct and Indirect. Each type of system monitors the tire pressure and works in different ways.
- Direct TPMS System
In the United States, you will find most cars with a direct TPMS system. It is usually located on the base of the valve stem wrapped around the wheel’s rim.
If your vehicle uses a direct TPMS system, resetting it will be as easy as pressing the reset button.
Generally, the reset button is located on the dash or you should follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to find the button.
- Indirect TPMS System
In European countries, most vehicles are equipped with an indirect TPMS system. It is located in the ABS or the speed sensors of the wheels.
In case your vehicle has an indirect TPMS system, it must be reset with a scanning tool or using a magnetic method.
Either way with the TPMS system, you need to follow up your owner’s manual to know the specific method of resetting tire sensors in your car.
Step 2- Inflate The Tires And Check The Battery
While resetting the tire sensors of your vehicle you need to ensure that the tires are properly inflated. Otherwise, the sensors will not be calibrated properly and will read incorrect readings.
Moreover, if your car uses the battery to power up the tire sensor, you need to ensure that the batteries are not dead.
Step 3- Transponders Recalibration
Now move ahead to the transponder’s recalibration. In the vehicle, every tire has its own transponder and its position becomes changed when you have the tire rotation. So, your TPMS system needs to learn its new position by recalibration.
Here also the process of the recalibration or relearning process using the TPMS relearn tools differs from vehicle to vehicle.
You can learn the exact process by the owners’ manual TPMS chart or you may need to have a little search online mentioning your vehicle’s make and model.
Pro Tip: When you change the tires, it is a better idea to change the valve stems as they contain the tire pressure sensors to be free from future hassle.
Step 4- Use The Magnet Method Or The Scan Tool Method For Resetting
As already stated, if your vehicle owns an indirect TPMS system, you need to reset the system using the magnet method or scan tool method [your manual will specify it]. As for the magnet method, follow up the below steps.
- Keep your engine off but the ignition key on.
- Now press the unlock and lock buttons of the car key fob.
- When you hear an initial chirp sound, place the magnet on each tire valve stem.
- After that place the magnet on each tire stem valve. Keep it till the horn chips in the following order: left front> right front> right rear> left rear.
- Now verify the tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Moreover, for the scan tool method, follow up on the manual’s instructions for resetting the TPMS system after tire rotation.
Safety Precautions for Resetting Tire Sensors After Tire Rotation
While you are resetting the tire sensor of your car after rotation, there are some safety precautions that you should keep in mind. What are those? Let us take a look.
- First of all, you need to ensure the correct tire pressure of your vehicle before resetting the TPMS. You can find the correct tire pressure on your owner’s manual or the driver’s side door jamb.
- While performing the task, you should wear protective glasses and gloves to protect yourself from debris or chemicals residing in the tire.
- Ensure to have proper tools before beginning resetting like TPMS reset tool or a scan tool.
- Go through the instructions of the resetting process for your specific model carefully to understand every single step.
- TPMS system resetting can be a complex process. So, if you are so unsure about the process, it is better to take the help of the experts.
Is it OK to Drive With a Tire Pressure Monitor Light On After Rotation?
Well, now hope you get to know all why and how you can get the tire pressure sensor resetting of your car after tire rotation. But it is one of the most crucial points of our discussion, is it ok to drive with a tire sensor light?
You know what, manufacturers recommend avoiding driving your car with a tire pressure monitor light on after tire rotation. This is because the TPMS system works by monitoring your tire pressure.
If you do not reset the tire sensors after rotation, they may not read the correct pressure of your tire even when it is low as it becomes confused about the new tire location. It is of course dangerous to drive with improperly inflated tires.
As reported by the NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017 about 738 people died just for tire-related issues. That is why it is recommended to reset TPMS after rotation.
It is only safe to drive the car with a tire sensor light as long as you are certain that your tire pressures are maintained properly or you check the pressure with a gauge.
Then you can ignore the tire sensors if you want, otherwise, you will not be reliably alerted to the danger caused by the changes in tire pressure!
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Thanks for your comment, hope you read my blog regularly.