How to Reset Tire Pressure Light Honda Accord – A Step-by-Step Guide
Having the tire pressure warning light come on in your Honda Accord can be annoying and worrisome. But in most cases, it’s a simple fix – you just need to reset the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light after adding air to your tires or making other tire-related repairs or adjustments.
Resetting the light is easy to do yourself at home and should only take a few minutes. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about resetting the tire pressure light on any model Honda Accord, from 2005 to 2023.
Why the Tire Pressure Light Comes On in a Honda Accord
The tire pressure monitoring system in Honda Accords is designed to alert drivers when one or more tires are significantly under-inflated.
Some common triggers for the TPMS light to come on include:
- Natural loss of air pressure over time
- A slow tire leak
- Lower air pressure due to colder weather
- Improper tire inflation when air was added
- Flat tire or blowout
- Tire rotation without resetting the TPMS
- Replacing a tire without resetting the TPMS
The light may also come on in cases of a faulty tire pressure sensor. But in most cases, the issue is simply lower than normal tire pressure.
Keeping tires properly inflated is important for safety, fuel efficiency, and preventing uneven tire wear. The TPMS system helps ensure you’re aware of any drops in pressure so you can address them promptly.
When You Should Reset the Tire Pressure Light
Anytime you add air to your tires or make other tire adjustments, you should reset the TPMS light afterward. This “resets” the monitoring system to recognize the new normal pressure level in your tires.
Some common times when the light should be reset include:
- After refilling the air to the recommended PSI levels
- After having low tire pressure repaired
- After tire rotation
- After replacing a tire
- After servicing or replacing the TPMS sensors
- After seasonal air pressure adjustments
Resetting the light confirms proper inflation and turns off the warning light on your dash. It’s a simple process that should only take a minute or two after any tire work is completed.
Locating the Tire Pressure Reset Button in Your Honda Accord
Honda Accords has made the TPMS reset button easy to find – it’s right on your dashboard.
For models 2005-2012, look for a circular button to the left of your steering wheel with the letters “TPMS” on it.
For models 2013 and newer, you’ll find the TPMS button on the lower right section of the instrument panel.
Refer to your owner’s manual if you have trouble locating the reset button. It should be clearly labeled and easy to access.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Reset the Tire Pressure Light
Here is a simple, step-by-step process to reset the TPMS light after you’ve adjusted your Honda Accord’s tire pressure:
1. Inflate Tires to Recommended PSI
- Check the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb for the correct tire pressure levels. This lists the PSI (pounds per square inch) for both front and rear tires.
- Use an accurate tire pressure gauge to check the inflation levels of all four tires, front and back.
- Refill any under-inflated tires to the PSI level listed on the sticker for that axle. Tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold for the most accurate reading.
2. Locate the TPMS Reset Button
- Find the tire pressure monitoring system reset button on your dashboard. See above for model-specific locations.
3. Turn the Ignition On
- Make sure your Accord is in Park with the parking brake engaged.
- Press the brake pedal down and turn the ignition to the On or Run position. The engine can be on or off for this process.
4. Press and Hold the TPMS Reset Button
- Press and hold the button down until the tire pressure light blinks two times.
- You may need to hold it down for up to 10 seconds.
5. Release the Button
- Once the light blinks twice, release the TPMS button.
6. Turn Off and Restart the Ignition
- Turn the ignition fully Off and remove the key.
- Then restart the engine.
This full reset sequence should turn off the tire pressure warning light on your dash, confirming that the reset was successful.
What to Do Before Resetting the Tire Pressure Light
Before you begin the reset process, it’s important to address any underlying tire issues first:
- Check all tire pressure levels and fill any underinflated tires to the recommended PSI for that axle. Driving on a tire that is very low on air can cause damage.
- Repair small tire leaks or punctures if present. Look inside the tire tread and sidewalls for any embedded nails, screws, or other objects that could be causing a slow leak. Have a tire shop plug the leak if needed.
- Replace any damaged tires that are unsafe to drive on before resetting the light. This includes any tires with major damage or blowouts.
- Evaluate TPMS sensor condition if dealing with a faulty sensor error. Replace damaged sensors as needed so the system can operate properly.
Taking these precautionary steps helps ensure optimal tire condition and maximum safety before clearing the warning light.
Resetting the Light After Refilling the Tire Pressure
It’s very common for the TPMS light to come on due to natural air pressure loss over time. Refilling your tires prompts the need to reset the light.
Follow these tips when refilling low tire pressure:
- Check pressure when tires are cold, before driving the car. This provides the most accurate reading.
- Refer to the recommended PSI levels in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s door jamb sticker. Do not simply inflate to the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
- Use an accurate pressure gauge to check inflation. Give the tire a few extra pounds beyond the minimum recommended.
- Check the pressure of the full-size spare tire as well if equipped.
After properly refilling the air, follow the reset procedure outlined above to clear the warning light. Maintaining optimal inflation will minimize how often the light comes on.
Resetting the Light After Tire Rotation or Replacement
Rotating your tires or replacing one or more tires also requires a TPMS reset afterward.
Here are some tips when resetting the light after tire rotation or replacement:
- Complete the tire rotation service or new tire installation before resetting the light.
- Make sure all lug nuts are properly torqued after changing a tire.
- Check all tire pressures and adjust air levels if needed. Tires lose some PSI after being dismounted.
- Reset the system even after rotating the tires to the same locations. The TPMS still needs to be recalibrated.
- Follow the reset steps outlined above after rotation or replacement is fully complete.
Resetting the sensors helps the system recognize the new tire locations and pressure levels. It only takes a moment to complete after the service.
How to Reset the TPMS Light on 2005-2012 Accord Models
For 2005 to 2012 Honda Accord models, the tire pressure monitoring system reset button is located to the left of the steering wheel.
Follow these steps on these models:
- Inflate tires to recommended PSI levels found on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
- With your foot on the brake, turn the ignition On. The engine can be on or off.
- Press and hold the circular TPMS button until the light blinks twice.
- Release the button, turn Off the ignition completely, then restart the engine.
This will reset the light after any tire pressure adjustments made on the 2005-2012 Accord models.
How to Reset the TPMS Light on 2013-2017 Accord Models
The TPMS reset button moved to the lower right section of the instrument panel on the 2013-2017 Accord models.
Follow these steps to reset the light on these model years:
- Fill all tires to the vehicle’s recommended PSI levels before resetting.
- Press the brake pedal, start the engine, and shift into Park.
- Push and hold the TPMS button until the light blinks twice.
- Release the button, turn the ignition Off, wait several seconds, then restart the engine.
These simple steps will reset the TPMS on 2013-2017 Honda Accord models after inflating tires or completing tire service.
How to Reset the TPMS Light on 2018+ Accord Models
The tire pressure monitoring system reset button remains in the lower right instrument panel area on the 2018 and newer Accord models.
Use the following reset procedure on these models:
- Inflate all tires to their proper pressure levels based on the door jamb sticker before resetting.
- With your foot on the brake pedal, press the Engine Start/Stop button to turn the ignition On.
- Locate the TPMS button and push it in until the light blinks twice.
- Release the button, press Engine Start/Stop to turn Off the ignition, wait briefly, then restart the engine.
Following this quick process will reset the TPMS after refilling tire pressure or making other tire adjustments on newer Accord models.
What to Do if the Light Comes Back On After Resetting
In some cases, the tire pressure warning light may come back on shortly after resetting the TPMS system. Here is what to check in that situation:
- Re-check the tire pressure levels with an accurate gauge. Refill any that are still low on air.
- Make sure all lug nuts are tight if you recently replaced or rotated tires.
- Look for any nail or object stuck in the tire tread that could be causing a leak.
- Test the tire pressure sensors to see if any are damaged and need replacement.
- Try the reset procedure again in case it is not fully complete on the first try.
- Have the system diagnosed by a professional if the light stays on after multiple reset attempts.
Persistently low pressure or faulty sensors can cause the light to keep returning. Address any underlying issues to resolve the problem.
The Consequences of Ignoring the Tire Pressure Light
It’s important not to ignore the TPMS warning light when it comes on. Driving on underinflated tires can lead to a number of problems:
- Blowouts – Significant underinflation causes excessive heat buildup in the tire, increasing the chances of catastrophic failure or blowouts.
- Uneven wear – Low pressure leads to abnormal wear on the outer tread edges. This reduces tread life, resulting in earlier tire replacement.
- Poor handling – Underinflated tires can reduce traction, braking distances, and overall handling and stability.
- Higher fuel consumption – Low rolling resistance of under-inflated tires causes the engine to work harder, reducing fuel economy.
The TPMS system provides an important early warning when your tires start to lose air. Heeding the light promptly reduces the chances of being stranded with a flat and improves safety.
When to Take Your Honda Accord in for Service
While you can reset the TPMS light yourself at home, some underlying issues require professional service:
- Faulty tire pressure sensors – If a sensor is malfunctioning, it will need diagnosis and replacement by a tire shop.
- Difficult to locate leaks – Small punctures in the tire tread or sidewall may require the expertise of a tire technician to find and properly plug.
- TPMS warning light won’t extinguish – If the light stays on after multiple reset attempts, the system may need coding and recalibration by the dealer.
- Suspension problems – Issues like bad wheel bearings can mimic the symptoms of continuous low pressure and require repair.
Take your Accord in for service if you’ve addressed obvious tire issues and the light persists. The dealership can fully evaluate the TPMS system.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Here are some ways to help your Accord’s tires keep optimal pressure and minimize TPMS light occurrences:
- Check tire pressure monthly and top off as needed. Pressure drops naturally over time.
- Inspect inside the tires when filling and remove any embedded objects.
- Rotate tires regularly according to your owner’s manual schedule.
- Avoid overloading the vehicle beyond capacity. Too much weight strains the tires.
- Replace tires once tread depth reaches the minimum recommendation. Worn treads are more prone to punctures.
- Check the spare tire pressure along with the four installed tires. Keeping the full-size spare properly inflated avoids issues if you need it.
Proper tire maintenance encourages longer tire life, enhances safety, and reduces the annoyance of seeing that pesky TPMS light illuminate on your dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my Honda Accord tire pressure light keep coming on?
The most common reasons are natural air pressure loss over time, a small slow leak, improper inflation when air was added, or driving on tires that are simply worn out. Faulty sensors, cold weather drops, and improper tire rotations can also trigger the light.
2. How do I know what PSI to inflate to on my Honda Accord?
Check the sticker located inside the driver’s side door jamb as it provides the recommended tire pressures from Honda, or consult your owner’s manual. Do not just inflate to the maximum pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
3. Does the TPMS light turn off automatically after adding air?
No, you have to manually reset the tire pressure monitoring system using the button in the dashboard after inflating or making other tire adjustments. This recalibrates the sensors.
4. Why does the TPMS light stay on after I rotate my tires?
The sensors must be reset to relearn the new tire locations. The system still sees the tires as underinflated since they are not in the same wheel spots. Performing the reset procedure restores proper monitoring.
5. How long after inflating the tires should I reset the TPMS light?
You should reset the light immediately after refilling the tire pressure for the most accurate calibration. Letting the car sit overnight can allow pressure to drop again before the reset.
6. Can I drive with the TPMS light illuminated?
You can drive a short distance to the nearest air station to refill low tires. However, extended driving on an underinflated tire risks damage. Have it repaired or refilled before your next trip.
7. Does tire sealant liquid reset the TPMS on my Honda?
Most tire sealants will not reset the system since they only temporarily seal a puncture. You’ll need to fully repair or replace the tire and reset the light afterward.
8. Why does my TPMS light come on in cold weather?
Temperature drops cause the air pressure inside tires to decrease. Even properly inflated tires may lose a few PSI in very cold conditions, illuminating the warning light.
9. How do I reset the TPMS on my spare donut tire?
Donut spare tires do not have TPMS sensors. Only the four installed road tires are monitored. The light should turn off once the full-size wheel and tire are remounted.
10. How often should I check the Honda Accord tire pressure?
You should check tire pressures at least once a month when the tires are cold. Also, check pressures before any long road trips or when carrying heavier loads. Keeping tires filled prevents the nuisance of TPMS warnings.
Summary
Having the TPMS warning light illuminate on your Honda Accord is a nuisance but is easily fixed. In most cases, you simply need to refill any under-inflated tires and then reset the monitoring system using the clearly labeled button on your dashboard.
Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact reset procedure based on your Accord’s model year. Maintaining proper tire pressure not only helps avoid the annoyance of seeing the light but also enhances safety and extends tire lifespan. Take your vehicle to a tire shop for any leaks, worn tires, or faulty sensors that cause the how-to reset tire pressure light Honda Accord light to keep returning on.
