Seeing that little orange exclamation point inside a horseshoe on your dashboard? Don’t worry, it’s a common alert for Honda Civic owners. This guide will show you How To Reset Tire Pressure Light On Honda Civic quickly and safely.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light is there for your safety. It means one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Before you reset it, you must always check and adjust your tire pressures first.
How To Reset Tire Pressure Light On Honda Civic
Resetting the light is simple once your tires are properly filled. The exact method varies slightly by your Civic’s model year. Below, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions for each generation.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Gathering a few simple tools will make this job a breeze. You won’t need any fancy equipment.
- A reliable tire pressure gauge (digital or analog).
- An air compressor (at home, gas station, or auto shop).
- Your vehicle’s recommended PSI information.
You can find the correct tire pressure for your Civic on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Do not use the number on the tire sidewall—that’s the maximum pressure, not the recommended one.
Step 1: Check and Adjust All Tire Pressures
This is the most critical step. Never skip it. Resetting the light without fixing the pressure is unsafe and the light will just come back.
- Park your car on a level surface and ensure the tires are cold (driven less than a mile).
- Remove the valve stem cap from each tire.
- Press your tire gauge firmly onto the valve stem to get a reading.
- Compare the reading to your Civic’s recommended PSI (usually between 30-35 PSI).
- Use the air compressor to add air, or press the gauge’s release valve to let air out.
- Re-check the pressure with your gauge until it’s perfect.
- Don’t forget to check the spare tire if your Civic has a full-size one!
- Replace all valve stem caps tightly.
Step 2: Locate Your Honda Civic’s TPMS Button
Most Honda Civics have a dedicated TPMS reset button. It’s location is the main difference between model years.
- For 2006-2011 Civics (8th Generation): The button is located under the left side of the dashboard. You may need to look near the hood release lever.
- For 2012-2015 Civics (9th Generation): The button is typically found on the lower left dash, near the steering column.
- For 2016-2021 Civics (10th Generation): The reset procedure is done through the Driver Information Interface (DII) in your gauge cluster. There is no physical button.
- For 2022+ Civics (11th Generation): The system is reset through the infotainment touchscreen or gauge cluster menus.
What If I Can’t Find the Button?
If you’ve looked and can’t spot it, consult your owner’s manual. The manual has the definitive diagram for your specific year and trim. Sometimes it’s tucked away in a surprising spot.
Step-by-Step Reset Instructions by Model Year
Follow the instructions for your Civic’s generation. These steps assume you have already corrected all tire pressures.
For 2006-2015 Civics (With Physical TPMS Button)
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (II). Do not start the engine.
- Press and hold the TPMS reset button. You will see the TPMS light blink twice.
- Release the button.
- Start the engine and drive the car at above 30 mph for at least 10 minutes.
- The light should go off during this drive. If it doesn’t, repeat the process.
For 2016-2021 Civics (Using Gauge Cluster Display)
- Park the car and turn the ignition to “ON.”
- Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the Vehicle Settings menu on your gauge cluster display.
- Scroll down and select “TPMS Calibration.”
- Choose “Calibrate” or “Initialize.”
- Confirm the selection. The TPMS light should blink twice.
- Drive the car normally. The system will calibrate as you drive, and the light should turn off.
For 2022 and Newer Civics (Using Touchscreen)
- Ensure the vehicle is parked.
- From the home screen, press “Settings.”
- Select “Vehicle.” then “TPMS Calibration.”
- Press “Calibrate” and then “Yes” to confirm.
- The light will blink twice. Drive for the calibration to complete.
Why Won’t My Tire Pressure Light Turn Off?
Sometimes, even after a reset, the light stays on or comes back quickly. Here are the common reasons:
- Incorrect Tire Pressure: One tire is still under or over-inflated. Double-check all five tires with your own gauge.
- Slow Leak: You may have a nail or other puncture causing a slow leak. The tire might look fine but loses pressure overnight.
- Faulty TPMS Sensor: The battery inside a wheel sensor is dead (they last 5-10 years). A damaged sensor can also cause this.
- Recent Tire Rotation or Change: The system may need to be recalibrated after tire work if the shop didn’t do it.
- Spare Tire in Use: If you’re using the spare, it likely doesn’t have a sensor, confusing the system.
When to See a Professional Mechanic
If you’ve tried everything and the light persists, it’s time for expert help. A mechanic or tire shop can diagnose the issue properly.
- They use a special TPMS scan tool to check each sensor’s health and battery life.
- They can find and repair slow leaks you might have missed.
- They can replace a faulty TPMS sensor and program the new one to your car.
Ignoring a persistent TPMS light is a safety risk. It can lead to poor fuel economy, uneven tire wear, and even a blowout.
TPMS FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions
How long does it take for the Honda Civic TPMS light to reset?
After initializing the calibration, you usually need to drive for 10-20 minutes at a steady speed above 30 mph. The system needs this drive cycle to learn the new pressure settings.
Can I reset the TPMS light without the button?
For models with a physical button, no—you need the button. For newer models, you use the display menus. In a pinch, disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes may reset it, but this also resets your radio and other settings. It’s not the recommended method.
Why did my tire pressure light come on when my tires look fine?
Modern tires can lose significant air pressure without looking visibly flat. A drop of just 5-10 PSI can trigger the light, even if the tire doesn’t look low. Always trust the gauge over your eyes.
How much does it cost to replace a TPMS sensor on a Honda Civic?
The cost varies, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per sensor for the part, plus labor for installation and programming. It’s often best to do them in pairs or as a full set if they are old.
Does the cold weather affect my TPMS light?
Yes, absolutely. For every 10°F drop in temperature, tire pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. A sudden cold snap is a very common reason for the TPMS light to illuminate. You’ll need to add air to bring them back to the proper cold pressure.
Final Tips for TPMS Maintenance
Keeping your TPMS happy is part of regular car care. Follow these habits to avoid surprises.
- Check your tire pressures manually at least once a month with a gauge.
- Check them more often when the seasons change, especialy in fall and winter.
- Always reset the system after adjusting your tire pressures.
- Inform any tire shop that your Civic has TPMS so they can be careful during service.
Remember, the TPMS light is a helpful tool, not a nuisance. It’s your first alert to a potential problem. By understanding How To Reset Tire Pressure Light On Honda Civic, you can ensure your car is safe, efficient, and ready for the road. Just make sure you adress the root cause of the warning before you clear it.