Seeing the “Check Tire Pressure” warning light on your dashboard can be a bit of a worry. If you’re looking for how to reset check tire pressure Honda Civic 2015, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the simple process, explain why the light comes on, and give you tips to keep your tires in perfect shape.
Resetting the system is usually quick, but it’s important to ensure your tires are properly inflated first. Let’s get that light turned off and your Civic driving smoothly again.
How To Reset Check Tire Pressure Honda Civic 2015
The reset procedure for your 2015 Civic is straightforward and takes just a minute. Follow these steps carefully to clear the warning message from your display.
- Ensure your vehicle is parked and the ignition is switched to the “ON” position. You can do this without starting the engine. Just press the “ENGINE START/STOP” button twice without your foot on the brake pedal. The dashboard lights should illuminate.
- Locate the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) button. In the 2015 Honda Civic, this button is typically found on the lower left side of the dashboard, near the steering column. It may be marked with the icon of a tire with an exclamation point or the letters “TPMS.”
- Press and hold the TPMS button. You will see the “Check Tire Pressure” message on your multi-information display (MID) start to blink.
- Continue holding the button until the blinking stops and the message dissapears. This usually takes about 10 seconds.
- Release the button. The system is now reset. Turn off the ignition.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the warning light should be off. If it comes back on immediately or after a short drive, there is likely an issue with tire pressure that needs to be addressed.
Why the TPMS Light Comes On
Understanding why the warning triggered is key to fixing the problem for good. The TPMS isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a vital safety feature.
- Low Tire Pressure: This is the most common cause. Tires naturally lose air over time (about 1 PSI per month), and temperature drops can cause the air inside to contract, lowering pressure.
- Recent Tire Rotation or Change: If you’ve recently rotated your tires or switched to a new set, the sensor positions have changed relative to the car’s computer, which may need a reset to relearn their locations.
- A Faulty or Dying Sensor: The battery inside each tire pressure sensor lasts 5-10 years. A 2015 Civic’s sensors may be reaching the end of their lifespan.
- Significant Temperature Swing: A sudden cold snap can drop tire pressure enough to trigger the light, even if the tires were fine the day before.
- Puncture or Leak: Obviously, a nail or other damage will cause a tire to lose air rapidly.
Step-by-Step: Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressure
Before you reset the system, you must correct the tire pressure. Here’s how to do it right.
What You’ll Need
- A good quality tire pressure gauge (digital or dial-type are most accurate).
- An air compressor (found at most gas stations or you can buy a portable one).
- Your vehicle’s recommended PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) value.
Finding the Correct PSI
Do not use the number molded on the sidewall of the tire! That’s the maximum pressure, not the recommended one. For your 2015 Civic, find the official placard. It’s usually located on the driver’s side door jamb—the area when you open the driver’s door. It lists the recommended front and rear tire pressures for normal loads.
For most 2015 Civics, the recommended pressure is 32 PSI for all four tires, but always double-check your specific placard.
The Correct Process to Fill Tires
- Check pressure when tires are “cold.” This means the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours. Driving heats the tires and increases pressure, giving a false reading.
- Remove the valve stem cap from one tire.
- Firmly press your gauge onto the valve stem. You might hear a hiss of air; that’s normal. Get a steady reading.
- Compare the reading to your recommended PSI. If it’s too low, use the air compressor to add air in short bursts, checking the pressure frequently with your own gauge (don’t rely solely on the compressor’s built-in gauge).
- If you overfill, gently press the center pin in the valve stem with your gauge or a small tool to release air.
- Once the pressure is correct, replace the valve stem cap tightly. This keeps dirt and moisture out.
- Repeat for all four tires. Don’t forget to check the spare tire if your Civic has one, as it can lose pressure too!
What to Do If the Light Won’t Reset
Sometimes, the light is stubborn. If you’ve followed the reset steps and the “Check Tire Pressure” message remains, try these troubleshooting tips.
- Drive the Car: After resetting, drive the car at a steady speed above 25 mph for about 10 minutes. This allows the system to recalibrate and verify the new pressures.
- Double-Check All Tires: One tire might be significantly lower than the others, or you may have missed checking one. Verify all four tires again, including the spare if applicable.
- Check for a Leak: If one tire consistently loses pressure faster than the others, it may have a slow leak. A visual inspection for nails or damage is a good start, but a soapy water spray on the tire can reveal bubbles from a small puncture.
- Consider the Spare: Some Honda models monitor the spare tire. If yours is equipped with a pressure sensor in the spare, it could be the culprit.
- Battery or Sensor Failure: As mentioned, the sensors have batteries. If one has died, the system cannot read its signal and will keep the light on. This requires a visit to a tire shop or dealership for diagnosis and sensor replacement.
TPMS Sensor Basics and Maintenance
Knowing a bit about the system helps you take better care of it. Your Civic uses an indirect TPMS? Actually, for the 2015 model year, it uses direct TPMS. This means there is a physical sensor inside each wheel, attached to the valve stem or wheel rim.
These sensors constantly measure air pressure and transmit data to the car’s computer. Good maintenance habbits can extend their life and prevent issues.
- Always remind tire technicians that your car has direct TPMS sensors. They need to be careful during tire changes to avoid damaging them.
- When you get new tires or have them rotated, ask the shop to “relearn” the sensor positions. This matches each sensor’s ID to its new corner of the car.
- Valve stem caps should be replaced if lost, but use standard plastic or metal caps. Avoid aftermarket “sealing” caps, as they can corrode and seize to the sensor stem.
Seasonal Tire Pressure Changes
Your tire pressure will change with the seasons, and this is the number one reason for the light coming on unexpectedly.
For every 10°F drop in outside temperature, tire pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. So, if you set your tires to 32 PSI in summer, a 30-degree temperature drop in the fall could put you at 29 PSI, which is low enough to trigger the warning. It’s a good idea to check and adjust your tire pressure with the major seasonal transitions.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to some common questions about the Honda Civic tire pressure light.
How much does it cost to replace a TPMS sensor on a 2015 Honda Civic?
Replacement cost can vary, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 per sensor for the part, plus labor for installation and programming. It’s often done when getting new tires.
Can I use the tire pressure reset tool myself, or do I need a mechanic?
For the 2015 Civic, you can absolutely perform the reset yourself using the button as described. No special tools are required beyond a tire pressure gauge.
Why is my tire pressure light on but my tires look fine?
A tire can be significantly underinflated (like 10 PSI low) and still appear normal to the eye. Always use a gauge to check. It could also be a failing sensor or the system needs a recalibration after a pressure change.
Is it safe to drive with the TPMS light on?
You should check your tire pressures as soon as possible. Driving on significantly underinflated tires is dangerous—it causes poor handling, faster tire wear, and can lead to a blowout due to overheating. Don’t ignore it.
What’s the difference between the “Check Tire Pressure” message and the low tire pressure indicator light?
In your 2015 Civic, they are part of the same system. The message appears in the multi-information display, and there is also a yellow exclamation point inside a U-shaped tire symbol on the instrument cluster. They both mean the same thing: the system has detected low pressure.
Final Tips for Success
Keeping your tire pressure correct is one of the easiest and most effective forms of car maintenance. It improves safety, fuel economy, and tire life.
- Invest in a reliable digital tire gauge and keep it in your glove box.
- Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before any long trip.
- Remember to reset the TPMS system any time you adjust the tire pressures, even if the light wasn’t on. This sets a new baseline for the monitoring system.
- If you’re ever unsure, most tire shops will check your pressure and sensors for free. It’s a quick way to get peace of mind.
By following this guide, you now know exactly how to reset check tire pressure Honda Civic 2015 and, more importantly, how to adress the root cause. Taking care of this simple task ensures your Civic remains efficient, safe, and enjoyable to drive for many miles to come.