How to reset the tire pressure warning light on your Honda Accord
Your Honda Accord's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) displays a warning light on your dashboard when one or more tires drop below the recommended pressure. To turn off that light, you first need to inflate your tires to the correct pressure — the light will not reset on its own just by driving. Once all four tires are properly inflated, you can reset the system using your vehicle's menu, which takes about two minutes.
The correct tire pressure for your Accord is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall itself. That sticker shows the pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) for both front and rear tires, which may differ slightly. Check and adjust your tire pressure when the tires are cold — meaning the car has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than a mile at moderate speed.
Key Takeaways
- The tire pressure specification for your Accord is on the driver's door jamb sticker, not the tire itself.
- You must inflate all tires to the correct PSI before the warning light will reset.
- The reset process uses your dashboard menu and takes about two minutes.
- Different Honda model years access the reset menu slightly differently, so check your owner's manual if the steps below do not match your dashboard layout.
- If the light returns within a few days of resetting, one tire may have a slow leak and needs inspection.
Check and inflate your tires to the correct pressure
Locate the tire pressure sticker on the inside of your driver's door jamb — open the door and look at the edge of the door frame itself, not the door panel. The sticker shows two pressures: one for the front tires and one for the rear. Write down both numbers so you do not have to return to the sticker while you are at the pump.
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires. Unscrew the valve cap on each tire and press the gauge onto the valve stem firmly until you hear a small hiss and see a reading. If a tire reads low, drive to a gas station or tire shop and use the air pump to inflate it. Add air in short bursts and re-check with your gauge after each burst — it is easier to add air than to release it. Inflate all four tires to the pressure shown on the door jamb sticker for their position (front or rear).
Once all tires are at the correct pressure, move to the reset process. Do not drive the car yet — the TPMS system needs the tires to be at the right pressure when you perform the reset.
Reset the TPMS using your dashboard menu (2016 and newer)
Sit in the driver's seat with the engine off. Locate the menu button on your steering wheel — it is usually on the left side of the wheel and labeled "Menu" or "Select." Press and hold this button until the dashboard display changes to show a menu with options like "Vehicle Info," "Maintenance," and "Settings."
Use the up and down arrow buttons on the steering wheel to scroll through the menu until you see "TPMS Calibration" or "Tire Pressure" (the exact wording varies by model year). Press the Menu button again to select it. The dashboard will display a message asking you to confirm the reset — press Menu once more to confirm. You should see a message like "TPMS Reset Complete" or the light will straightforward turn off. The process takes about 30 seconds.
If you do not see a TPMS option in your menu, your Accord may use a different reset method. Check your owner's manual for the exact steps for your model year, or contact a Honda dealer for guidance.
Reset the TPMS using the ignition method (2009 to 2015)
Older Honda Accords use a different reset process that does not require the menu system. Sit in the driver's seat with all doors closed and the engine off. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position without starting the engine — you should see the dashboard lights come on.
Look for a small button labeled "TPMS" or "Tire Pressure" on the dashboard, usually located below the steering wheel or to the left of the steering column. Press and hold this button for about three seconds until you see the tire pressure light blink three times, then turn off. Release the button. The reset is complete.
If you cannot locate a TPMS button on your dashboard, your model may require the menu method described above, or you may need to have the reset performed by a Honda dealer or tire shop.
What to do if the light returns after resetting
If the tire pressure warning light comes back on within a few days of resetting, one or more of your tires likely has a slow leak. Check the pressure in all four tires again using a gauge — if one tire has dropped noticeably below the others, that tire needs inspection. A slow leak can be caused by a puncture, a faulty valve stem, or a bead leak where the tire meets the wheel rim.
Take the car to a tire shop or Honda dealer and describe which tire is losing pressure. They can inspect it for punctures, test the valve stem, and check the bead seal. Many small punctures can be repaired; if the tire cannot be repaired, it will need to be replaced. Do not ignore a persistent warning light, because driving on underinflated tires reduces fuel economy, causes uneven wear, and can overheat the tire.
Understand what the tire pressure light means
The TPMS warning light is a horseshoe-shaped icon with an exclamation mark inside it. This light turns on when the system detects that one or more tires are at least 25% below the recommended pressure — so if your door jamb sticker says 32 PSI, the light will come on around 24 PSI or lower. The system does not tell you which tire is low, only that at least one is.
The TPMS system checks tire pressure continuously while you drive. Temperature changes affect tire pressure — cold weather can cause pressure to drop by 1 to 2 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature. This is why the light may come on during winter or after a cold night, even if you inflated the tires recently. Inflating to the correct pressure and resetting the system will turn the light off until the next pressure drop occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the light turn off by itself if I just drive the car?
No. The light will not turn off until you inflate the tires to the correct pressure and perform the reset procedure. Driving the car does not reset the system. If you inflate your tires but do not reset the system, the light will stay on until you complete the reset steps.
Can I reset the TPMS without going to a tire shop?
Yes. If your tires are already at the correct pressure, you can reset the system yourself using your dashboard menu or the ignition button, depending on your model year. You only need a tire pressure gauge and access to an air pump, both of which are available at most gas stations.
What if I cannot find the TPMS button or menu option?
Check your owner's manual for your specific model year and body style — the reset method varies between generations. If your manual does not describe a reset procedure, contact a Honda dealer or tire shop. Some older models may require a dealer to reset the system using a diagnostic tool.
Does the tire pressure warning light mean my tires are damaged?
Not necessarily. The light means your tires are underinflated, which can happen due to temperature changes, a slow leak, or straightforward normal pressure loss over time. However, if the light returns repeatedly after you reset it, one tire may have a puncture or valve stem problem that needs repair.
Should I inflate my tires to the pressure on the tire sidewall instead?
No. The pressure on the tire sidewall is the maximum safe pressure for that tire, not the recommended operating pressure. Always use the pressure on your door jamb sticker, which is set by Honda for your specific Accord model and accounts for weight, handling, and fuel economy.