The tire pressure reset button is usually under the steering wheel, and you hold it until the light blinks twice
Honda Accords from 2008 onward have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that alerts you when one or more tires fall below the target pressure. The reset procedure differs slightly by model year, but the most common method is to locate the TPMS reset button (a small, unmarked button beneath the steering column or on the dashboard), turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, and hold the button until you see the tire pressure indicator light blink twice. This usually takes 10 to 15 seconds. The light will then turn off.
Before you reset the light, check the actual tire pressure in all four tires using a pressure gauge. The correct pressure for your Accord is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall itself. If one or more tires are low, inflate them to the pressure listed on that door jamb sticker, then perform the reset. If you reset the system without fixing the underlying pressure problem, the light will return within a few minutes of driving.
Key Takeaways
- The TPMS reset button on most Accords is a small unmarked button located under the steering wheel or on the lower dashboard, and you set up it by holding it for 10 to 15 seconds with the ignition in the "On" position.
- Check your tire pressure with a gauge before resetting, because the light will return when ready if any tire is still below the door jamb specification.
- The correct tire pressure for your Accord is on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire itself.
- If you cannot find the reset button or the light does not turn off after two attempts, your Accord may have a different reset method based on its model year or trim level.
Where the reset button is located on different Accord generations
The location of the TPMS reset button varies by model year. On 2008 to 2012 Accords, the button is typically mounted on the lower left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel. On 2013 to 2017 models, it is often on the underside of the steering column itself. On 2018 and newer Accords, Honda moved the button to the left side of the steering wheel or integrated it into the instrument cluster menu system.
If you cannot locate a physical button, your Accord may use the steering wheel controls and instrument cluster display to reset the system. In this case, use the left and right arrow buttons on the steering wheel to navigate to the TPMS menu in the instrument cluster, then select "Reset" or "TPMS Reset" from the options. The exact menu path depends on your model year, so check your owner's manual for the precise sequence.
Why the tire pressure light comes back on after you reset it
The most common reason the light returns is that one or more tires are still below the target pressure. The TPMS monitors pressure continuously, and if a tire drops even a few pounds per square inch below the door jamb specification, the system will trigger the warning again. This is especially common in cold weather, when tire pressure naturally decreases by about 1 PSI for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.
A second reason is a faulty tire pressure sensor. Each tire has a small wireless sensor inside the valve stem that transmits pressure data to the vehicle's receiver. If one of these sensors fails or the battery inside it dies, the light will stay on or return shortly after reset. Sensor batteries typically last 5 to 10 years. If you have confirmed that all four tires are at the correct pressure and the light still will not turn off, one sensor likely needs replacement.
A third possibility is a receiver module malfunction. This is rare but can happen if the vehicle's electrical system has been damaged or if the module itself has failed. If resetting does not work and all tire pressures are correct, have a Honda dealer or tire shop scan the vehicle's diagnostic codes to identify which component is at fault.
Checking tire pressure correctly before you reset
Use a digital or dial tire pressure gauge, not the stick gauges often found at gas stations, because they are less accurate. Remove the valve cap from each tire and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem. You should hear a brief hiss of air. Read the pressure on the gauge display or dial and write it down for all four tires.
Check the pressure when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or has been driven less than a mile at low speed. Tire pressure rises as the rubber heats up during driving, so a reading taken after highway driving will be artificially high and will not reflect the true resting pressure. If you must check pressure after driving, add about 4 PSI to the door jamb specification to account for heat, then re-check when the tires are cold to confirm.
Inflate any tire that is low to match the door jamb specification exactly. Do not overinflate. Overinflated tires wear faster in the center, reduce traction, and can make the vehicle ride harshly. Most gas stations have air pumps with built-in gauges, but these gauges are often inaccurate. Bring your own gauge or use the pump's gauge only as a rough guide, then verify the final pressure with your own gauge before you leave.
The difference between door jamb pressure and tire sidewall pressure
The pressure printed on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure the tire can safely hold, not the pressure your Accord needs. This maximum is usually 44 to 51 PSI depending on the tire. The door jamb sticker shows the manufacturer's recommended pressure for your specific vehicle, which is typically 32 to 36 PSI for an Accord. Using the sidewall pressure instead of the door jamb pressure will overinflate your tires, trigger a harsh ride, and cause premature wear.
The door jamb sticker may also list different pressures for the front and rear tires. Some Accords recommend the same pressure all around, while others specify a slightly higher pressure for the rear. Follow the sticker exactly. If your door jamb sticker is missing or illegible, you can find the correct pressure in your owner's manual or on Honda's website by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN).
When to reset the TPMS after replacing a tire or sensor
If you replace one or more tires, you do not always need to reset the TPMS when ready. The system will continue to monitor the new tires and will alert you only if pressure falls below the target. However, if you replace a tire pressure sensor or have a tire shop replace one for you, you must reset the system so the receiver module recognizes the new sensor. Without a reset, the light may stay on even though all pressures are correct.
After a sensor replacement, inflate all tires to the door jamb pressure, then perform the reset procedure. The receiver should recognize the new sensor within a few minutes. If the light does not turn off after 15 minutes of driving, return to the shop and ask them to verify that the sensor was installed correctly and is transmitting a signal.
Seasonal tire pressure changes and TPMS alerts
Tire pressure drops in cold weather and rises in warm weather. A 30-degree Fahrenheit temperature swing can change tire pressure by 3 to 4 PSI. This means you may see the TPMS light turn on in fall or winter even if you did not change anything about your tires. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.
When the temperature drops, check your tire pressure and inflate any tires that have fallen below the door jamb specification. When the temperature rises again in spring, check pressure again and deflate if necessary. You do not need to reset the TPMS system during seasonal changes unless the light is currently on. straightforward maintain the correct pressure, and the light will stay off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I hold the reset button and nothing happens?
Make sure the ignition is in the "On" position, not "Start." The engine should not be running. If the light still does not respond after 15 seconds, try turning the ignition off, waiting 30 seconds, then repeating the procedure. If it still does not work, consult your owner's manual for your specific model year, as some Accords use a different reset method.
Can I drive with the tire pressure light on?
Yes, the vehicle is safe to drive. The light is a warning that one or more tires are underinflated, which can reduce fuel economy and increase tire wear, but it is not an emergency. However, you should check and correct the pressure as soon as reasonably possible to avoid damage to the tires.
How much does it cost to replace a tire pressure sensor?
A single sensor replacement typically costs between $150 and $250 at a Honda dealer, including the sensor, valve stem, and labor. Independent tire shops may charge less. If all four sensors need replacement, expect to pay $600 to $1,000 total. Sensor batteries last 5 to 10 years, so if your Accord is older than 10 years, multiple sensors may fail around the same time.
Will the tire pressure light turn off by itself if I just wait?
No. The light will remain on until you either correct the tire pressure or reset the system after correcting it. If the pressure is correct and the light is still on, a sensor or receiver module is likely faulty and will not turn off without professional diagnosis and repair.
Do I need to reset the TPMS after I get new tires at a shop?
Not usually. The tire shop will transfer your existing sensors to the new tires, and the system will continue to work without a reset. However, if the shop installs new sensors as part of the service, ask them to reset the system before you leave. If they do not, you can reset it yourself using the procedure described above.