What the TPMS reset button does and where to find it

The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) light on your 2015 Honda Civic turns on when one or more tires are underinflated or when the system detects a sensor problem. To clear this light, you need to locate the TPMS reset button, which is a small black button mounted on the driver's side of the dashboard, beneath the steering wheel and to the left of the steering column. You may need to crouch down or use a flashlight to see it clearly.

The reset button itself is about the size of a pencil eraser. It does not turn or twist — you straightforward press it. Pressing this button tells the car's computer to forget the current tire pressure readings and recalibrate based on the current air in your tires. This is different from inflating your tires; the button does not add air. It only resets the system's memory.

Key Takeaways

  • The TPMS reset button is a small black button under the steering wheel on the driver's side, pressed (not turned) to clear the light.
  • Before pressing the button, inflate all four tires to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb sticker, not the number on the tire sidewall.
  • Press and hold the reset button for three seconds while the ignition is in the ON position (engine does not need to run) until the light blinks and goes out.
  • If the light returns within a few minutes, one or more tires may be leaking air or a sensor may be faulty, and you should check pressure again or visit a tire shop.

Inflate your tires to the correct pressure first

Before you reset the TPMS system, your tires must be at the correct air pressure. The correct pressure for a 2015 Honda Civic is printed on a white sticker inside the driver's door jamb — not on the tire itself. The number on the tire sidewall (often 44 or 51 psi) is the maximum pressure the tire can safely hold, not the pressure your car needs.

Check the pressure in all four tires using a tire pressure gauge. You can buy a straightforward dial or digital gauge at any auto parts store for under $15, or use the free air pump at most gas stations, which usually has a built-in gauge. Write down what you find. If any tire is more than 3 psi below the door jamb number, add air. If any tire is overinflated, press the valve stem with a small tool to release air until it matches the target.

Cold tires (the car has not been driven for at least three hours) give the most accurate reading. If you just drove the car, wait before checking, because driving heats the air inside the tire and makes the pressure read higher than it actually is.

Press the reset button with the ignition on

Once all four tires are at the correct pressure, sit in the driver's seat and turn the ignition to the ON position. You do not need to start the engine — just turn the key or press the start button once without holding it. The dashboard lights should come on.

Locate the TPMS reset button under the steering wheel. Press and hold it for three seconds. You should see the TPMS light on the dashboard blink once or twice, then go out. Release the button. The light should stay off.

If the light does not go out after three seconds, hold the button for another two or three seconds. Some 2015 Civics require a longer hold. Once the light turns off, turn the ignition back to OFF and you are done.

What to do if the light comes back on

If the TPMS light returns within a few minutes of resetting, the system has detected a problem. The most common cause is that one or more tires have lost air since you inflated them. Check all four tires again with your gauge. If any are below the door jamb pressure, inflate them and try the reset again.

The second most common cause is a faulty tire pressure sensor. Each tire has a small wireless sensor inside the valve stem that sends pressure data to the car's computer. If a sensor is broken or the battery inside it has died, the light will come back on even if all tires are properly inflated. A tire shop can test the sensors and replace a faulty one for $50 to $150 per sensor, depending on your location and whether you replace just the sensor or the whole valve stem assembly.

A third possibility is a slow leak in one tire. If pressure drops a few psi per week, the light may come back on days after you reset it. Check your tires weekly for a month. If one tire consistently loses pressure, have a tire shop inspect it for punctures or valve stem leaks.

When to visit a tire shop instead

If you have already inflated all tires to the correct pressure and pressed the reset button twice without success, or if the light comes back on repeatedly, a sensor or the TPMS module itself may be faulty. At this point, a tire shop or Honda dealership can diagnose the problem more quickly than trial and error.

Bring your car to a shop with TPMS diagnostic equipment. They can read the error code from your car's computer, which tells them which tire's sensor is failing or whether the problem is elsewhere in the system. This usually takes 30 minutes and costs $50 to $100 for the diagnostic alone. Repair costs depend on what they find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reset the TPMS after I get new tires?

Yes. New tires have different air in them than your old tires, so the sensors need to recalibrate. Inflate the new tires to the door jamb pressure, then press the reset button for three seconds with the ignition on. The light should go out within a few minutes of driving.

Can I reset the TPMS while the engine is running?

Yes, the engine can be running or off — only the ignition needs to be in the ON position. Many people find it easier to turn the key to ON without starting the engine, since you do not have to worry about the car moving.

What if I cannot find the reset button under my steering wheel?

Check your owner's manual for the exact location on your model year. Some 2015 Civics have the button in a slightly different spot depending on trim level. If you still cannot locate it, a tire shop can reset the system for you, usually at no charge if you are having them service your tires.

Will resetting the TPMS erase any other car settings?

No. The TPMS reset button only affects the tire pressure monitoring system. It does not change your radio presets, seat position, climate settings, or any other vehicle settings.