What the TPMS reset button does and where to find it

The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) reset button on a Honda Accord clears the warning light after you have adjusted your tire pressures to the correct level. The button is not a fix for low tire pressure itself — it straightforward tells the system to stop displaying the alert once your tires are properly inflated.

On most Honda Accords from 2007 onward, the reset button is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, below the instrument panel. It is a small, unmarked button that you press and hold. On some models, particularly 2013 and newer, the button may be integrated into the steering wheel controls or accessed through the vehicle's information display menu instead of a physical button.

The exact location varies by model year and trim level, so checking your owner's manual for your specific year is the fastest way to confirm where it is. If you cannot locate a physical button, your Accord likely uses the steering wheel or menu-based reset method.

Key Takeaways

  • The TPMS reset button clears the warning light only after you have manually checked and adjusted all four tire pressures to the manufacturer's recommended PSI.
  • The correct tire pressure for your Accord is printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb, not on the tire sidewall itself.
  • You must inflate all four tires, including the spare if your Accord has a tire pressure sensor in it, before pressing reset.
  • If the light returns within a few days after reset, one or more tires may have a slow leak or the sensor itself may be faulty.

Finding the correct tire pressure for your Accord

The manufacturer's recommended pressure is not the maximum pressure printed on your tire's sidewall. That number is the tire's load rating, not the pressure your Accord needs. The correct pressure for your specific model year is on a white or silver label inside the driver's door jamb, or sometimes on the fuel door.

Honda Accords typically run between 32 and 36 PSI depending on the model year and whether you are checking the front or rear tires. Some Accords have the same pressure front and rear; others differ by 2 to 4 PSI. Write down the exact numbers from the label before you begin inflating.

Check 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 low speed. Tire pressure rises as the rubber heats up, so a warm tire will give you a false high reading. If you check after driving, wait and recheck later.

Step-by-step reset process for physical button models

After you have inflated all four tires to the correct pressure, turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine. Do not press the brake pedal. Locate the reset button below the steering wheel on the left side of the dashboard.

Press and hold the reset button until the TPMS light blinks three times, then turns off. This usually takes 10 to 15 seconds. Release the button. The light should remain off. If it blinks again or stays on, one or more tires may not be at the correct pressure — recheck all four with a reliable gauge and try again.

Start the engine and drive the car normally. The system will recalibrate as you drive. If the light does not return within the next few days, the reset was successful.

Resetting TPMS through the steering wheel menu (2013 and newer)

Newer Honda Accords often do not have a physical reset button. Instead, you access the reset through the steering wheel controls and the instrument cluster display. Turn the ignition to "On" without starting the engine.

Use the left arrow or menu button on the steering wheel to navigate to the TPMS or tire pressure menu in the instrument cluster. Once you find the TPMS option, select it and look for a "Reset" or "Calibrate" choice. Press the center select button to confirm. The light should blink and then turn off.

If you cannot find the TPMS menu, consult your owner's manual for your exact model year, as the menu structure varies. Some Accords require you to scroll through Settings or Vehicle Information to reach the tire pressure options.

What to do if the light returns after reset

A TPMS light that comes back on within a few days usually means at least one tire has lost pressure since you reset it. This can happen for several reasons: a slow leak in the tire, a faulty valve stem, or a sensor that is not reading correctly.

Check all four tire pressures again with a gauge you trust. If one tire is consistently lower than the others, it likely has a slow leak. A tire shop can inspect it for punctures or valve stem damage. If all four tires hold their pressure but the light still returns, the TPMS sensor in one wheel may be defective and need replacement.

Do not ignore a persistent TPMS light. Driving on underinflated tires reduces fuel economy, increases tire wear, and can affect handling. Have the system diagnosed by a Honda dealer or trusted tire shop if the light will not stay off after a proper reset.

TPMS sensor batteries and when they fail

Each TPMS sensor contains a battery that typically lasts 5 to 10 years. As the battery weakens, the sensor may fail to transmit pressure readings to the vehicle's receiver, triggering the warning light even if tire pressure is correct.

If your Accord is older than 10 years and the TPMS light stays on despite correct tire pressure and a successful reset, a dead sensor battery is likely the cause. Replacing the sensor is usually the only fix — the batteries cannot be replaced separately on most Honda sensors.

A Honda dealer can test individual sensors to confirm which one has failed. Aftermarket TPMS sensors are available at lower cost than OEM parts, though some owners prefer Honda's original sensors for reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reset the TPMS after every tire pressure check?

No. You only reset the TPMS light after you have corrected low tire pressure and want to clear the warning from the dashboard. If you check pressure and find it is already correct, there is no need to reset anything.

Can I reset the TPMS while the engine is running?

Most Honda Accords require the ignition to be in the "On" position with the engine off for the reset to work. Attempting the reset while driving or with the engine running usually does not work. Turn off the engine, set the ignition to "On," and then proceed with the reset.

What if I cannot find the reset button on my Accord?

Check your owner's manual for your specific model year — the location varies. If your Accord is 2013 or newer, it likely uses the steering wheel menu instead of a physical button. If you still cannot locate it, a Honda dealer can show you or perform the reset for a small fee.

Will resetting the TPMS fix a tire with a slow leak?

No. Resetting only clears the warning light. It does not repair a leak or add air to the tire. You must first inflate the tire to the correct pressure, then reset. If the tire loses pressure again, the leak remains and needs to be repaired or the tire replaced.

How often should I check my tire pressure?

Honda recommends checking tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Tire pressure naturally drops in cold weather, so check more often during winter months. Proper pressure extends tire life and improves fuel economy.