What the TPMS reset button does and where to find it
The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) reset button on a Honda CR-V clears the warning light after you have adjusted your tire pressures to the correct levels. The button is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, below the instrument panel — you may need to crouch down or use a flashlight to see it clearly. It is a small, recessed button that you press and hold for about three seconds until the TPMS light blinks twice, then goes out.
The reset button does not fix a tire pressure problem; it only tells the system to stop displaying the warning. If your tires are actually underinflated or overinflated, the light will return within a few minutes of driving. The correct tire pressure for your CR-V is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb — not on the tire sidewall, which shows the maximum pressure the tire can safely hold.
Key Takeaways
- The TPMS reset button is a small recessed button below the left side of the steering wheel on the dashboard.
- You must inflate all four tires to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb sticker before pressing the reset button.
- Press and hold the button for three seconds until the TPMS light blinks twice and turns off.
- If the light returns within a few minutes of driving, one or more tires are still at the wrong pressure or a sensor may be faulty.
Steps to reset the TPMS light after checking tire pressure
Start by checking the pressure in all four tires with a tire gauge. The correct pressure is listed on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb — for most CR-V model years, this is between 32 and 36 PSI, but check your specific vehicle. If any tire is low, inflate it at a gas station or tire shop. If any tire is high, release air by pressing the valve stem with a small tool until the pressure drops to the correct level.
Once all four tires are at the correct pressure, sit in the driver's seat with the engine off. Locate the reset button below the steering wheel on the left side of the dashboard. Press and hold it firmly for about three seconds. You will see the TPMS light on your instrument cluster blink twice, then turn off. This signals that the system has reset and is now monitoring your tire pressures again.
Drive the vehicle for a few minutes at normal speed. The TPMS light should remain off. If it comes back on within five minutes of driving, return to the tire pressure gauge and check all four tires again — at least one is still not at the correct pressure, or a sensor may be damaged.
Why the TPMS light comes back on after you reset it
The most common reason the light returns is that one or more tires are still not at the correct pressure. Tire pressure changes with temperature — cold weather can lower pressure by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the temperature drops. If you reset the system on a cold morning and the temperature rises during the day, the pressure may climb above the target range and trigger the light again. Check pressure when the tires are cold (before driving or at least three hours after driving) for the most accurate reading.
A faulty tire pressure sensor is the second most common cause. Each wheel has a small sensor that transmits pressure data to the vehicle's computer. If a sensor is damaged, corroded, or has a dead battery, it will send incorrect readings or no signal at all, and the light will stay on or return quickly. Sensors typically last five to ten years before the battery inside them dies. If you have checked all four tires multiple times and the light still returns, one sensor likely needs replacement.
A third possibility is a slow leak in one tire. A tire can lose pressure gradually over days or weeks without being obviously flat. If the pressure drops below the threshold set in your vehicle's computer, the light will turn on again. Inspect each tire for punctures, cracks, or damage to the sidewall. If you find a puncture in the tread, a tire shop can often repair it; if the damage is in the sidewall or the tire is too worn, replacement is necessary.
Tire pressure specifications for different CR-V model years
Honda CR-V tire pressure has remained fairly consistent across recent model years, but it is always best to check the sticker on your specific vehicle rather than rely on a general number. The sticker is located on the inside of the driver's door jamb and shows the recommended cold tire pressure for your exact model, year, and trim level.
| Model Year Range | Typical Recommended Pressure | Where to Find Your Vehicle's Spec |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2024 | 32–36 PSI (varies by trim) | Driver's door jamb sticker |
| 2012–2016 | 32–36 PSI (varies by trim) | Driver's door jamb sticker |
| 2007–2011 | 32–36 PSI (varies by trim) | Driver's door jamb sticker |
Do not use the pressure printed on the tire sidewall — that number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the pressure your vehicle needs. Using the sidewall pressure will overinflate your tires, reduce fuel economy, and cause uneven wear.
When to replace a tire pressure sensor instead of just resetting
If the TPMS light returns within a few minutes of driving even after you have confirmed that all four tires are at the correct pressure, a sensor is likely faulty. You can have a tire shop test each sensor to determine which one is not working. Testing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs between $50 and $100, though some shops do it for free if you purchase a replacement sensor from them.
A replacement TPMS sensor for a Honda CR-V typically costs between $150 and $250 per sensor, including installation. Some sensors are part of the valve stem assembly and require the tire to be dismounted; others are separate and can be replaced without removing the tire. A tire shop can tell you which type your vehicle uses and what the total cost will be before you authorize the work.
If your vehicle is still under warranty, Honda may cover sensor replacement at no cost. Check your warranty documentation or contact a Honda dealer to confirm coverage.
How to check tire pressure correctly before resetting
Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold — meaning the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or has been driven less than a mile at low speed. Driving heats the tires and increases pressure, giving you a false high reading. The best time to check is in the morning before you drive, or in the evening after the vehicle has been parked all day.
Use a reliable tire pressure gauge — either a digital gauge (usually $10 to $30) or a dial gauge (usually $8 to $20). Pen-style gauges are inexpensive but less accurate. Remove the valve cap from the first tire, press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem until you hear a slight hiss, and read the pressure. Write down the number. Repeat for all four tires, including the spare if your CR-V has a TPMS sensor in the spare wheel.
Compare each reading to the pressure listed on your door jamb sticker. If any tire is more than 2 PSI below the target, inflate it. If any tire is more than 2 PSI above the target, release air. Small variations of 1 to 2 PSI are normal and do not require adjustment. Once all four tires are within range, proceed to the reset button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn the engine on to reset the TPMS light?
No. You can reset the TPMS light with the engine off. Some Honda models allow you to reset it with the engine running and the vehicle in Park, but the most reliable method is to turn the engine off, locate the reset button below the steering wheel, and press it for three seconds until the light blinks twice.
What if I cannot find the reset button on my dashboard?
The button location varies slightly by model year. On most CR-Vs from 2007 onward, it is below the steering wheel on the left side of the dashboard. If you cannot locate it visually, consult your owner's manual — search for "TPMS reset" in the index. Some older CR-V models may require a different reset procedure, such as using the steering wheel controls or the infotainment system menu.
Can I reset the TPMS light if one tire is flat?
You should not reset the system if a tire is flat or severely underinflated. First, inflate the flat tire to the correct pressure or have it repaired or replaced. Then reset the light. If you reset the light while a tire is flat, the system will when ready detect the low pressure again and the light will return.
How often should I check my tire pressure?
Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Pressure changes with temperature, so check more frequently during winter or if you live in a climate with large temperature swings. Many tire shops and gas stations offer free pressure checks if you do not have a gauge at home.
Will the TPMS light turn off on its own if I just drive the vehicle?
No. The light will not turn off without pressing the reset button, even if you correct the tire pressure. The system needs the reset signal to clear the warning. However, if the light is on because a tire is actually low, driving will not make it go away — you must inflate the tire and then reset the button.