You might be driving your Chevy and suddenly a light pops up on your dashboard showing low tire pressure. You fill the tires, but the light won’t go away. Frustrating, right? I’ve been there too! But don’t worry, there is a very simple way to fix it. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) just needs a reset. In this article, you will learn exactly how to reset tire pressure monitoring system Chevy in a very easy and clear way. No tools, no stress, just clear steps that really work.
Check All Tires and Fill to Correct Pressure
Before you even try to reset the TPMS on your Chevy, you need to make sure all tires have the right air pressure. If the air pressure is too low or too high, the system will not reset properly.
So, the first thing you should do is check the tire pressure using a tire gauge. You can buy one from any auto shop or even from big stores. Some gas stations also have one near the air pump.
Now, open the driver’s side door and look for a sticker inside the door frame. That sticker shows the correct PSI (pounds per square inch) for your front and rear tires. It usually says something like 32 PSI or 35 PSI. This is the air pressure your Chevy needs to work correctly.
Go to each tire, remove the cap from the valve stem, and press the gauge onto the valve. The gauge will tell you how much pressure is inside. If the pressure is low, add more air. If it’s too high, press the valve to let some air out. Make sure you do this for all four tires, including the spare tire if your Chevy uses it for the TPMS.
Also, make sure there are no leaks in the tires. Sometimes small nails or cracks can cause slow leaks, which will bring the light back again later. If everything looks good and the pressure is correct, now you’re ready to reset the system.
- Make sure tires are cold before checking pressure
- Use a reliable tire pressure gauge
- Match pressure with the number shown inside door frame
- Don’t forget to check the spare if it’s included in the system
- Make sure no tire has a slow leak
Turn the Key to the On Position
After filling your tires with the correct pressure, now it’s time to reset the system through your car’s key position. This may sound a bit technical, but it’s really not. All you need to do is sit inside your Chevy and put the key in the ignition. If your car has a push button instead, just press it without starting the engine. The idea is to turn on the car’s power but not the engine itself.
You will notice lights coming on the dashboard. That’s what you want. The TPMS light might still be showing at this point, but don’t worry, you’re about to fix that.
The reason we turn the key to the ‘on’ position instead of starting the engine is to help the TPMS system get ready for reset. This step tells your car to start checking all systems, including the TPMS. If you skip this part, the reset may not work correctly.
Also, some Chevy models may require you to press a button or go into the car’s menu to find the TPMS reset option. This depends on the year and model. Usually, you can use the menu button on your dashboard and scroll using the arrow keys or a dial. Look for something that says ‘Tire Pressure’ or ‘TPMS Reset.’
In many cases, turning the key to the ‘on’ position is enough for the next step to begin. But take a few seconds and make sure all dashboard lights are on, just like when you normally turn on the car before starting it.
- Do not start the engine yet
- Turn the key to ‘on’ or press start button once
- Wait until all dash lights come on
- Make sure TPMS light is still showing
- Get ready to move to the reset action
Press and Hold the TPMS Reset Button
Now that your car is in the ‘on’ position, you’ll need to press and hold the TPMS reset button. This button is usually found under the dashboard, near the steering wheel. Sometimes it can be hidden or small, so take a moment to find it. If you’re not sure where it is, check your owner’s manual. Most Chevy cars and trucks have this button.
Once you find the button, press and hold it down. Keep holding it for about 5 to 10 seconds. You’ll know it’s working when the TPMS light on your dashboard starts to blink. This blinking light means the system is getting ready to reset. When the light stops blinking and turns off, that means the system has been reset successfully.
If the light doesn’t blink or turn off, you may need to try again. Release the button, wait a few seconds, and then hold it down again. Sometimes the system needs a moment to respond. If you still don’t see anything, make sure your car is still in the ‘on’ position and you’re pressing the right button.
Also, make sure your battery is not low. A weak battery can sometimes stop the TPMS from resetting. If your battery is fine and the light still won’t go off, try checking the tire pressure one more time to be sure.
This reset button is like a magic switch. When used right, it solves everything in just a few seconds.
- Find TPMS reset button near steering wheel
- Hold the button for 5-10 seconds
- Wait for the TPMS light to blink
- Light should turn off after blinking
- If it doesn’t work, try pressing again
Drive Your Chevy at a Steady Speed
After resetting the TPMS with the button, it’s now time to drive your Chevy. This part is important because the system sometimes needs motion to re-learn tire positions and confirm that the pressure is correct in all tires. Think of it like your car double-checking itself while driving.
Take your car to a quiet road or highway and try to drive at a steady speed between 15 and 30 miles per hour. Drive for about 10 to 20 minutes without stopping too much. Don’t worry if the TPMS light is still on at first. In many Chevys, the light will turn off while you’re driving or shortly after.
Your car’s system uses sensors in each tire, and these sensors talk to the computer inside the car while you drive. If everything is okay, the computer will turn the light off automatically. If the light stays on after a good drive, you may need to reset again or check tire pressure once more.
Also, be careful while driving. Don’t speed or make sudden stops. The goal is to give the car time to process everything. If the roads are not safe, try to drive around a large parking lot instead.
Some newer Chevy models have a screen that shows individual tire pressure. Watch the numbers as you drive. If one tire looks low, it may still have a leak or low pressure.
- Drive at 15-30 mph for 10 to 20 minutes
- Use flat roads or safe parking lots
- Watch for TPMS light to turn off
- Don’t drive too fast or stop too much
- Check tire readings on the screen if available
Relearn the Tire Sensors (If Needed)
Sometimes the TPMS light will not go off even after resetting and driving. That’s when you need to relearn the tire sensors. This means teaching the car which sensor belongs to which tire. Your Chevy has a sensor inside each tire that sends pressure info to the car’s system. If these sensors get confused or changed, you must retrain them.
To start this, you will need a TPMS scan tool or a relearn tool. Some auto shops or tire centers will do this for free or for a small cost. But you can also buy a tool online for personal use. It looks like a small box with buttons.
Turn your car to the ‘on’ position again (do not start the engine). Then use the buttons or dashboard controls to start the TPMS relearn mode. In many Chevys, this is done by pressing the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob at the same time until the horn beeps twice.
Once you hear the horn, start at the front left tire. Hold the TPMS tool near the valve stem and press the button. You will hear a beep. That means the sensor is registered. Then move to the front right tire, back right, and back left. Do all four tires in order.
After the last beep, the horn should honk again. That tells you the relearn process is finished. Start the engine and drive a little. The TPMS light should now be off.
- Use a TPMS relearn tool or scan tool
- Turn key to ‘on’ and enter relearn mode
- Use key fob or dashboard buttons to start
- Register each tire sensor one by one
- Listen for horn beeps to confirm success
Check Battery and Sensor Health
If you’ve tried everything and the TPMS light still stays on, it might be a deeper issue. It’s time to check the battery and the health of the sensors. Each tire sensor has a small battery inside it. These batteries usually last 5 to 10 years. If one dies, the sensor will stop working, and the TPMS light will stay on no matter what you do.
You can take your car to an auto shop where they can scan your TPMS system. They will tell you if a sensor is dead or not sending a signal. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace that sensor. It’s not too expensive, and many tire shops will do it for you quickly.
Also, a weak car battery can cause the TPMS system to act strange. If your car has trouble starting, dim lights, or other electrical issues, the TPMS might also have problems. Make sure your car battery is strong and fully charged.
Sometimes, rust or dirt on the sensor or valve stem can block signals. Cleaning around the valve stem and checking for damage can help. If you had new tires installed recently, check that the shop didn’t damage the sensors.
Always use trusted places for tire changes or repairs. Cheap shops may break sensors and not tell you.
- Sensor batteries may be dead after 5-10 years
- A scan tool at an auto shop can confirm this
- Car battery problems can affect TPMS
- Check for rust, dirt, or damage on valve stems
- Replace bad sensors to clear the warning light
Final Thoughts
Resetting the tire pressure monitoring system in your Chevy is not as hard as it seems. Most of the time, checking tire pressure and pressing the reset button is all you need. But if the light stays on, a drive or sensor relearn can help. Even if the problem is deeper, like a dead sensor, the fix is still simple. Always take a little time to care for your tires and sensors. It keeps you safe on the road and saves money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to drive if the TPMS light is on?
It depends. If the TPMS light is on because one or more tires are under-inflated, it can be dangerous. Low tire pressure makes your tires wear out faster and makes your car harder to control, especially when braking or turning. If the light comes on, stop when it’s safe and check your tires. If they are just slightly low, adding air may fix the problem. If a tire is flat or losing air quickly, you should not drive far. Always fix the tire problem first before driving more.
Can I reset the TPMS without tools?
Yes, in many Chevy models, you can reset the TPMS without any special tools. First, make sure all tires are filled to the correct pressure. Then, turn the key to the ‘on’ position and press the TPMS reset button for several seconds until the light blinks. Then, drive your car at a steady speed for a short time. This often clears the light. However, if your car needs a sensor relearn or a sensor is broken, you may need a TPMS scan tool or visit a shop.
Do I need to relearn sensors after tire rotation?
Yes, you should relearn the sensors after rotating your tires. This is because the sensors are linked to certain positions like front left or back right. If you move the tires and don’t relearn the sensor positions, the TPMS system might show the wrong tire if one goes low. Most Chevy cars let you start the relearn mode using the key fob or menu system, and then use a relearn tool to confirm each tire’s location. It’s quick, easy, and helps the system stay correct.
Is it okay to ignore the TPMS warning light?
No, you should not ignore the TPMS warning light. That light is trying to warn you about your tire pressure. Driving with low tire pressure can lead to poor fuel mileage, unsafe driving, or even a tire blowout. Even if your car feels fine, your tires could be dangerously low. Always check all four tires as soon as the light comes on. If you fix the issue but the light stays on, you may need to reset the system.
Can low temperature cause the TPMS light to turn on?
Yes, cold weather can cause your tire pressure to drop and turn on the TPMS light. When the temperature goes down, the air inside your tires shrinks. This can lower the pressure by a few PSI, enough to trigger the TPMS warning. If this happens, you just need to add some air to bring the pressure back up. After that, the TPMS light will usually turn off on its own or after driving a bit.
Do I need to replace the TPMS sensors often?
Not often. TPMS sensors usually last 5 to 10 years. They use small batteries that work for a long time. But once the battery inside the sensor dies, the sensor must be replaced because the battery can’t be changed alone. You’ll know a sensor is bad when the TPMS light stays on even after resetting. A scan tool at a shop can tell you which sensor is bad. It’s a good idea to replace all sensors when you get new tires if they are old.
Is it hard to find the TPMS reset button?
It can be a little tricky sometimes. The reset button is usually under the dashboard near the steering wheel, but not always in the same spot for every Chevy model. It may be hidden behind plastic panels or close to other buttons. If you can’t find it easily, check your car manual or search for your specific Chevy model online. Once you know where it is, resetting is very easy. Just press and hold the button while the car is in the ‘on’ position.
Can TPMS light come on even if tires are full?
Yes, the TPMS light can still come on even if your tires are full. This might happen if one of the tire sensors is not sending the signal or has a weak battery. Also, if your tires were filled while warm and then it got colder, the pressure may drop slightly. Dirt or damage on the sensor or valve stem can also stop the signal. In this case, you may need to reset the system, drive for a while, or do a sensor relearn.
