Back to the Basics: TPMS Relearn Procedure Fundamentals

Although most shops handle TPMS daily, consider this as a refresher for your team and a resource for new hires—or even as information to share with customers interested in understanding the complexity of the relearn process.

Partnering with an OE sensor manufacturer is one of the most crucial decisions for your TPMS program. OE manufacturers have a deeper understanding of the technology compared to non-OE manufacturers, and working directly with OEMs gives OE TPMS suppliers an advantage in bringing new OE technology to the aftermarket. An OE TPMS supplier can provide you with the latest technology sooner and with higher quality than reverse-engineered aftermarket parts.

Every vehicle make and model has its own service requirements, including those for the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). When TPMS sensors are replaced or wheels are rotated, a relearn procedure is necessary. These relearns can be complex, and if not properly understood, they can cost your shop valuable time and money. Each vehicle manufacturer has specific requirements for TPMS relearn procedures, making them a critical step in turning off the TPMS warning light on the dashboard.

The purpose of the relearn process is to communicate the new TPMS sensor IDs to the vehicle, enabling the sensors to "talk" to the vehicle and alert the driver if any tires have low air pressure or if there's a malfunction with the TPMS system.

If you're using a universal TPMS sensor solution, remember that before performing the vehicle relearn, you should have already programmed the sensor to match the vehicle's make, model, and year (MMY). It's common for service professionals to confuse "programming the sensor" with "relearning the vehicle," but these are distinct actions. Even after the sensors are programmed, the vehicle still needs to undergo the relearn procedure.

The first crucial step in performing a relearn is determining which type of relearn procedure is required for the specific vehicle: stationary, OBD, or automatic.

A stationary relearn involves following a specific sequence designated by the vehicle manufacturer. This may include actions like turning the key multiple times, pressing or holding the brake, or other combinations. Once the sequence is correctly completed, the horn may chirp or the lights might blink, indicating that the new sensor IDs have been successfully relearned.

An OBD relearn involves connecting to the vehicle's computer using an OBD cord attached to a compatible TPMS scan tool. Once connected, you can place the vehicle in relearn mode to complete the procedure.

Despite its name, an automatic relearn still requires some action from the service professional. The vehicle must be driven for a specific amount of uninterrupted time at a minimum speed. Once these conditions are met, the sensors are "automatically" relearned to the vehicle.

Keep in mind that some special cases may require a combination of relearn methods. For instance, after completing a stationary or OBD relearn, you might still need to drive the vehicle for a specified amount of time to fully complete the relearn process.

Some vehicles may require additional steps or tools to complete the TPMS relearn procedure. For example, Nissan vehicles often need a reset tool to properly finish the relearn. Certain Lexus models have a main and secondary switch that must be included in the step-by-step process. Specifically, the Honda Civic requires a “pressure drop” for relearning, where you must lower the pressure in each tire below 8 psi for at least one minute before re-inflating. Given these unique vehicle relearn procedures, it's crucial to always reference a reliable source for accurate TPMS service.

There are several ways to determine the type of relearn required for a specific vehicle. You can consult resources such as the Tire Industry Association flip chart, the vehicle's manual, or the manufacturers' websites. Additionally, some TPMS scan tools have relearn instructions built directly into the tool.

The most important aspect of performing a relearn is to follow every step in the correct sequence without cutting corners. Even seemingly minor steps are crucial; skipping any can lead to having to start over, resulting in wasted time and money.