Have you ever found yourself pondering, “What does TPMS mean on a Honda?” If so, you’re not alone! This system is a safety feature included in most contemporary vehicles, Honda models included. To help you gain a thorough understanding of this, in this article, we will delve into detailed explanations of what it signifies, how it operates, common causes of issues, and how to resolve them.
What is TPMS, and How it works
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a crucial safety feature present in modern vehicles, including Hondas. It’s designed to alert the driver when the tire pressure of the vehicle drops significantly below the recommended level.
Normally, Honda’s TPMS operates using a sensor inside each tire that constantly monitors the air pressure. When the tire pressure falls below a set limit, the TPMS light illuminates the dashboard to notify the driver.
Additionally, the TPMS in a Honda has a couple of distinctive features. There’s an indirect TPMS that uses wheel speed sensors to detect low tire pressure and a direct TPMS that provides real-time tire pressure information.

Why Honda’s TPMS Light Turns On
There are numerous causes that could lead to the TPMS light turning on in your Honda vehicle. Here, we provide you some common causes to help you know to fix it quickly and damage:
Common Reasons
While the most common reason for the TPM system light to come on is low tire pressure, other factors can trigger it too. So we provide you with another cause:
- Underinflated tires: This is the most common reason why the TPM system light comes on. Tires naturally lose air over time and become underinflated. Also, a sudden drop in temperature can cause the tire pressure to decrease, triggering your TPM light.
- Overinflated tires: Conversely, overinflating your tires can also trigger the TPMS light. Overinflation can result from pumping too much air into the tires or a significant rise in temperature.
- Faulty sensor: Like any other electronic component, TPM system sensors can fail or malfunction, causing the light to come on.
How to Respond
When your TPM system light comes on, you need to check your tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge and inflate or deflate as necessary. If the light stays on even after adjusting the pressure, it may indicate a faulty sensor. In such cases, you should take your car to consult with a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

The TPMS light comes on while driving
If your TPMS light illuminates while driving, it is a clear indication of a significant pressure change in one or more of your tires. As soon as it’s safe, pull over and manually check the pressure in each tire.
TPMS light flashes back and forth
If your TPMS light is intermittently turning on and off, it could be a sign of a slow leak in one of your tires or fluctuating outside temperatures. So, you should monitor your tire pressure closely and consider seeking professional advice if the problem persists.
TPMS light flashes before remaining illuminated
A flashing TPMS light is usually a sign of a malfunction in the TPM system itself. This could be due to a damaged sensor, a problem with the TPM system control unit, or even a dead tire pressure monitoring system battery. In this situation, you should take your car to the professional.
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How to Reset Honda’s TPMS: Detailed Guide
Should you need to reset your Honda’s TPM system, we have prepared a detailed, step-by-step guide to guide you through this process with ease:
Step 1: Check tire pressure
Before starting, park your car in a safe location and turn off the engine. Next, use your tire pressure gauge, and check the pressure in each tire. Normally, your vehicle’s correct information can be found in the vehicle’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. And compare your current tire pressure with the recommended pressure.
Step 2: Inflate or deflate the tires as necessary
If any of your tires are underinflated or overinflated, adjust the tire pressure accordingly. In detail, underinflated tires should be filled with air until they reach the recommended pressure, and if overinflated tires, you will release some air.

Step 3: Turn the ignition On
Once all tires have been properly inflated, get back inside your car. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position. And you just insert your key and don’t start the engine at this point.
Step 4: Locate the button
Find the TPMS button on your Honda, usually located under the steering wheel. In some models, the button might be located in a different area. If you can’t find the button, check your vehicle’s manual.
Step 5: Press and hold the button
Next, you press and hold the TPMS button until the TPMS indicator light on the dashboard blinks twice. After that, you wait a few minutes to let the system reset mode correctly. Additionally, during this time, the TPM system light may stay solid or blink, so you don’t need to worry.
Step 6: Check the TPMS light
After a few minutes, the TPMS light on your dashboard should turn off. So, now the reset process is complete and the system is now monitoring the tire pressure under the new parameters.
After all the above, if the TPM system light does not turn off after the recalibration, or if it comes back on shortly after. Thus, you need to take your car to consult with a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
Honda’s TPMS is a critical feature that ensures safety and efficient performance. By understanding what TPMS means on a Honda and responding to it promptly, you can ensure a smooth and safe ride. So, the next time your TPM system light comes on, remember, it’s more than just a light – it’s your car telling you it needs care.
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FAQs
- What are the negative effects of not replacing a defective TPMS?
If you choose not to replace a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor, you may face the risk of unknowingly running over a sharp object and getting a flat tire. Since your compromised sensor won't activate the low-pressure warning, you might not immediately realize that your tire is flat, as no alert will be displayed on your dashboard.
- How long is it safe to drive with the TPMS light on?
The TPMS light isn't an immediate cause for alarm, but you should certainly not ignore it. If you're on a busy freeway or amidst heavy traffic when it comes on, it's generally safe to continue driving a short distance – a few miles at the most – until you can safely stop to inspect your tires.
- How can I turn off the TPMS light?
Press and hold the TPMS reset button until you see the tire pressure light flash three times, then let it go. Turn on the engine and allow about 20 minutes for the sensor to update. You'll typically find the TPMS reset button located underneath the steering wheel. If you're having trouble locating it, check your vehicle's owner's manual for guidance.