“Check TPMS System” in Honda Civic: Why Do I See This Error?

Attention all Honda Civic drivers! Have you been seeing the dreaded "Check TPMS System" warning on your dashboard lately? Don't worry, you're not alone. This warning is trying to tell you that there's an issue with your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) - a critical safety feature in your vehicle.

Check TPMS system message highlights

  • Common reasons:bad TPMS sensor, glitch in TPMS module, low tire pressure
  • How to fix:check tire pressure, get it to a professional mechanic
  • Possible consequences:tire monitoring won't be working
  • Priority level:Low
  • Can you drive?Yes
  • DIY repair:Impossible
  • Repair price range:$150-$300

 

check tpms system error honda civic

Here are the six common reasons

  • Low tire pressure: If one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated, the TPMS system will alert you with the warning.
  • Faulty TPMS sensors: If a TPMS sensor is malfunctioning or not working properly, it can trigger the warning.
  • Dead TPMS battery: The TPMS sensor requires a battery to function and if it is dead, the system will not be able to properly monitor tire pressure, which will trigger the warning.
  • Sensor misalignment: If the TPMS sensor is not properly aligned with the tire valve stem, it may not be able to properly detect tire pressure, which will trigger the warning.
  • Damaged TPMS system components: If any component of the TPMS system is damaged, it may cause the system to malfunction and trigger the warning.
  • Incorrect tire size: If you have recently changed the tire size on your vehicle and the TPMS system was not properly recalibrated, the warning may appear.

1) Low tire pressure

The first reason for the "Check TPMS System" warning in a Honda Civic is low tire pressure. The TPMS system is designed to monitor the air pressure in your tires and alert you if any tire is significantly underinflated.

If one or more of your tires are not properly inflated, it can affect the handling and stability of your vehicle, as well as increase the risk of a tire failure. The warning will appear if the air pressure in one or more of your tires is below the recommended level, which is usually indicated on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb or in the owner's manual.

It's important to check the tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle.

To fix the "Check TPMS System" warning caused by low tire pressure, you can follow these steps:

  • Locate the recommended tire pressure: The recommended tire pressure is usually indicated on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb or in the owner's manual.
  • Check the tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each tire, including the spare.
  • Inflate the tires: If one or more of the tires are underinflated, use an air pump to bring the pressure to the recommended level.
  • Verify the tire pressure: After inflating the tires, use the tire pressure gauge to verify that the pressure is correct.
  • Reset the TPMS system: After the tire pressure is corrected, you'll need to reset the TPMS system. You can do this by starting the engine, then press and hold the TPMS reset button (usually located near the steering wheel) until the "TPMS" light turns off.

It's important to check the tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle. If you are unable to correct the problem or if the warning continues to appear, have your vehicle inspected by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

2) Faulty TPMS sensors

The second reason for the "Check TPMS System" warning in a Honda Civic could be due to a faulty TPMS sensor.

These sensors are essential for monitoring tire pressure and keeping you safe on the road. If one of your sensors isn't working correctly, the TPMS system won't be able to provide accurate tire pressure readings. That's why the warning light appears.

If you're experiencing the warning light appearing even though your tire pressure is just fine, or if it's flashing on and off, it's a sure sign of a faulty TPMS sensor. To fix the issue, the faulty sensor needs to be replaced.

Leave it to the experts at a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic to diagnose and resolve the problem. They have the tools and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

To fix the "Check TPMS System" warning caused by a faulty TPMS sensor, you will need to have the sensor replaced. Here are the steps involved:

  • Diagnosis: A Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic will diagnose the problem and confirm that the TPMS sensor is indeed faulty.
  • Replacement: The faulty TPMS sensor will be removed and replaced with a new one.
  • Re-calibration: After the new sensor is installed, the TPMS system will need to be re-calibrated to ensure that it is properly communicating with the new sensor.
  • Testing: The mechanic will test the TPMS system to ensure that it is functioning properly and that the warning light has been turned off.

It's important to have the faulty TPMS sensor replaced promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the TPMS system and the safety of your vehicle. If you are unsure about the problem or need help fixing it, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

3) Dead TPMS battery

The third reason for the "Check TPMS System" warning in a Honda Civic could be due to a dead battery in one of your TPMS sensors.

These sensors play a crucial role in keeping your tires properly inflated and safe on the road. If the battery is dead, the signals it sends to the TPMS system indicating tire pressure won't make it, which is why the warning light pops up.

If you notice the warning light appearing even when your tire pressure is just fine, or if it's flashing on and off, it's time to have your TPMS sensor battery replaced. This is a task best left to the experts at a Honda dealership or trusted mechanic, who will diagnose and fix the problem with ease.

Don't ignore the warning light, folks! Keeping the TPMS system in tip-top shape is crucial for the safety and performance of your Civic. Get it checked out as soon as possible.

To fix the "Check TPMS System" warning caused by a dead TPMS sensor battery, you will need to have the battery replaced. Here are the steps involved:

  • Diagnosis: A Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic will diagnose the problem and confirm that the TPMS sensor battery is dead.
  • Replacement: The dead TPMS sensor battery will be removed and replaced with a new one.
  • Re-calibration: After the new battery is installed, the TPMS system may need to be re-calibrated to ensure that it is properly communicating with the sensor.
  • Testing: The mechanic will test the TPMS system to ensure that it is functioning properly and that the warning light has been turned off.

It's important to have the dead TPMS sensor battery replaced promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the TPMS system and the safety of your vehicle. If you are unsure about the problem or need help fixing it, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

4) Sensor misalignment

The fourth reason for the "Check TPMS System" warning in a Honda Civic could be incorrect tire pressure. The TPMS system is designed to monitor the tire pressure and alert the driver if the pressure falls outside a predetermined range. If the tire pressure is too low or too high, it can trigger the warning.

The symptoms of incorrect tire pressure include the "Check TPMS System" warning light appearing on the dashboard. To resolve the issue, the tire pressure will need to be checked and adjusted as necessary. This can be done using a tire pressure gauge.

Here are the steps to verify the tire pressure and adjust it if necessary:

  • Locate the recommended tire pressure: You can find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner's manual or on a sticker located in the driver's doorjamb.
  • Check the tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in each tire. If the pressure is too low, add air to the tire until it reaches the recommended pressure. If the pressure is too high, release air from the tire until it reaches the recommended pressure.
  • Repeat for all tires: Repeat the process for all four tires.
  • Test the TPMS system: After adjusting the tire pressure, drive the vehicle for a few miles and then check the warning light. If the light is still on, have the TPMS system checked by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

It's important to regularly check the tire pressure and keep it at the recommended level to ensure the proper functioning of the TPMS system and the safety of your vehicle.

5) Damaged TPMS system components

The fifth reason for the "Check TPMS System" warning in a Honda Civic could be that the TPMS system needs to be reset. After the tire pressure is corrected, the TPMS system will need to be told that the tire pressure is now correct. This is done by resetting the TPMS system.

Here are the steps to reset the TPMS system:

  • Start the engine: Turn the key to the "ON" position, but do not start the engine.
  • Locate the reset button: The TPMS reset button is usually located near the steering wheel. Consult the owner's manual if you are unsure where the reset button is located.
  • Press and hold the reset button: Press and hold the reset button until the "TPMS" light turns off. This may take several seconds.
  • Test the TPMS system: After resetting the TPMS system, drive the vehicle for a few miles and then check the warning light. If the light is still on, have the TPMS system checked by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

It's important to reset the TPMS system after correcting the tire pressure to ensure that the system is functioning properly and that the warning light is turned off. If you are unsure about the process or need help resetting the TPMS system, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

6) Incorrect tire size

The sixth reason for the "Check TPMS System" warning in a Honda Civic could be incorrect tire size. If you have recently changed the tire size on your vehicle, the TPMS system will need to be recalibrated to match the new tire size. If the TPMS system is not properly recalibrated, it may not be able to accurately monitor the tire pressure, which will trigger the warning.

Here are the steps to recalibrate the TPMS system after changing tire size:

  • Get the correct tire size information: You'll need to know the new tire size, including the width, aspect ratio, and wheel size, to recalibrate the TPMS system. This information can be found on the sidewall of the tire.
  • Have the TPMS system recalibrated: The TPMS system can be recalibrated at a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic. They will use a TPMS tool to reset the system and match it to the new tire size.
  • Test the TPMS system: After recalibrating the TPMS system, drive the vehicle for a few miles and then check the warning light. If the light is still on, have the TPMS system checked by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

It's important to recalibrate the TPMS system after changing the tire size to ensure that the system is functioning properly and that the warning light is turned off. If you are unsure about the process or need help recalibrating the TPMS system, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic.

Final words

In conclusion, it's crucial to take the "Check TPMS System" warning seriously and address the issue promptly. By understanding the six common reasons for the warning, you'll be able to diagnose the problem and get back on the road safely.

Whether it's a dead TPMS battery, faulty TPMS sensor, incorrect tire pressure, incorrect tire size, or any other issue, taking action early on can prevent bigger problems from occurring down the road. So, if you see the "Check TPMS System" warning, don't ignore it. Take your Honda Civic to a trusted mechanic or Honda dealership, and get your tire pressure monitoring system back to its optimal performance. Stay safe on the road, Civic owners!

C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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