TPMS relearn: how to "teach" new tire-pressure sensors after seasonal swap — 10 brands

You swapped to winter tires with a different set — different TPMS sensors. Light is on. What to do? Method differs per brand. Below: 10 popular makes and how to relearn without a dedicated tool.

3 relearn types

1. Auto-learn (drive-based) — just drive 10-20 min, ECU sees new sensors itself.
2. Kombi-button (manual) — button combo / car menu → enter learn mode → walk wheels with a magnet or air-drop each.
3. OBD relearn — scanner writes sensor IDs to ECU directly.

By make

Toyota / Lexus

• Auto-learn: NO (except Prius since 2016 and Camry since 2018)
• Kombi-button: TPMS button (near wheel or in glovebox) — hold 3 sec until 3 blinks → drive 20 min
• OBD relearn: via Techstream (Toyota-specific)

Honda / Acura

• Auto-learn: YES (most models since 2015) — drive 30-40 min above 25 mph
• Kombi-button: TPMS reset in MID menu
• OBD: HDS ($200+)

Ford

• Auto-learn: YES (most models 2010+)
• Kombi-button: Ignition ON (no crank) → hold hazard button until TPMS blinks → walk wheels with magnet-relearn tool ($20) starting from LF
• OBD: Ford IDS

GM (Chevy, Cadillac, GMC)

• Auto-learn: NO
• Kombi-button: key ON+OFF+ON+OFF+ON, then hold lock+unlock 5 sec → walk wheels, deflate / inflate each by 3+ psi (10-15 sec each) → ECU beeps
• OBD: TIS2000

VW / Audi / Skoda / Seat

• Auto-learn: YES for “indirect TPMS” (uses ABS sensors). Just reset in MMI: Settings → Tires → SET
• On “direct TPMS” (dedicated sensors, most VAG 2018+): auto-learn after 30-40 min drive
• OBD: VCDS Module 65 (Tire Pressure Monitor)

BMW

• Auto-learn: YES — iDrive → Vehicle info → Tire pressure → Reset
• After Reset — drive 15 min above 20 mph
• OBD: ISTA for diagnose (not for relearn, it’s auto)

Mercedes-Benz

• Auto-learn: YES — Menu → Settings → Vehicle → Tire pressure → Restart
• After Restart — drive 30 min above 15 mph
• OBD: Xentry

Hyundai / Kia

• Auto-learn: YES on models since 2018 — drive 20 min
• OBD: KDS ($150-300)

Nissan / Infiniti

• Auto-learn: NO on any Nissan pre-2020
• Kombi-button: Ignition ON, hazard button 3 sec → LF → Nissan Consult III relearn tool ($100)
• OBD: Nissan Consult III

Mazda

• Auto-learn: YES since 2015 — Info → Settings → TPMS → Reset
• After Reset — drive 15 min
• OBD: Mazda IDS

What a magnet relearn tool does

• Cheap tool ($20-50, Amazon): just a magnet on a stick
• Hold near valve stem (10 sec) — TPMS sensor “wakes up” and sends ID to ECU
• ECU registers: “this is LF sensor”, next: “RF”, “RR”, “LR”

Don’t

• Don’t change pressure randomly — TPMS may not “see” the new ID
• Don’t buy new sensors without relearn — they won’t be authorized, light won’t clear

What Car Diagnostics does

We:

• Read sensor ID per wheel via Mode 22 UDS (see TPMS post)
• Show the correct relearn method for your make via Chat Agent
• Don’t do active relearn — needs TPMS tool (not via ELM327)

Try on free tier — pair an ELM327 adapter. C075X codes on every car. Live pressure per wheel via Mode 22 — on paid tier.