2008-10 Honda Accord TPMS Reset

SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2008-10 Honda Accord.

SENSOR IN TIRE? No (sensors are installed in wheels).

RESET PROCEDURE? Yes. Directions follow.

SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes (the Honda Diagnostic System or an OBD-II-compatible scan tool, and a TPMS sensor initializer tool).

When vehicle speed in a 2008-10 Honda Accord exceeds 28 mph, the tire pressure sensors begin to transmit. Using a radio frequency signal, the sensors transmit ID and pressure information to the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) control unit once very 60 seconds. If the TPMS control unit detects less than 24 psi in a 16-inch tire, or 25 psi in a 17-inch tire, the driver is alerted by the low pressure indicator and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in the control unit.

To remove an old sensor, follow these steps.

1. Raise the vehicle and support it with safety stands.

2. Remove the wheel with the faulty sensor.

3. Remove the tire valve cap and valve core, and let the tire deflate.

4. Remove any balance weights, and then remove the tire from the wheel. To avoid damaging the tire pressure sensor, follow these steps:

a. Do the outside of the wheel first.

b. Position the wheel so the valve stem is 90 degrees from the bead breaker.

c. Do not position the bead breaker of the tire changer too close to the rim

d. Position the wheel so the tire machine and tire iron are next to the valve stem, and will move away from it when the machine starts. Then remove the tire from the wheel (see Figure 1).

5. Remove the valve stem nut and washer, then remove the tire pressure sensor with the valve stem from the wheel. NOTE: The valve stem grommet might stay in the wheel; make sure to remove it.

6. Remove and discard the valve stem grommet from the tire pressure sensor.

When installing the new sensor, make sure to use a new nut, valve stem and screw. To install the replacement sensor, follow these steps.

1. Clean the mating surfaces on the sensor and the wheel, before installing the sensor.

2. Install the tire pressure sensor and washer to the wheel, and tighten the valve stem nut finger-tight. Make sure the sensor is resting on the wheel. NOTE: Do not use air or electric impact tools to tighten a valve stem nut.

3. Tighten the valve nut to the vehicle’s specifications torque while holding the tire pressure sensor toward the wheel.

4. Lube the tire bead, and position the wheel so the tire machine and tire iron are next to the valve stem, and will move away from it when the machine starts. Then install the tire onto the wheel. NOTE: Make sure the tire bead is seated on both sides of the rim uniformly.

5. Inflate the tire to 44 psi to seat the tire bead to the rim, then adjust the tire pressure to specification as indicated on the tire and loading information placard, and install the valve stem cap.

6. Check and adjust the wheel balance, then install the wheels on the vehicle.

7. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.

A memorable experience

Now you are ready to reset and memorize the sensor(s), as follows. NOTE: To ensure the control unit memorizes the correct ID, the vehicle with the new sensor must be at least 10 feet from any other TPMS sensor not installed on that vehicle.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the “lock” position and wait five minutes for the tire pressure sensor to enter into “sleep mode.”

2. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located under the left side of the dashboard.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and verify that the HDS is communicating with the TPMS control unit.

4. Select “Sensor ID Learning” on the HDS tool. NOTE: If the vehicle’s ignition switch is turned to the “Lock” position before all pressure sensors are memorized, the memorizing ID is canceled.

5. After turning it on, hold the TPMS sensor initializer tool near one wheel, and memorize the pressure sensor ID by following the screen prompts on the HDS. If the TPMS control unit is still having trouble learning ID(s), refer to the appropriate service information.

6. Repeat step 5 for each wheel until all four sensor ID(s) are memorized. When all are memorized, the low tire pressure indicator will blink.

7. Turn the ignition switch to the “Lock” position and disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

8. Test drive the vehicle at 28 mph or more for at least one minute. Monitor the low pressure indicator to be certain it does not blink.

9. Turn the ignition switch to the “Lock” position; reduce the pressure in one tire until it is below 24-25 psi, then turn the ignition switch on.

10. Test-drive the vehicle at 28 mph or more for at least one minute. Verify that the low pressure indicator turns on, then reinflate the tire.

11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for all other tires.