Tech Tip: Three difficult TPMS relearn procedures

When a service has been performed to the direct TPMS system, such as air pressure adjustment, tire rotation or replacement of sensors, most vehicles will require a TPMS system relearn to be performed. Relearn procedures vary by manufacturer, so a technician must know if a relearn procedure is necessary to put the vehicle in “learn” mode. The three types of relearn procedures are auto relearn, stationary (manual) and OBD. Some vehicles may use a combination of two or more relearn types. Indirect TPMS systems use an initialization procedure which may require a TPMS tool to figure out the steps involved to reset the system.

The TPMS relearn process is created by the vehicle manufacturer, which follow a series of steps. By using the correct relearn procedure steps, the entire TPMS system will be in working order again. However, failing to perform a complete TPMS relearn procedure can result in failure of tire pressure readings and TPM system failure.

With the right TPMS tools and knowledge, TPMS relearn procedures can be easy to service. The list below describes some of the most difficult vehicles to date to perform relearns and tips on how to resolve the issues based on customer phone calls and emails, provided by the ATEQ TPMS Tools technical support team.

Toyota/Lexus

Toyota and Lexus require an OBD relearn procedure. An advanced TPMS diagnostic scan tool is required to perform an OBD relearn.

OBD relearn procedure for 2009 Toyota Corolla:

Inflate all tires
Read all sensor IDs using tool
Connect tool to OBDII port
Reset ECU with tool
Ignition OFF then ON
Drive at 12 MPH for up to 5 mins

Sometimes, the relearn procedure fails even after the steps are properly performed because of the “SET” button, which is located below the steering wheel or in the glove box in some Toyota models. When the button is pressed, the system tries to locate the sensor ID’s that are already stored. The “SET button” can be used when performing a tire rotation that have different tire pressures in the front and rear, changing or adjusting the tire pressure, or changing tire size, or when tires are replaced. However, when replacing a sensor or installing a second set of wheels, an OBD relearn must be performed. The OBDII module connection will program the new sensor ID numbers into the vehicle’s ECU. Then, the relearn procedure can be performed.

If the “SET” button is pushed, and a relearn must be performed, the ECU must be unlocked in order for the relearn procedure to work correctly. An advanced TPMS scan tool, such as the VT56 has an “UNLOCK ECU” button under the service TPMS menu that can help turn the button “OFF”. After using the “UNLOCK ECU” option within the tool, the relearn procedure can be properly performed using the relearn procedure steps that are explained within the tool.

Ford vehicles with push button start

Ford vehicles require a stationary (manual) or auto relearn procedure.

Manual relearn procedure for 2010 Ford F-Series with push button start:

Engage parking brake and inflate all tires
With the vehicle turned OFF, push and release the brake pedal
Push START button 5 times
Press and release the brake pedal
Push START button 6 times
A single horn chirp will indicate the relearn mode is active
Use tool to activate LF sensor
Single horn sounds to indicate sensor learning successful
Repeat for RF/RR/LR tires
TRAINING MODE COMPLETE will display on message center when relearn is finished

If the TPMS system does not reset after correctly performing all steps, there could be an interference issue with the sensor and vehicle’s ECU, especially for the larger trucks such as F-Series. If the sound doesn’t chirp during step 6 or 8, that means the relearn procedure did not work. Try the following tips from ATEQ’s TPMS technical support have helped technicians in the shop:

Lower all windows, turn off the radio and open the doors. Try the relearn procedure again.
Back up vehicle 6-8 inches, then try the relearn procedure again.
Some Ford models require the start button to be pressed 2x (without pressing the brake) to enter RUN mode (Ignition ON/Engine OFF). If that is the case, modify the relearn procedure as follows:

Step 3: Push start button 8 times
Step 5: Push start button 9 times

Buick, manual relearn procedures

The Buick vehicle requires a manual or OBD relearn. Only a few advanced TPMS diagnostic scan tool have the correct protocols required to perform an OBD relearn. The OBD relearn procedure has many advantages since there are a significant number of steps with the manual relearn, which can cause too much time for technicians. Most shops who service tires frequently carry an advanced TPMS diagnostic scan tool to skip the complicated manual relearn procedures for the OBD protocols for certain vehicles.

Manual relearn procedure for 2014 Buick Regal with keyless entry:

Inflate all tires
Turn ignition ON
Push and hold unlock and lock button on key fob until horn sounds
Use tool to activate LF sensor
Single horn sounds
Repeat for RF/RR/LR
Turn ignition OFF

Manual relearn procedure for 2014 Buick Regal with DIC button:

Inflate all tires
Apply parking brake
Turn ignition ON
Push the DIC information button until PRESS TIRE LEARN display
Push “tire symbol” to confirm
Horn sounds 2x and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE is displayed
Use tool to activate LF sensor
Single horn sounds
Repeat for RF/RR/LR
Turn ignition OFF
Release parking brake before driving vehicle

Manual relearn procedure for 2014 Buick Regal with odometer reset:

Inflate all tires
Apply parking brake
Turn ignition ON
Push and hold the trip odometer reset stem on instrument panel until PRESS “tire symbol” TO RELEARN TIRE POSITIONS is displayed
Push “tire symbol” to confirm
Horn sounds 2x and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE is displayed
Use tool to activate LF sensor
Single horn sounds
Repeat RF/RR/LR
Turn ignition OFF
Release parking brake before driving vehicle

As shown, the relearn procedures are 7-11 steps. The OBD relearn procedure is only 5 steps, saving the technician’s time on jobs performed.

OBD relearn procedure for 2014 Buick Regal: