It is common to check the pressure in the car tires as soon as we notice the TPMS indicator signals. Riding with even a slightly deflated tire or uneven tire pressure will imbalance the vehicle and is not advisable.
The Ideal Conditions
Ideally, people should be very careful about the tire pressure in their vehicles. Once you ensure that all the tires are inflated according to the recommended limit in the manual, then the TPMS should also reset and start monitoring the tire pressure again.
Sometimes the indicator may keep the warning light on, and then you must follow the process to turn the TPMS warning light off. Chevy Malibu comes in many models, and here are tips on how to reset the TPMS in some of them.
Background of Chevy Malibu
This mid-range vehicle is named after the Californian vacation place Malibu. Chevrolet has been around now for a few decades and is liked by people for its Epsilon Platform, performance, and value for money.
You don’t need specific tools to reset the TPMS in the models sold between 2008 and 2011. The car’s remote key is the only device you need to make the TPMS relearn and reset the sensor. All the tires come with sensors, and the TPMS can monitor each tire.
The TPMS in the decade-old models of Chevy Malibu
These cars were manufactured for three-four years. The following process is targeted at these models and will not work on other newer car versions. Here are the steps for TPMS relearn- reset process-
● You must fill the tires with air as per the PSI recommended level.
● Now take the car to a safe place out of traffic and park it on a flat surface. Ensure that the ground is even and not an incline.
● The engine must be switched off.
● Keep the handbrakes on so that the vehicle does not roll.
● Now use the car key to turn on the ignition.
● Do not turn the engine on as that will put the car system in motion. The car’s dashboard display and the software components will activate when the ignition is on.
● Now use the car’s remote key with both hands as you have to use multiple keys on that.
● Press the lock and unlock buttons on the remote simultaneously for at least five seconds or until you hear a sound. This will lead the horn to beep.
● This sound is the indication that the TPMS can be reset now. The process starts when you hear the horn. Now you must check the tire pressure on every wheel. The dashboard will also show a tire learning active message.
● This is when the TPMS sensor activation process starts.
● First, check the driver’s side tire on the front. Take out the valve cap of the tire, and check the tire stress by reducing and filling the air in the tire. You might overhear a mild noise or sound coming from the horn once an optimum level of air is filled.
● Press the lock and unlock key again for the passenger front tire. Check the air pressure in the tire and adjust accordingly until you hear the sound of the horn.
● Repeat the entire process while using the remote key with both hands step by step. Start with the rear wheel on both sides.
● Once all four tires are checked and are completely at the optimum pressure, you will again hear a beep from the horn. This confirms that the sensor has noted the air pressure in the tire.
● This also indicates that the Tire Relearning process for the TPMS is complete.
● You will now see the message ‘Tire Learning Active’ on the dashboard disappear.
● You can turn off the ignition as the TPMS has been rested and can monitor the newly inflated tires again.
Important Points To Remember
When you have to replace a flat tire using the spare, the TPMS may not recognize the new tire. It may detect low tire pressure, or the sensor may flash a message saying it is malfunctioning.
The spare tire may also need to be checked for air pressure as it may have deflated while kept in the car’s boot.
Check the air pressure in the new tire, adjust as needed, and then use the process mentioned above with the remote key. The sensor will have to relearn and reset for this tire too.
Some of the 2011 models may have a different system too. The TPMS relearn tool was added to the car in 2011. The process is similar to the older models and involves using the TPMS Relearn Tool.
● Turn the ignition on without switching on the engine.
● Use the lock and Unlock keys on the remote simultaneously until you hear the horn.
● Use the TPMS relearn tool near the tire’s valve and activate the TPMS sensor using the button.
● Make sure you follow the same steps for each tire as explained above.
There is another method to reset the TPMS with the help of the software tools embedded in the car using the dashboard. Switch on the ignition to activate the sensors and the dashboard.
Go to the menu, check the vehicle information, scroll down on the options, and reach tire pressure. Now choose the press and hold the SET button, and you will hear the horn beeps.
Starting from the driver’s side front tire, use the TPMS Relearn tool and activate the sensor for all the tires. After following through with all the steps provided, now you may start the engine.
Final Words
Resetting the TPMS using the modern software embedded in cars is very simple and does not take more than a few minutes. Do not forget to reset the TPMS when you change the tires or refill them.
The spare tire also may need a reset if the sensor does not identify it. It is essential as the sensor will flash when it can see that the air pressure is low in the tires.
