If the Tire Pressure Management System (TPMS) in your Subaru Outback isn’t working properly, you may have to reset the system. This most commonly happens when you switch to a new set of tires or manually correct the tire pressure without consulting the recommended settings. Here’s how you can reinitialize the system to get it to re-learn the tires.
If the Tire Pressure Management System (TPMS) in your Subaru Outback isn’t working properly, you may have to reset the system. This most commonly happens when you switch to a new set of tires or manually correct the tire pressure without consulting the recommended settings. Here’s how you can reinitialize the system to get it to re-learn the tires.
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Check the Tire Pressure
First, you should check your manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. They are typically printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door. The sticker contains a table with the recommended tire pressure for the stock tire sizes, as well as how outside weather affects these settings.
In general, the TPMS monitors the tire pressure of each tire connected to the vehicle through the tire’s sensor gauge that wirelessly sends information to the car computer.
If you don’t use the tires with the same dimensions as the label, you will need to re-register them with the TPMS system, which is most commonly only done by a tire shop or a mechanic.
Soft Reset TPMS
If the system is reporting odd tire pressures, you can usually soft reset the internal system to get updated readings from the tire pressure sensors. Here’s how:
- Tun on the car without starting the engine.
- Find the TPMS reset button under the dashboard.
- Press and hold the button until the TPMS warning light starts flashing.
- Don’t release the button until the TPMS light turns off.
- Turn off the car’s ignition and wait for a bit.
- Start the car (with the engine this time) and see if the TPMS reads the correct tire pressure values.
Drive the Car
If the TPMS system flashes and you haven’t changed your tires, it may just need to recalibrate. Use a pressure gauge to ensure the tires are at the correct pressure values (even the spare) and fill them to the recommended value for the weather.
Driving the car for about 20 minutes should allow the system to relearn the new pressure values.
Resetting TPMS Tire Pressures for Subaru 2008 and Newer
If the soft reset still registers wrong values, you will need a dedicated TPMS control tool. If the tool doesn’t slot into the OBV connector that’s under the steering wheel, you may also need an adapter.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Start your TPMS tool.
- Starting with the driver’s side front tire, fill in the pressure to the recommended value. Use the pressure valve to ensure the values match with the label or manufacturer-provided information.
- Plug the TPMS tool into the tire pressure sensor and press “Test.”
- Wait until the tool records the tire’s registration number and pressure.
- Select “Next” on your TPMS tool and it should provide the indicator with the next tire to check.
- Repeat Steps 2 to 5 with the remaining tires, moving clockwise:
- Passenger’s side front tire
- Passenger’s side back tire
- Driver’s side back tire
- The TPMS tool will likely prompt you to register the spare tire. Repeat the same process in Steps 2-5 again.
- The tool should indicate “COM” or similar to let you know that you can plug it into the car.
- Turn on the car without starting the engine.
- Plug the TPMS tool into the car’s OBV plug or use an appropriate adapter to do so, and it should start the process automatically.
After the TPMS system has registered the tires, turn on the car and drive for at least 10 minutes at 25 mph or higher. This should give the car enough time and heat the tires enough to verify that the system is working.
2007 and Older Models
The Subaru Outback models made before 2008 might not equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The oldest Subaru model with this system is the 2004 Forester, after which Subaru gradually added it to all other vehicles by 2008.
What Affects TPMS?
Tires contract and expand with internal and external temperature changes, but the TPMS alerts you only to drastic changes that can damage the wheel.
Usually, the TPMS will register a flat or punctured tire and alert you with a flashing light. Always keep a tire pressure gauge nearby to check your tires just in case the warning light comes on again.
If the tire pressure warning light stays illuminated longer than a week, take it to a repair shop, as they may reprogram the system with a professional tool. If reprogramming fails, there could be a sensor issue or a tire puncture.
Using Correct Tires and Sensors
The TPMS system relies on dedicated sensor units connected to the tire’s pressure gauge. However, if the sensor malfunctions, its battery dies, or is incompatible with the system, your TPMS won’t register the tire properly or at all.
It’s best to take the car to a professional shop and have them check the sensors. Additionally, make sure to get the correct information when buying new tires to ensure they are compatible with the car’s model.
This didn’t work for me. What I did is over inflate tires by 5 psi and then drove it. Light went out after 1/4 mile. Went back and set pressure to mfg settings. Works fine.
Thank you John I did just what you said and the light went off before I got the main road! This had been bothering me for over a week.
If the 2020 Subaru System can not tell you which tire is underinflated it’s time to buy a car brand that has that capability
My Outback 2020: Using the info paddle on the steering column, dashboard display shows each tire’s pressure. But thanks for the helpful hint to go out and buy a $35k car that has that capability.
What if your running winter wheels/tires with no tpms?
Put a piece of black electrical tape over yellow warning light on dash.
All I have is red electrical tape. Will that do?
What is your car’s paint color 🤔
You could look for a close match if you want to be fancy
Where’s the tpms reset button??