If the Tire Pressure Management System in the Subaru Outback is not working properly, you may have to reset the system. Follow the uncomplicated steps below to re-initialize the TPMS.
First, Check the Recommended Air Levels Needed:
- Refer to the Manufacturer’s Sticker located on the inside of the Driver’s door.
- Make sure the spare has the correct amount of air as well.
Contents
2014 – 2023 Models
- Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Locate the TPMS reset button under the dashboard, near the steering column.
- Press and hold the TPMS reset button for approximately 3-5 seconds. The TPMS warning light on the instrument cluster will start flashing.
- Continue holding the TPMS reset button until the TPMS warning light flashes steadily for about 1 minute and then turns off. This indicates that the TPMS has been reset.
- Turn off the ignition and wait for a few seconds.
- Start the engine and check if the TPMS warning light remains off. If it does, the TPMS has been successfully reset.
2003 – 2013 Models
- Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Locate the TPMS reset button under the dashboard, near the steering column.
- Press and hold the TPMS reset button for about 3-5 seconds until the TPMS indicator light blinks.
- Start with the driver’s side front tire. Use a tire pressure gauge to reduce the tire pressure until the TPMS light blinks slowly. Then, reinflate the tire to the recommended pressure.
- Move to the following order, repeating the process of reducing and inflating the tire pressure until the TPMS light blinks slowly:
- Passenger’s side front tire
- Passenger’s side rear tire
- Driver’s side rear tire
- The TPMS light should blink rapidly for a few seconds and then turn solid. This indicates that the relearning process is complete, and the TPMS has been reset.
- Turn off the ignition and start the engine. The TPMS light should go off shortly after starting the vehicle if the reset was successful.
- The TPMS warning light in your Subaru Outback should be cleared.
1995 – 2002 Models
The Subaru Outback models from 1995-1998 are not equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
TIP: If the light remains illuminated, the outdoor temperature affects how fast the air in the tires will adjust to the proper temperature, so be patient and give the tires time to adjust.
If the tire pressure warning light stays illuminated past a week, take it to a repair shop, as they may reprogram the system with a professional tool. If reprogramming fails, there could possibly be a sensor issue or a tire puncture.
*FACT! Always keep a tire pressure gauge close by to check your tires just in case the warning light comes on again.
**NOTE: If you are unable to Reset the Tire Pressure Warning Light on the first try, REPEAT the steps. If you are still unsuccessful, contact the dealership for assistance or consult your vehicle user’s manual.
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??