That light on your dashboard that tells you when your tire pressure is low, it’s probably prevented millions of blowouts. But, every new feature on a truck is just one more thing that can go wrong, and the Ram 1500’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System is no exception.
How do you reset the Ram 1500‘s tire pressure light when it’s going off for no reason?
Turn on the ignition, but before you start the engine up, press and hold the TPMS reset button. The light will flash three times. Release, start the engine, and it’ll reset itself as you drive.
We’ll get into the details below, including how these systems work, the optimal driving conditions to reset the system, and what to do if this fix doesn’t do the trick. The good news is that this is usually an easy fix with no repairs or software updates needed.
How a TPMS Works
The mechanics of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System are pretty simple. You have a pressure sensor in each wheel, and as soon as your pressure drops by about 25% below the recommended level, a signal is sent to your vehicle’s computer to let you know.
There are also indirect monitoring systems. Thee work by way of your Antilock Braking System’s wheel speed sensors. A low-pressure tire is going to roll at a different speed than its buddies, so when your ABS picks up on that, your dashboard gets the signal.
How Do I Perform a Reset on the Ram 1500 Tire Pressure Sensor?
Before you reset your tire pressure system, make sure your tire is actually good to go. You can usually find the recommended PSI listed in the door jamb. If not, check your owner’s manual to find out where the number is printed.
Use your tire pressure gauge to check each tire. If they’re low, fill them up. Drive around for a few minutes to set the rubber in place and see if the light goes off. If this isn’t the problem, it’s time to reset the TPMS.
- Turn on the ignition, but don’t start the truck’s engine.
- Press and hold the TPMS reset button. The pressure light should start blinking.
- Wait for the light to blink three times, then release the button.
- Start the engine. This might be all it takes, but if the light is still on…
- Go for a drive. For a Ram 1500, going 50mph on the highway for about ten minutes should reset the sensor and turn the light off.
If the problem persists, you may be able to fix the issue by manually cleaning the module. If you do a lot of off-roading, these units have a tendency to get dirty fast.
If the problem still persists, the module might need to be repaired, reprogrammed, or replaced at the dealer. But this reset trick should work nine times out of ten.
