BUICK REGAL 1997-2019

After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems.

The Buick Regal was manufactured with an indirect TPMS system from 1997 to 2004, where tire pressure was measured by the speed of the wheels in each tire through the ABS system. From 2011 to 2019, Regals have been installed with a direct TPMS system, which means TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel. With the direct TPMS system, if one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system).

When tires are rotated, or if one or more sensors are replaced in a Buick Regal, a TPMS relearn is recommended to write the ID’s to the vehicle’s ECU to turn the TPMS light off.

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS 2011-2019, TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated via radio frequency (RF) technology from the sensor to the vehicle’s ECU. A TPMS relearn is recommended when replacing a sensor or if tires are rotated. All OE and aftermarket TPMS part numbers and service kit replacement options for the Buick Regal can be found in the VT56, VT55, VT46 brands and VT36 TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.
• Indirect TPMS 1997-2004

Type of TPMS frequency:

• 2011-2017, 315MHz
• 2018-2019, 433MHz

Type of Relearn procedures:

• Manual 2011-2019; for 2011-2015 years, there are three types of relearn procedures: Keyless Entry, DIC button, Odometer Reset
• Bonus OBD relearn procedure coverage as an option on the VT56 for years 2011-2019, requires OBD module

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• TPMS Diagnostic tool (VT56 or VT46 brands), step by step relearn procedures are written in the tool.
• TPMS activation tool (VT56, VT55, VT6, VT15, VT31, VT36 and VT46 brands) for a manual (stationary) relearn, step by step relearn procedures are written in the tool for the VT56, VT55 or VT46 brands and are available to complete a TPMS reset in the owners manual for the VT36, VT31, VT6 or VT15 tools.

Direct TPMS, Bonus coverage, OBD relearn procedure (2011-2019):

• OBDII module is required, attach to the tool
• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
• Adjust tire pressure to placard value
• Hold TPMS tester on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem, use TPMS tool to activate the sensor
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Apply OBD module to DLC
• Turn ignition to ON
• Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer data to ECU
• Disconnect OBD module from DLC
• Turn ignition OFF then start the engine
• Drive for at least 5 minutes at 28 mph

Direct TPMS Manual relearn procedure (Keyless Entry, 2011-2015):

• Turn ignition ON
• Push and hold unlock and lock button on key fob until horn sounds
• Use tool to activate left front sensor
• Single horn sounds
• Repeat for right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Turn ignition OFF

Direct TPMS Manual relearn procedure (DIC Button, 2011-2015):

• Turn ignition ON
• Push the DIC information button until PRESS TIRE LEARN is displayed
• Push the checkmark button ✓ to confirm
• Horn sounds 2x and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE is displayed
• Use tool to activate left front sensor
• Single horn sounds
• Repeat for right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Turn ignition OFF
• Release parking brake before driving vehicle

Direct TPMS Manual relearn procedure (Odometer Reset, 2011-2015):

• Apply parking brake
• Turn ignition ON
• Push and hold the trip odometer reset step on the instrument panel until PRESS ✓ TO RELEARN TIRE POSITIONS is displayed
• Push the checkmark button ✓ to confirm
• Horn sounds 2x and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE is displayed
• Use tool to activate left front sensor
• Single horn sounds
• Repeat for right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Turn ignition OFF
• Release parking brake before driving vehicle

Direct TPMS, Manual relearn procedure (2016-2019):

• Turn ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off
• Use the MENU button to select the Vehicle Information Menu in the DIC
• Use the thumbwheel to scroll to the Tire Pressure Menu Item screen
• Press the SET/CLEAR button to begin the sensor matching process
• Press the SET/CLEAR button again to confirm
• Horn will chirp twice and the TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on the DIC screen
• Use the TPMS tool to activate the left from sensor
• Horn will chirp 1x when sensor ID has been matched to the left front
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Horn chirps 2x to indicate the sensor ID has been matched to the left rear and the TPMS sensor matching process is no longer active
• The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the DIC display screen turns off
• Turn ignition OFF

Indirect TPMS relearn procedure (1997-2004):

• Turn ignition to ON
• Uncover the RESET button located inside the passenger’s side instrument panel fuse box
• Push and hold the RESET button for 5 seconds
• The LOW TIRE light will flash 3x
• TPMS calibration will complete during driving at a minimum of 15 MPH for 15 minutes
• NOTE: The learning process does not need to be completed during a single trip.

Troubleshooting tips

• Buick Regal vehicles, years 2011-2019, can be reset via an OBD relearn procedure, as a “bonus” relearn using the VT56 or VT46 brands with OBD module. The OBD bonus relearn, known as Sync ID technology, eliminates having to perform a manual, relearn procedure or auto relearn, which requires either many steps or long driving time to turn off the TPMS light. If “OBD RELEARN” is an option, the sensor ID’s can be transferred through the DLC.
• From 2011-2017, Buick Regal vehicles were manufactured with 315MHz frequency sensors. Beginning in 2018, they are manufactured with 433MHz frequency sensors. It is important to note this change in frequency when replacing TPMS sensors. Replacing TPMS sensors with the incorrect frequency will cause sensor activation and programming failure, as well as TPMS ID transfer failure during the TPMS relearn.
• For direct TPMS systems during an OBDII relearn, the “keyless entry” manual relearn requires a working keyfob to reset the TPMS system and transfer the ID locations. Use a VT56, VT46 brand or VT36 to test the keyfob battery by going to SERVICE, and selecting the vehicle’s MAKE, MODEL and YEAR, then select the KEYFOB icon. Use the green trigger button to test the keyfob battery signal.
• According to the latest TIA chart, is recommended to perform a TPMS relearn for the direct TPMS system after rotating tires or replacing a TPMS sensor (years 2011-2019).
• From 1997 to 2004, the Buick Regal was manufactured in North America. When looking within the service menu of the tool, users may notice that there is no reset coverage for years 2005-2010 because the Buick Regal was not manufactured for the North American market at that time, but was manufactured for the Chinese market. In 2011, North America began to manufacture the Buick Regal again with direct TPMS systems.