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 Honda CR-Z is manufactured with an indirect and a direct TPMS system, depending on the year. Direct TPMS has TPMS sensors installed in the wheel; 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). The indirect TPMS system does not have TPMS sensors in the wheel; TPMS is measured by wheel speed through the ABS system.

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS system for years 2011-2015. A TPMS relearn is recommended when replacing a sensor. All OE and aftermarket TPMS part numbers and service kit replacement options for the Honda CR-Z can be found in the VT56, VT55, VT46 brands and VT36 TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.
• Indirect TPMS system for years 2016. A TPMS re-calibration is recommended when changing air pressure, rotating tires and replacing a tire or TPMS sensor.

Type of TPMS frequency:

• 315 MHz (only applicable for years 2011-2015)

Type of Relearn procedures:

• Direct TPMS for years 2011-2015, OBD relearn, requires OBD module
• Indirect TPMS for years 2016, re-calibration of TPMS system

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset

• Direct TPMS system (2011-2015) requires TPMS scan tool with OBD module to connect to the vehicle’s DLC (VT56 or VT46 brands), step by step relearn procedures are written in the tool.
• Indirect TPMS system requires re-calibration of the system. Steps are written out in the owner’s manual as well as the VT56 and VT46 branded tools.

Bonus coverage, OBD relearn procedure, 2011-2015:

• OBDII dongle is required
• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
• Adjust tire pressures to placard value
• Activate TPMS Tool on left front tire sidewall next to valve stem 
• Repeat for LR/RR/RF tires 
• Apply OBD module to DLC 
• Turn ignition to ON
• Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer data to ECU
• Disconnect OBD connector from DLC
• Turn ignition to OFF then start the engine 
• Drive for at least 5 minutes at 28 MPH

Indirect relearn procedure (with multi-informational display), 2016:

• No TPMS sensor required 
• OBDII connector not required 
• Adjust tire pressures to placard value 
• Release parking brake 
• Turn ignition ON
• Us the up/down arrows to select Vehicle Setting 
• Push the SEL/RESET button until TPMS Calibration is displayed 
• Push the SEL/RESET button until options for Cancel and Calibrate is displayed 
• Use the up/down arrows to select Calibration, then push the SEL/RESET button 
• The calibration will complete automatically 

Indirect relearn procedure (with informational display), 2016:

• If learn mode can’t be enabled, see service manual 
• No TPMS sensor required 
• OBDII connector not required 
• Adjust tire pressures to placard value 
• Release parking brake 
• Turn ignition ON
• Push and hold the TPMS button located near lower left knee bolster until TPMS light blinks twice, calibration has begun 
• The calibration process will complete automatically 

Troubleshooting tips

Tip 1:

The Honda Civic direct TPMS OBD relearn is unique compared to other OBD relearns. When activating sensors, start with the left front sensor, then go counter-clockwise. The order is left front, left rear, right rear and right front sensor during the TPMS activation process.

Tip 2:

As cited in the TIA TPMS relearn chart, for Direct TPMS Honda systems 2011-2015, “a properly formatted TPMS scan tool is required to learn new sensor IDs when replacing sensors. After sensor ID’s are registered to the vehicle, the [TPMS] MIL (malfunction indicator light) will flash until the vehicle is driven and the sensor ID’s are received by the vehicle. This process can take 1-10 miles of continuous driving.” 

Tip 3:

For direct TPMS systems on the Honda CR-Z for years 2011-2015, a TPMS relearn is recommended when replacing a sensor. However, for indirect TPMS systems on the Honda Civic for years 2014-2020, a TPMS re-calibration is recommended when changing air pressure, rotating tires and replacing a tire or TPMS sensor.

TPMS DTC code information

Use the VT56 to retrieve Honda TPMS DTC codes by selecting the “Service” icon. After selecting the Make, Model, and Year, select the DTC code icon. Use the OBDII module to retrieve the Honda DTC TPMS information to diagnose and service the TPMS issues determined.