Over the next couple of months, we will be reviewing the best-selling Cars, SUVs, Minivans, and Trucks of 2019. During the month of May, we will focus on the best-selling Minivans in 2019 in the United States.  

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 Odyssey is manufactured with an indirect and a direct TPMS system, depending on the year. Direct TPMS has TPMS sensors are 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. A TPMS relearn is recommended when replacing a sensor. All OE and aftermarket TPMS part numbers and service kit replacement options for the Honda Accord can be found in the VT56, VT55, VT46 brands, and VT36 TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.

Type of TPMS frequency:

• 2005-2017: 315 MHz
• 2018-2020: 433 MHz

Type of Relearn procedures:

• Direct TPMS – OBD relearn, Auto relearn.

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset

• Direct TPMS system requires a TPMS scan tool with the OBD module to connect to the vehicle’s DLC (VT56 or VT46 brands), step by step relearn procedures are written in the tool.

Bonus coverage, OBD relearn procedure, 2005-2017:

• OBDII dongle is required
• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
• Adjust tire pressures to placard value
• Hold TPMS tool on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
• Repeat for the LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR, AND RIGHT FRONT tires
• Apply OBD module to the DLC
• Turn ignition ON
• Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer sensor data to the ECU
• Disconnect OBD module from the DLC
• Turn ignition OFF, then start the engine

The video shows a Honda Accord but the same procedure will work on a Honda Odyssey

Auto relearn procedure, 2018-2020:

• Adjust tire pressures to placard value
• Release parking brake
• Turn ignition ON
• Use the arrows to select vehicle setting
• Push the SELECT/RESET button until TPMS calibration is displayed
• Push the SELECT/RESET button until options for the Cancel and Calibrate is displayed
• Use the arrows to select Calibration, then push the SELECT/RESET button
• The calibration process will complete automatically

Troubleshooting tips

Tip 1:

The Honda Odyssey’s 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 2008-2012, “a properly formatted TPMS scan tool is required to learn new sensor IDs when replacing sensors. After sensor IDs are registered to the vehicle, the [TPMS] MIL (malfunction indicator light) will flash until the vehicle is driven and the sensor IDs are received by the vehicle. This process can take 1-10 miles of continuous driving.” 

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.