Over the next couple of months, we will be reviewing the best-selling Cars, SUVs, Minivans, and Trucks of 2019. During the month of April, we will focus on the best-selling SUVs 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 Kia Sportage uses a direct TPMS system, which means 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).

When a tire is inflated, rotated or changed in one or more tires of a Kia Sportage, a TPMS relearn must be performed to write the IDs to the vehicle.

Type of TPMS system: 

• Direct TPMS, TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated via radio frequency (RF) technology from the sensor to the vehicle’s ECU 

Options for TPMS sensor replacement:

• All OE and Aftermarket TPMS sensor options and service kits can be found in the VT56, VT46 brands, VT55 and VT36 TPMS tools. 

Type of TPMS frequency: 

• 315 MHz, years 2005-2015
• 433 MHz, years 2017-2020
• 2016 models use both 315 MHz and 433 MHz frequencies

Type of relearn procedure: 

• OBD relearn procedure
• Auto relearn procedure

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• VT56 TPMS tool with OBDII module 
• VT55 TPMS tool

OBD relearn procedure, years 2005-2020:

• OBDII dongle is required
• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
• Adjust tire pressures to placard value
• Activate TPMS tool on the left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
• Repeat for the RF/RR/LR tires
• Apply OBD connector 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 ON
• Wait for 5 minutes 
• Drive for up to 20 minutes at 12 MPH

The video above shows a Kia Optima, but the same procedure will work on a Kia Sportage

Auto relearn procedure, years 2005-2020:

• OBDII connector is not required 
• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed 
• Adjust tire pressures to placard value 
• Activate sensors with TPMS tool 
• Drive for up to 10 minutes

Troubleshooting tips

Tire pressure 

If your Kia Sportage is equipped with a high-line TPMS system, the actual tire pressure is displayed on the dashboard. However, according to the Kia Sportage owner’s manual, the numbers displayed on the high-line system may differ from the numbers retrieved if using a tire pressure gauge.

TPMS Malfunction Indicator 

The TPMS malfunction indicator may be illuminated if snow chains are used or some separate electronic devices such as notebook computer, mobile charger, remote starter or navigation, etc., are used in the vehicle. This can interfere with the normal operation of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.