How Do I Reset the Tire-Pressure Light in a Ford?

Simple steps to make sure your vehicle's TPMS is working properly.

Nick Kurczewski | 

Feb 21, 2024 | 3 min read

Ford

Your vehicle's tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an invaluable piece of safety equipment that is designed to alert you when you're driving on underinflated tires.

If your TPMS detects a problem, a warning signal will illuminate on the dashboard in most vehicles. The alert looks like a cross section of a tire — a U shape with ridges on the bottom and an exclamation point in the middle. If it lights up while you're driving, it is prompting you to fix the underlying problem and then reset the system.

The process of how a TPMS functions and the procedure for resetting it in a Ford vehicle is similar to many vehicles.

When and How to Reset a TPMS Light

The simplest means of turning off the TPMS light in your Ford is to stop and refill the tires to the correct air pressure and then restart your car. It could take a few minutes of driving for the system to detect that the tires are once again at their correct pressure levels, but when it does, the light will turn off automatically.

With your tires properly inflated, you might want to scroll through your Ford vehicle's tire-monitor menu, where you'll see the inflation levels for each tire. Pressing and holding down the OK button (often located on the steering wheel) should reset the TPMS system and confirm the most accurate and up-to-date air-pressure readings.

Recalibrate After a Tire Rotation

Sometimes there can be other causes for an illuminated TPMS warning. When you have your Ford vehicle's tires rotated, the system will need to be recalibrated so that it's monitoring each tire at the correct position.

This calibration should be part of any routine tire rotation, which means it's not something most car owners would do themselves. The process involves having a diagnostic tool to allow the TPMS to relearn the position for each tire.

If the TPMS light turns on but all tire-pressure readings appear normal after a car servicing, it's possible the recalibration wasn't performed or was done incorrectly. You'll want to have your car rechecked by your dealership or mechanic.

The Dangers of Underinflated Tires

When your car's TPMS lets you know your tires are underinflated, it means they're below the manufacturer's recommended air-pressure settings. You can usually find these settings listed either on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Disregarding an illuminated TPMS light can put you and your vehicle at risk in a number of ways. Underinflation can accelerate wear on tires and shorten their lifespan. Underinflated tires can also lead to sluggish handling, degraded suspension control and, in a worst-case scenario, a sudden and catastrophic tire failure.

While a TPMS is a great line of defense, don't let this safety net replace routine tire maintenance. It's a good idea to use a tire-pressure gauge once a month to make sure your tires are inflated properly. It takes just a few minutes and can save you money — and potentially prevent a tire-related accident.

Nick Kurczewski

Nick Kurczewski is a freelance automotive journalist based in the New York metro area. With approximately 20 years of experience, he has covered all aspects of the car world, from the pit lane at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to car shows around the world, and a Zamboni lesson in Lower Manhattan. He’s also adept at providing helpful car advice and steering people towards the ideal car, truck, or SUV for their driving needs.