You might be driving your Hyundai Elantra and suddenly see a light on your dashboard that looks like a flat tire. It can feel scary, but don’t worry. That light is the TPMS warning light. It means your Tire Pressure Monitoring System is trying to tell you something. The good news? The reset button is not hard to find. In this article, I will tell you exactly where the TPMS reset button is on your Hyundai Elantra and how to use it the right way.
Find the TPMS Button Near the Steering Wheel
The TPMS reset button on most Hyundai Elantra models is usually found under the dashboard, close to the steering wheel. Some models might have it inside the glove box or below the driver’s side near the pedals. The button is small and may not say ‘TPMS’. It might just be a simple reset button.
You may need to bend down a little and look carefully. It is often black or gray and blends in with the rest of the car’s interior. If you do not see it right away, use a flashlight to help you find it. Once you locate it, do not press it yet.
Before you press the button, you need to check your tires. Make sure all four tires have the correct air pressure. You can find the right pressure number on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire. If one or more tires have low pressure, fill them up first.
Then, turn the car key to the ‘ON’ position, but do not start the engine. Once the dashboard lights come on, press and hold the TPMS reset button until the light on the dashboard blinks three times. This usually takes about 3 seconds. After that, start your car and drive for about 20 minutes. This helps the system reset.
You should no longer see the TPMS light on the dashboard. If it is still there, repeat the steps again. If the light still does not go away, there might be a sensor problem and you may need to visit a mechanic.
- Look under the steering wheel for the button
- Check tire air pressure before resetting
- Press and hold button for 3 seconds
- Drive for 20 minutes to help reset system
- Repeat if needed
Check the Owner’s Manual First
Before you start searching all over the place, the first place you should look is the owner’s manual. It has everything about your car, including where buttons and parts are located. If you are not sure which model year you have, the manual will help you find that too.
The manual usually has a diagram or picture of the dashboard area. It will show you where the TPMS button is located for your specific model. This helps you avoid guessing and saves a lot of time.
Also, the manual might tell you something important — not all Elantra models have a reset button. Some newer models reset the TPMS system automatically after you fix the tire pressure. In that case, you won’t need to press any button at all. So reading the manual helps you understand if your car even has a button in the first place.
If you lost your manual, don’t worry. You can find it online by searching ‘Hyundai Elantra owner’s manual’ and your car’s year. Many official websites let you download it for free.
While reading the manual, make sure to also check if your car uses direct or indirect TPMS. Direct TPMS uses sensors inside the tire, and indirect TPMS works with the car’s ABS system. Knowing this can help you understand how the system works and how it resets.
- Use the manual for exact button location
- Some models reset automatically
- Check if your car has direct or indirect TPMS
- Online manuals are easy to find
- Saves time and avoids guessing
Check Under the Dashboard Closely
Many drivers skip this step or do not look carefully. But under the dashboard is where the TPMS button hides most of the time. It is not always easy to see and sometimes is tucked away behind a small cover or panel.
Sit on the driver’s seat and slide yourself down a little. Now look under the area where your knees are when driving. Sometimes, the button is just to the left or right of the steering column. You might see other buttons there too, like traction control or light dimmers, so be sure to check each one carefully.
If you cannot find anything that says ‘RESET’ or shows a tire symbol, look for a button that looks like it does not belong with the others. Some TPMS buttons are round, some are square, and many have no markings at all. That’s why careful checking is needed.
If you still do not see it, try turning on a flashlight or using your phone light. Move your head around and check every small corner. Some cars even have a small panel you need to open before you can see the button.
After you find it, do not press it yet. First, check all tire pressures, as explained before. Make sure the car is in the right mode, then press and hold the button. Always wait for the TPMS light to blink before letting go.
- Look under the steering area very carefully
- Check both sides of the steering wheel
- Use a light to help spot hidden buttons
- Open small panels if needed
- Press and hold only when ready
Understand Why TPMS Light Comes On
Before you reset anything, it’s important to know why the light comes on. The TPMS light is not just a warning to ignore. It tells you that one or more of your tires may have low air. Driving on low tires is dangerous. It can lead to poor steering, low gas mileage, or even a flat tire.
Sometimes, the light comes on when the weather changes. Cold weather makes the air inside your tires shrink. That can trigger the TPMS light, even if your tires are not really damaged. Just checking and refilling the air can turn the light off.
Other times, the light means a real problem. A nail might be in the tire, or a sensor might not be working. TPMS sensors are small devices inside your tires that check the air pressure. If they break or stop working, the system can’t check your tires right.
That’s why it is important to take the light seriously. Do not just reset the light without fixing the problem. Always check your tire pressure with a gauge first. If you see a big drop in air, take the car to a tire shop. They can find out what is wrong.
Resetting the TPMS only clears the warning. It does not fix the tire. So always fix the real problem before you press that reset button.
- Light shows low tire pressure or sensor issue
- Cold weather can trigger the light
- Use tire gauge before resetting
- Check for nails or leaks in the tire
- Fix the problem before reset
Try Driving to Reset the System
If your Hyundai Elantra does not have a reset button or if pressing it did not work, try this simple trick: drive your car. Some models reset the TPMS system on their own when you drive at a steady speed for a while.
Start your car and drive at around 50 mph for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This gives the system time to read each tire’s pressure and update the sensor memory. Sometimes, it may take longer. Try doing this on a highway or quiet road where you can keep a steady speed.
Make sure the tires are filled to the correct pressure before doing this. If even one tire is off by a little, the system may not reset. It is best to check the pressure at a gas station with an accurate machine.
Also, try not to stop often during this drive. The goal is to keep the system active and allow it to check the tires. Once you finish driving, turn off the car and then start it again. Check if the TPMS light has turned off. If not, you may need to try again or get help.
- Drive at 50 mph for 20 to 30 minutes
- Check air pressure before driving
- Keep a steady speed for best results
- Avoid frequent stops during the drive
- Restart car after the drive
Visit a Mechanic If the Light Stays On
Sometimes, no matter what you do, the TPMS light stays on. This can mean that the sensors are broken or need to be replaced. If you already checked the tire pressure, used the button, and drove the car, but the light is still there, it is time to visit a mechanic.
A professional mechanic has tools to check the TPMS system. They can see if the sensors are sending the right signals. If not, they will tell you which sensor is bad. Replacing a sensor costs money, but it is worth it to drive safely.
Also, if you changed your tires recently or rotated them, the TPMS system may need to be relearned. This means the computer inside your car has to learn where each tire is again. A mechanic can do this for you.
Sometimes, mechanics also find that the battery inside the sensor is dead. In that case, the whole sensor must be changed. Sensors usually last about 5 to 10 years, depending on how much you drive.
Don’t wait too long. A working TPMS system keeps you safe and helps your tires last longer.
- Sensors may be damaged or old
- Mechanic has tools to test TPMS system
- Relearning might be needed after tire change
- Sensor battery might be dead
- Always fix TPMS for safety
Final Thoughts
The TPMS reset button in a Hyundai Elantra is not hard to find if you know where to look. It is usually near the steering wheel or under the dashboard. Before pressing the button, make sure your tires have the right air pressure. If the light stays on, try driving or visit a mechanic. Never ignore the warning light, because it is there to keep you safe. A working TPMS system helps prevent flat tires and improves how your car drives. Always take a little time to check your car. It will help you in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to drive with the TPMS light on?
No, it is not safe. The TPMS light tells you that one or more of your tires might have low air. Driving with low tire pressure can make your car harder to control, reduce fuel mileage, and even lead to a flat tire. Sometimes the light comes on for a small reason like cold weather, but it can also mean a real problem. Always check your tire pressure as soon as the light comes on. Fix any tire that has a leak or damage before driving too far.
Can I reset the TPMS myself?
Yes, in many cases you can reset the TPMS yourself. First, check that all four tires have the correct pressure. Then, find the reset button near the steering wheel or under the dashboard. Turn the car to the ‘ON’ position without starting the engine. Press and hold the button until the light blinks. Then drive for 20 minutes to let the system reset. If your Elantra does not have a button, driving at a steady speed for a while may reset it automatically.
Do I need special tools to reset TPMS?
Most of the time, no special tools are needed. All you need is a tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure and maybe a flashlight to find the reset button. However, if the system does not reset even after you follow all the steps, a mechanic may use special scan tools to find the problem. These tools can talk to the car’s computer and show if a sensor is bad or needs to be relearned.
Is it normal for the TPMS light to blink?
Yes, a blinking TPMS light can happen during the reset process. When you press and hold the reset button, the light usually blinks a few times to show that the system is resetting. However, if the light keeps blinking and never stops, it could mean a problem with a sensor. In that case, it is best to visit a repair shop. A blinking light that never turns solid or turns off is not normal and needs attention.
Can cold weather cause the TPMS light to turn on?
Yes, cold weather is a common reason for the TPMS light to turn on. When the air gets colder, the air inside your tires shrinks, which lowers the tire pressure. Even a small drop in pressure can cause the system to send a warning. This does not always mean the tire is damaged. Just check the pressure and fill the tires to the correct level. After that, drive for a bit and the light should turn off by itself or after a reset.
Do I have to replace a TPMS sensor if it fails?
Yes, if a sensor fails, it should be replaced. TPMS sensors have small batteries inside that can die after a few years. When that happens, the sensor can no longer send air pressure data to the car. A mechanic can test the sensors and tell you which one is not working. It is not safe to drive long without working TPMS. Replacing the sensor will help you keep track of your tire pressure and stay safe on the road.
Is it possible for the TPMS system to reset itself?
Yes, in some Hyundai Elantra models, the system can reset itself. If your tires have the right pressure and the warning light stays on, try driving at around 50 mph for 20 to 30 minutes. Some TPMS systems are made to update themselves while driving. After this drive, turn off the engine and restart the car. Check if the light is gone. If it is still there, you may need to do a manual reset or see a mechanic.
Can tire rotation affect the TPMS system?
Yes, rotating your tires can affect the TPMS system, especially if your car uses a system that tracks which sensor is in which position. After a tire rotation, the car may get confused and think the pressure is low even when it is not. Some cars can relearn the sensor positions on their own, but others need help from a scan tool at a mechanic’s shop. After a rotation, always make sure the sensors are working and the TPMS light is off.