You hop into your 2015 Mazda CX-5, start the engine, and bam—a tire pressure warning light flashes. Your heart skips a beat. Did you just hit a nail? Or is it something else? Tire pressure sensors are sensitive, but they are also easy to fix if you know how. In this article, we will show you exactly how to reset your tire pressure sensors.
Check Your Tire Pressure First
Before doing anything else, you need to make sure your tires are at the right pressure. Low or high pressure can trigger the sensor. Grab a tire pressure gauge. Remove the valve cap on each tire and press the gauge onto the valve stem. Read the numbers carefully. Your recommended pressure is in the owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
If one tire is low, inflate it slowly to the correct number. Do not overinflate. Repeat for all four tires. Sometimes the warning light stays on even after you adjust the pressure. That’s normal. The sensor needs to detect the right pressure before it turns off the light. Drive for a few minutes to let the system check each tire.
Check for obvious damage while you’re at it. Small nails or cracks can cause slow leaks. You can spot them easily if you look closely. Also, remember that extreme temperatures affect tire pressure. A cold morning can drop the numbers. So, adjust when tires are cold, preferably before driving.
- Use a tire pressure gauge on all four tires
- Inflate or deflate to recommended PSI
- Inspect tires for damage or leaks
- Allow the system to detect pressure by driving
Turn On Your Ignition Without Starting
Now that your tires are set, it’s time to prepare the car. Start by turning the key to the “ON” position, but don’t start the engine. You’ll see the dashboard lights up. Wait until all warning lights appear, then focus on the tire pressure light. This position allows the car to communicate with the sensors.
Press and hold the TPMS reset button, usually under the dashboard near the steering wheel. Hold it for a few seconds until the tire pressure light blinks three times. If the light does not blink, release and press again. Timing is important, so be patient. Sometimes it takes a few tries.
After blinking, release the button. Turn the ignition off and wait a few seconds. Then turn the ignition back on. Watch the tire pressure light. If it goes off after a few minutes of driving, the reset worked. If it stays on, check the tires again or try repeating the process.
- Turn key to “ON” without starting engine
- Press and hold TPMS reset button until lights blink
- Release, turn ignition off, then back on
- Drive a few minutes to let the system detect
Drive Your Vehicle Slowly
After the ignition reset, you need to let the car register the new pressures. Drive your Mazda CX-5 at a steady speed, preferably around 30-50 mph. Avoid hard braking or sudden turns. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) needs consistent wheel rotation to detect all tires.
A short drive of 10-15 minutes is usually enough. During this time, the system recalibrates each sensor. If one tire is still low, the light may remain on. Stop, recheck the pressure, and adjust if necessary. The sensor cannot reset if the tire pressure is not right.
Pay attention to any unusual sounds. Clicking or grinding may indicate another issue with your wheels or tires. If everything feels normal, the TPMS should turn off by the end of your drive. Remember, patience is key. Rushing this step might make you repeat the process.
- Drive at steady speeds 30-50 mph
- Avoid hard braking or sharp turns
- Check pressure if light remains on
- Listen for unusual sounds during the drive
Use the Mazda TPMS Reset Tool
Sometimes, your car might need the official Mazda tool to reset sensors. You can buy or borrow one from an auto store. Plug the tool into the OBD-II port under the dashboard. The tool communicates with each tire sensor. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Activate the reset option. The tool will read each tire and reprogram the system. This method is more reliable if the manual button method fails. The tool will also tell you if a sensor is faulty. A damaged sensor cannot reset and must be replaced.
After completing the reset, turn off the ignition and unplug the tool. Start the car and check the tire pressure light. It should go off after a short drive. This method is slightly more technical, but it ensures the system works properly. Using the Mazda tool is the safest option for long-term reliability.
- Plug TPMS tool into OBD-II port
- Activate reset function on the screen
- Check for faulty sensors
- Drive briefly to confirm light goes off
Replace a Faulty Tire Pressure Sensor
Sometimes, no amount of resetting will work because a sensor is bad. Sensors can fail due to age, battery issues, or physical damage. If the warning light stays on after multiple resets, one tire sensor might need replacement. You can buy a replacement sensor online or at a dealer.
Replacing a sensor is simple but requires care. Lift the tire from the wheel and remove the old sensor. Install the new sensor exactly as instructed. Make sure it’s secured tightly to prevent leaks. After installation, repeat the reset procedure to register the new sensor with your car.
After replacement, check the pressure and ensure the light turns off. If the light remains on, you may have installed the sensor incorrectly or the system needs a tool reset. Keep the manual handy and follow instructions carefully. A little attention here prevents repeated headaches later.
- Identify faulty sensor by repeated warning lights
- Remove tire and replace sensor carefully
- Repeat reset process
- Confirm light turns off after installation
Regular Maintenance Tips for TPMS
Preventing issues is always better than fixing them. Regularly check your tire pressure, especially during seasonal changes. Cold weather can reduce tire pressure, while hot weather can increase it. Keep a reliable gauge in your car.
Avoid overloading your vehicle. Extra weight affects tire pressure and sensor readings. Rotate tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear. Replace old or damaged tires immediately. Clean the sensors occasionally to remove dirt or debris.
Remember that sensors have batteries that last 5-10 years. If your car is older, a sensor may fail naturally. Regular checks and early replacement save money and prevent unsafe driving conditions. Following these simple habits keeps your Mazda running smoothly.
- Check tire pressure regularly
- Rotate tires every 6,000-8,000 miles
- Avoid overloading the vehicle
- Clean sensors and replace old ones
Final Thoughts
Resetting your 2015 Mazda CX-5 tire pressure sensor is easier than it seems. Start by checking tire pressure, then use the ignition method or a Mazda tool. Driving slowly helps the system detect pressure. Replace faulty sensors when needed. With regular maintenance, your TPMS will stay reliable. Following these simple steps keeps your car safe and your mind calm on every drive.
| Task | Method | Tools Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check tire pressure | Manual | Tire pressure gauge | Adjust all tires to recommended PSI |
| Ignition reset | Button method | None | Turn key to “ON” and hold TPMS button |
| Drive vehicle | Slow, steady | None | 10-15 minutes at 30-50 mph |
| TPMS tool reset | OBD-II tool | TPMS reset tool | Read and register all sensors |
| Sensor replacement | Manual | New sensor, tire removal tools | Follow instructions carefully |
| Maintenance | Routine check | Gauge, cleaning cloth | Rotate tires, check sensors, avoid overloading |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to drive with the TPMS light on?
Driving with the tire pressure warning light on can be risky. It means one or more tires may be underinflated or overinflated. Low tire pressure reduces traction, increases tire wear, and may cause blowouts. High pressure makes the ride harsh and can damage tires. Always check tire pressure immediately. Minor driving is okay to reach a safe place. Regularly maintain proper pressure to avoid accidents.
Can a tire pressure sensor die suddenly?
Yes, tire pressure sensors have small batteries that last 5-10 years. They can die suddenly, especially if the battery is old. Physical damage or water exposure may also cause sudden failure. When a sensor dies, the warning light may stay on. The only solution is to replace the sensor. Regular checks can help anticipate battery life and prevent surprise failures.
Do I need a special tool to reset TPMS?
Not always. Your Mazda has a manual reset button under the dashboard. Turning the ignition and pressing the button can reset sensors. However, sometimes a TPMS scan tool is needed. This tool communicates directly with sensors and is more reliable. If the light keeps coming back, using the Mazda tool ensures a proper reset.
Is it necessary to drive after resetting the sensor?
Yes. Driving lets the system detect correct tire pressure. The TPMS reads each wheel’s rotation and confirms the PSI. Short drives at steady speeds are enough. Without driving, the light may not turn off even if pressure is correct. This step is crucial for the sensor to complete its reset.
Can cold weather trigger the TPMS light?
Absolutely. Cold air reduces tire pressure, causing the sensor to alert. Even small temperature drops can trigger the warning. Check tire pressure when tires are cold, preferably before driving. Adjust to the recommended PSI. Once pressure is correct, the light should turn off after driving.
Do I have to replace all sensors at once?
No, you only replace faulty sensors. Sensors usually last several years. Replace one only when it fails. However, if your car is older, consider replacing them in pairs for balance. Always check the manual for recommendations. Proper installation prevents uneven readings or repeated alerts.
Is overinflating tires dangerous for sensors?
Yes, overinflating can trigger the TPMS light and may damage tires. Sensors detect high pressure as well as low pressure. Excess pressure increases tire wear and can lead to blowouts. Always inflate to recommended PSI. Avoid guessing or inflating beyond limits to protect tires and sensors.
Can a slow leak keep the TPMS light on?
Yes. Even a tiny leak prevents sensors from resetting. The system detects the low pressure continuously. Inflate the tire, then check for nails or cracks. Repair or replace damaged tires. Only after correct pressure will the light turn off. Slow leaks are common and should never be ignored.