Tesla Model S, 2012-2019
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 Tesla Model S is equipped with a direct TPMS system which has TPMS sensors 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.
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.
OE and Aftermarket (Universal, Hybrid, Programmable, Configurable, One-to-One, OE-style) options for TPMS sensor replacement
All OE, programmable, configurable, hybrid and OE-type (one-to-one) TPMS sensor options and service kits can be found in the VT56, VT46 brands, and VT36 TPMS Tools.
Type of TPMS frequency
Type of TPMS tool required to relearn the system
- The VT56 and VT46 branded tools will display step by step relearn procedures for all Tesla models
Type of Relearn procedures
Auto relearn procedure, Tesla S 2012-2016
- Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
- Adjust tire pressure to placard value
- Turn ignition ON
- Use WHEEL/TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
- Select the tire size: 19″ or 21″
- Tap the RESET button and follow the instructions in the dialog box
- Drive over 25 MPH for about 10 minutes to reset the TPMS sensors
- Note: DO NOT use this function to clear TPMS warnings
Auto relearn procedure, Tesla S 2017-2019
- Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
- Adjust tire pressure to placard value
- Drive vehicle until system detects a change in TPMS and displays a pop-up: “RESET sensors: We have detected new wheels on your car”
- Select the tire size
- Tap the RESET button and follow the instructions in the dialog box
- Drive over 25 MPH for about 3 minutes; pressure should display on the dash
- Note: DO NOT use this function to clear TPMS warnings
Troubleshooting tips
- According to the wheel size selected, the vehicle will set the correct “Recommended Cold Pressure (RCP)” target values to reset the TPMS system. It is important to be sure to select the correct wheel size. (Link to Tesla website)
- If the wheel size is selected incorrectly, the vehicle may display incorrect tire pressure warnings on the dash. If the tire pressure warning displays, Tesla recommends to exit the vehicle, close all the doors and the rear trunk, wait for the touch-screen to display in all black, then re-enter the vehicle and select the correct tire size before selecting “RESET” again.
- Do not reset the TPMS sensors in an attempt to clear tire pressure warnings; it is illegal to disable TPMS warning systems in the United States.
- Tesla recommends to use tires that match the original specifications as indicated on the tire placard; as it can affect vehicle performance, according to Tesla.
- The auto relearn process can take up to 20 minutes during driving.
Download the Tesla TPMS information online
