Mazda 3 TPMS (2004-2019)

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 Mazda 3 is equipped with indirect and direct TPMS systems, depending on the year. A direct TPMS system has 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). An indirect system does not have sensors in the wheels and uses the ABS system to communicate when tire pressure is low in one or more tires.

According to the TIA relearn chart, for years 2004-2013 when the Mazda 3 was manufactured with a direct TPMS system, a TPMS relearn is recommended only when replacing a TPMS sensor. For years 2014-2019 when the was manufactured with an indirect TPMS system, a TPMS relearn or re-calibration is recommended when changing air pressure, rotating tires, and replacing a TPMS sensor.

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS, 2004-2013: TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated via radio frequency (RF) technology from the sensor to the vehicle’s ECU
• Indirect TPMS, 2014-2019: TPMS sensors are not installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated through the ABS system measuring tire rotation speed.

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:

• 315MHz (direct TPMS system only)

Type of Relearn procedures:

• Auto relearn procedure, years 2004-2013
• Indirect relearn procedure, years 2014-2019

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• TPMS activation tool such as VT15, VT31, VT36 or VT56 for auto relearn and indirect relearn

Auto relearn procedure (years 2004-2013):

• Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
• Adjust tire pressure to placard value
• Hold TPMS tester on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem, use TPMS tool to activate the sensor
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Turn the ignition ON
• Turn the ignition OFF
• Wait for 15 minutes
• Drive vehicle for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph or until TPMS light is off

Indirect relearn procedure (years 2014-2019):

• Adjust tire pressure to placard value
• Apply parking brake
• Turn ignition ON
• Push and hold SET button for at least 3 seconds
• Audible sound will alert when TPMS calibration is complete

Troubleshooting tips

When servicing a Mazda 3, perform “CHECK TPM” before working on the vehicle. Using the VT56 or VT46 brands, the tool will be able to display if the vehicle is manufactured with a direct or indirect system.

• From the main menu, go to CHECK TPM
• Select MAZDA (vehicle make), 3 (vehicle model)
• From the YEAR menu, the tool will indicate if the vehicle is an indirect system.

If the vehicle is an indirect system, no sensors are in the wheel, and an indirect relearn should be performed when changing air pressure, rotating tires, and replacing a TPMS sensor to turn the TPMS light off.