Do you have a stubbornly glowing dashboard TPMS light on your Kia Sportage? Since I’ve been a mechanic for 20 years, I’ve encountered this problem quite a few times.
Regardless of whether you own an older model with a reset button or a newer model with self-resetting capability, I aim to provide you with all the information you need to know about resetting the Kia Sportage TPMS.
Kia Sportage TPMS System Understanding
To understand why the Kia Sportage TPMS is so important, let’s take a look at how to reset it.
How does TPMS work?
The term Tire Pressure Monitoring System refers to a system that monitors tire pressure. An under-inflated tire alert is designed to warn you of dangerous driving conditions when a tire is significantly underinflated.
Kia Sportage TPMS: Old vs. New
| Feature | Pre-2010 Kia Sportage TPMS | 2010+ Kia Sportage TPMS |
| Reset Method | TPMS button | “Self-resetting” system |
| Ease of Use | Simple | Complex |
| Sensitivity | Moderate | High |
| User Intervention Required | Minimal | Frequent |
The self-resetting systems on new Kia Sportage models can be oversensitive, triggering the TPMS light unnecessarily. If you need to reset your Kia Sportage TPMS, I’ve got a few proven methods you can use.
The 3 Best Ways to Reset Kia Sportage TPMS
Method 1: Driving Techniques
Kia Sportage TPMS systems from both old and new can be programmed using the following method:
- The pressure should be set at the recommended level for all tires (including the spare).
- The Kia Sportage has been tasked with driving at a speed of 50+ mph for 10 minutes.
- The engine should be turned off, parked, and then restarted.
Pro Tip: Check your tire pressure when your tires are cold. Tire pressure readings can increase if you drive even a short distance.
Method 2: The Battery Reset
Here is another driving technique that might work if the first one doesn’t:
- Positively connect the battery terminals and disconnect them.
- You can drain residual power by turning the key or pressing the horn.
- The engine should be started after reconnecting the battery.
Safety Note: When working with car batteries, it is recommended that gloves be worn and eye protection be worn. Please seek professional advice if this is not something you feel comfortable with.
Method 3: Adjusting the pressure
If all else fails, try the following method:
- Three PSI should be added to each tire.
- During the drive, drive at highway speeds for 10 minutes.
- When the TPMS light continues to illuminate:
- All tires should be completely deflated.
- Make sure all tires are properly inflated.
Important: Using this method regularly can damage your tires, so it should be used sparingly.
Problems with Kia Sportage TPMS
There are a variety of issues owners of Kia Sportage can encounter beyond resetting the TPMS:
- Faulty TPMS sensors: It usually takes 5-7 years for these sensors to fail.
- Corroded valve stems: TPMS warnings may be triggered by leaking valve stems.
- Temperature fluctuations: Decreased temperatures will result in a reduction in tire pressure and activation of TPMS.
The importance of TPMS in the Kia Sportage
You shouldn’t ignore those pesky dashboard lights when it comes to tire pressure. For the following reasons, it’s crucial:
- Improved road handling: Having properly inflated tires helps you handle the road and brake faster.
- Fuel economy: Lower tire pressure degrades fuel economy by up to three percent.
- Preserving the life of your tires: Maintaining the right pressure leads to even wear and a long life for your tires.
- Comfortable ride: Properly inflated tires absorb imperfections in the road more effectively.
TPMS Issues in the Kia Sportage:
TPMS lighting on your Kia Sportage may be due to a malfunctioning sensor. You need to speak with a professional if you have tried these methods. TPMS sensors might require expert diagnosis if there are underlying issues. Professional help is needed if you experience any of the following signs:
- A flashing TPMS light precedes a steady illumination
- An intermittent light appears on the TPMS
- A recent tire repair has been performed on your vehicle
The Kia Sportage TPMS design: A mechanic’s opinion
Professionally, I am not a fan of Kia’s new TPMS system with self-resetting features.
Even though it may appear high-tech, it can be more trouble than it is worth. It was more user-friendly and efficient when there was a simple reset button on the old system.
Therefore, the intention behind it is good: It is designed to reduce user error and increase accuracy when reading tire pressures. As a result of its high sensitivity, it may cause false alarms, which may result in drivers ignoring really important issues.
Kia Sportage TPMS Maintenance
Keep your TPMS in good working order by following these steps:
- Make sure that the spare tire is inflated monthly as well.
- Tires should be rotated on a regular basis (every 5,000 to 8,000 miles).
- Routine maintenance should include checking the TPMS sensors.
- If the TPMS light appears, don’t ignore it – take action as soon as possible.
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Conclusion
There’s no need to worry about resetting your Kia Sportage TPMS. It is possible for you to solve this problem like a pro with these methods and knowledge. Keeping your Kia Sportage’s TPMS in good working order won’t just prevent an annoying light – it’ll ensure it runs smoothly and safely.
