Back to 2012 Ford F-150

2012 FORD F-150

3.5L V6 EcoBoost4WDAUTOMATICgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs445Labor566Torque3789Fluid9DTC949Battery1Maintenance0Recalls4
maintenance

TPMS Relearn

for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
24 min
Tools
3
Steps
7

This procedure relearns the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor IDs to the vehicle's control module after tire rotation, sensor replacement, or low pressure warnings.

Warnings

Ensure all tires are inflated to the specification on the door jamb sticker before beginning the relearn procedure. Incorrect tire pressure will cause the relearn to fail.
ℹ️The 2011-2014 F-150 does not support the drive-to-relearn method. You must use a TPMS relearn tool or diagnostic scan tool.
ℹ️The TPMS sensors activate only when tire pressure changes or when triggered by a relearn tool. Sensors enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of no movement.

Tools required

TPMS relearn tool or Ford IDS scan toolEssential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
Air compressor

Preparation

  1. Verify all four tires (and spare if equipped with TPMS) are inflated to the pressure specified on the driver door jamb sticker
  2. Ensure the ignition key is available and battery is in good condition
  3. Park vehicle on level ground in a safe location with room to access all four wheels
  4. Check that no TPMS sensors have physical damage or missing valve caps

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access TPMS relearn mode
    Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off). Press and release the brake pedal. Turn the ignition OFF, then back to ON three times, ending in the ON position. Press and release the brake pedal again. Turn the ignition OFF. This initializes the system for relearn mode.
  2. 2
    Enter relearn mode using scan tool method
    Connect the Ford IDS scan tool or equivalent TPMS relearn tool to the OBD-II port located below the steering column. Navigate to the TPMS module and select 'Train Tire Sensors' or 'TPMS Relearn' function. Follow the on-screen prompts to place the system into relearn mode. The horn will chirp once to confirm the system is ready.
  3. 3
    Relearn left front sensor
    Starting with the left front tire, place the TPMS relearn tool against the tire sidewall near the valve stem. Press the button on the tool to activate the sensor. Hold until the horn chirps, confirming the sensor ID has been received. If using a professional scan tool, follow the tool's prompts to trigger the sensor. Wait for the horn chirp before proceeding.
  4. 4
    Relearn right front sensor
    Move to the right front tire. Place the TPMS relearn tool against the tire sidewall near the valve stem and activate the sensor. Wait for the horn to chirp, confirming the sensor ID has been learned. The system will automatically advance to the next position after each successful read.
  5. 5
    Relearn right rear sensor
    Move to the right rear tire. Place the TPMS relearn tool against the tire sidewall near the valve stem and activate the sensor. Wait for the horn to chirp. The relearn sequence must be completed in the correct order: LF, RF, RR, LR.
  6. 6
    Relearn left rear sensor
    Move to the left rear tire. Place the TPMS relearn tool against the tire sidewall near the valve stem and activate the sensor. Wait for the horn to chirp twice, indicating all four sensors have been successfully learned and the relearn procedure is complete.
  7. 7
    Complete relearn process
    Turn the ignition OFF, then start the engine. Allow the vehicle to run for at least 1 minute. The TPMS warning light should extinguish within 2 minutes of driving above 20 mph. If using a scan tool, verify the system shows all four sensor IDs correctly stored in the control module.

Reassembly

  1. No disassembly required for this procedure

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify the TPMS warning light illuminates for 3-5 seconds during bulb check, then extinguishes
  • Drive the vehicle above 20 mph for at least 2 minutes to allow the system to verify all sensors are communicating
  • Use a scan tool to read live TPMS data and confirm all four tire pressures are displaying correctly
  • If the TPMS light remains illuminated or flashes, repeat the relearn procedure or check for faulty sensors

More procedures for this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →