maintenance
TPMS Sensor
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
9
Steps
10
This procedure covers the replacement of a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine.
Warnings
⚠TPMS sensors are fragile electronic components. Avoid dropping or striking the sensor during installation.
⚠Do not over-tighten TPMS sensor mounting hardware as this can damage the sensor or valve stem.
ℹ️TPMS sensors must be programmed or relearned to the vehicle after installation. This requires a TPMS activation tool or Honda diagnostic system.
ℹ️Verify the correct tire pressure specification on the driver door jamb label before inflating tires.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Tire iron or impact wrench
Valve core removal toolEssential
Tire mounting machine or manual tire spoonsEssential
TPMS activation toolEssential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
Bead breakerEssential
Parts
- TPMS sensor × 1 — Use OEM Honda TPMS sensor or compatible aftermarket
- TPMS valve core × 1 — Included with most TPMS sensors
- TPMS grommet/seal × 1 — Replace if damaged or cracked
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Locate the affected wheel with the faulty TPMS sensor (use TPMS diagnostic tool to identify which sensor has failed)
- Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly while vehicle is on the ground
- Safely raise vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands
- Remove wheel completely
Procedure
- 1Remove wheel from vehicleWith vehicle safely supported on jack stands, remove the wheel lug nuts completely and remove the wheel from the hub. Set wheel on a clean work surface for tire dismounting.
- 2Deflate tire completelyUsing a valve core removal tool, remove the valve core from the TPMS sensor valve stem to completely deflate the tire. Ensure all air pressure is released before attempting to break the bead.
- 3Break tire beadUse a bead breaker or tire machine to break both the inner and outer beads of the tire away from the wheel rim. Work around the entire circumference to ensure the bead is completely separated on both sides.
- 4Remove tire from wheelUsing a tire mounting machine or manual tire spoons, carefully dismount the tire from the wheel. Work slowly near the TPMS sensor location to avoid damaging the sensor during removal. Note the rotational position of the old sensor for reference.⚠Use plastic tire spoons or protective covers when working near the TPMS sensor to prevent damage to the sensor body.
- 5Remove old TPMS sensorFrom inside the wheel, remove the retaining nut or clip securing the TPMS sensor to the wheel. Carefully pull the sensor and valve stem through the wheel rim hole from the outside. Inspect the grommet/seal for damage.
- 6Install new TPMS sensorInstall a new grommet/seal onto the new TPMS sensor valve stem if required. Insert the sensor valve stem through the wheel rim hole from the outside. From inside the wheel, install the retaining nut or clip and tighten by hand only - do not over-torque the sensor mounting hardware. Ensure the sensor body is positioned correctly according to manufacturer specifications.⚠Hand-tighten TPMS sensor mounting nut only. Over-tightening can crack the sensor body or damage internal components.
- 7Remount tire onto wheelUsing the tire mounting machine or manual tire spoons, carefully mount the tire back onto the wheel rim. Ensure the tire bead is properly seated in the drop center of the rim. Work carefully to avoid contacting or damaging the newly installed TPMS sensor.
- 8Seat tire bead and inflateInstall a new valve core into the TPMS sensor valve stem. Inflate the tire to seat both beads properly on the rim. You may hear audible pops as the beads seat. Once beads are seated, adjust tire pressure to the specification shown on the driver door jamb label (typically 32-35 PSI for the Honda Accord).
- 9Reinstall wheel on vehicleMount the wheel back onto the hub, ensuring it sits flush against the mounting surface. Install all lug nuts by hand first. Torque the lug nuts to specification using a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
- 10Program TPMS sensorUse a TPMS activation tool or Honda HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to program the new TPMS sensor to the vehicle. Follow the tool manufacturer's instructions for your specific programming tool. The sensor must transmit its unique ID to the vehicle's TPMS control module. Some sensors are automatically learned during a drive cycle, while others require manual programming.
Reassembly
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground using star pattern
- Clear any TPMS fault codes from vehicle computer using diagnostic tool if necessary
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify the TPMS warning light turns off after a few seconds of driving (may require up to 10 minutes of driving)
- Use a TPMS scan tool to verify the new sensor is transmitting properly and the vehicle is receiving the signal
- Check tire pressure with a gauge to confirm it matches the door jamb specification
- Verify all four TPMS sensors are reporting correct pressures on the instrument cluster display if equipped
- Test drive the vehicle and confirm the TPMS light does not illuminate