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How to Reset Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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Your Cadillac's safety features include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, among other equipment such as ABS, several airbags, and a StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control. Read on as our article explores how to perform a Cadillac tire pressure sensor reset in detail. Ensuring your Cadillac tires are operating at their optimal performance level is critical, bearing in mind that the four small tire patches where your tires meet the road are the only parts of your vehicle in contact with the road surface. Making sure that the TPMS on your Cadillac is working at 100 percent is important, much like regular tire rotation and wheel alignment, for your continued safety.
What is TPMS?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS for short, is a lifesaver and works seamlessly in the background along with all the other safety items and driver assistance aids, keeping you and your passengers safe and sound. Very simply, the TPMS is a tire-pressure monitoring system that uses small, battery-powered sensors inside your Cadillac's tires to monitor the air pressure inside and alert the driver when the pressure inside any of the tires drops below a safe level. Typically, these sensors are located near the valve stems in the tires. Real-time pressure readings are transferred wirelessly to the system for processing. If underinflation of the tires is detected, the TPMS will alert the driver with a warning light on the dashboard or as a message on your Cadillac's Driver Information Center.
Types of TPMS: Direct vs. Indirect
There are two types of TPMS that are used by automakers.
Direct TPMS makes use of the sensors located within the tires of your Cadillac that measure internal tire pressure directly, as mentioned. At the same time, the indirect TPMS piggybacks on a vehicle's ABS wheel speed sensors that use any wheel speed rotation variations to infer low tire pressure. The direct TPMS is the more costly but accurate of the two types as it instantly detects any sudden pressure loss. However, the sensors can be damaged when changing tires.
Indirect TPMS is a simpler and inexpensive system but does not offer the same accuracy and quick response time as the direct TPMS system, as drivers must travel a substantial distance before the TPMS generates an alert.
When to Reset Your TPMS
We take a look at some of the instances where performing a Cadillac tire pressure sensor reset is required to ensure continued accurate pressure readings and proper functioning of the TPMS.
After Tire Rotation
Rotating your Cadillac's tires will mean that the sensors move location. To ensure that the TPMS recognizes the sensor's new tire location, a system reset is necessary.
After Tire Replacement
When replacing your vehicle's tires, there's no guarantee that the sensors will return to their original position. Resetting the TPMS will be necessary to allow the TPMS to recognize the new sensors in their new positions.
Warning Light Activation
When the warning light activates to alert the driver to an underinflated tire or, in the worst-case scenario, an immediate loss of pressure in the event of a blowout, then the TPMS will need to be reset once the underlying issue has been resolved.
Steps to Reset Your TPMS
Doing a Cadillac tire pressure sensor reset will require a few easy steps.
Checking Tire Pressure
Going to the root of the problem will typically reveal a tire that has lost pressure. Using an accurate tire pressure gauge on all four corners to check tire pressure is necessary. Tires should always be inflated to the correct pressures, as stated by the manufacturer. Tire pressure recommendations can be found in your owner's manual or are normally available on a small label affixed to the driver's side door jamb.
Using the TPMS Reset Button
The TPMS is reset via a reset button. Depending on your Cadillac model, the reset button may be in various locations under the steering wheel. It's best to consult your owner's manual for the exact location of this button. Your Cadillac's ignition must be on before pressing and holding the button down until the warning light blinks three times. The button must then be released, and the vehicle started. The sensors will take up to around 20 minutes of driving to refresh.
Resetting via Vehicle Settings Menu
The TPMS can also be conveniently accessed and reset via your Cadillac's settings menu. Simply navigate through your Cadillac's infotainment display audio system to access the TPMS calibration menu and follow the onscreen prompts.
FAQs
We share some responses to frequently asked questions pertaining to the Cadillac TPMS and tire maintenance.
How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure?
It is recommended to check the pressure of your vehicle's tires at a minimum, once a month, or ideally every week to ensure the best performance of your Cadillac tires. It's highly recommended to use a reliable tire pressure gauge before setting off on any long journey, especially when your vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo, to ensure optimal tire performance and safety.
Can I Reset the TPMS Without a Professional?
Following the advice shared in our article will help you do a Cadillac tire pressure sensor reset quickly, without fuss, and typically without the need for a professional. However, if none of the steps shared above work to reset the system, then it's best to take your vehicle to a professional service center for further attention.
What Should I Do If the TPMS Light Comes Back On?
It's recommended to check for obvious problems, such as underinflated tires, first. If inflating tires to the correct pressures does not resolve the alert coming back on, then it's time for some professional help.
Are There Any Risks of Ignoring the TPMS Warning Light?
Yes, ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous. Underinflated tires are more likely to suffer a potentially life-threatening blowout. Low tire pressure will also affect your car's braking and handling performance, compromising your safety.
Get Your Cadillac Serviced at Colonial Cadillac
Experience great service at Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT, whether it's a tire service, battery service, or a Cadillac tire pressure sensor reset. Colonial Cadillac's certified service experts are trained to know every inch of your Cadillac vehicle, enabling our service department team to keep your Cadillac operating the way it was designed to.
