Infiniti TPMS Warning Light Reset Guide: Get That Light Off for Good
You’re cruising down the highway in your Infiniti Q50, enjoying the perfect balance of luxury and performance, when suddenly—a yellow light pops up on your dashboard. It’s the tire pressure warning light, and it immediately kills that relaxed vibe.
That little warning light is part of your Infiniti’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and it’s there for a reason. It’s designed to keep you safe by alerting you when your tires are significantly under-inflated. While a bit annoying, it’s a crucial safety feature. But what do you do when the light stays on even after you’ve filled your tires? Or worse, what if it starts flashing at you?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about that Infiniti TPMS warning light, from understanding what the different signals mean to step-by-step instructions on how to reset it, including methods using physical buttons, the InTouch touchscreen, or even just a good drive. Let’s get that dashboard back to normal.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Your Infiniti’s TPMS warning light can be a steady yellow glow or a rapid flash. A steady light usually means one or more tires are under-inflated. Inflating all tires to the recommended “COLD” pressure, often found on a sticker inside the driver’s door, will often cause the light to turn off automatically after driving for a bit. A flashing light for about one minute that then stays on indicates a system malfunction, which typically requires a professional diagnostic. For newer models, you can often manually reset the system using the infotainment screen, while older models may have a physical reset button under the dashboard.
Key Takeaways
- Identify the Light: A steady TPMS light means check your tire pressure. A blinking light that flashes for about a minute before staying solid means there’s a problem with the system itself.
- Check Your Tires First: Always check and adjust your tire pressure to the recommended level before trying any reset.
- Drive It Out: Often, simply driving your Infiniti at speeds above 16 mph for several minutes is enough to automatically reset the light after properly inflating your tires.
- Use the Touchscreen: Many newer Infiniti models allow you to perform a reset through the “Settings” menu on the lower display screen.
- Know When to Call a Pro: A flashing light or a light that won’t reset after repeated attempts usually means a faulty sensor or a system issue that needs an Infiniti technician.
Understanding Your Infiniti’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Your Infiniti’s TPMS is an intelligent system designed to keep you safe. Each wheel has a small sensor that measures the air pressure inside the tire and transmits that data to your car’s computer. When the system detects a problem, it alerts you via the warning light on your dashboard.
The Steady Glow vs. The Flash: What They Mean
Not all warning lights are created equal. Your Infiniti uses the behavior of the TPMS light to tell you what’s wrong.
- A Steady, Illuminated TPMS Light: This is the most common scenario. It means the system has detected that the air pressure in at least one of your tires is significantly low. The solution is usually simple: check your tire pressures and inflate them to the correct level.
- A Flashing TPMS Light (for about 1 minute): This is a critical distinction. If the light flashes for about one minute after you start the car and then stays on, it indicates a malfunction within the TPMS itself. As the official Infiniti tech info puts it: “If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute when the ignition switch is pushed ON. The light will remain on after the 1 minute. Have the system checked by an INFINITI retailer.”
The Spare Tire Exception
If you’ve recently put on your spare tire—which typically doesn’t have a TPMS sensor—you’ll see the flashing light scenario. The system can’t communicate with that wheel, triggering the malfunction warning. After one minute of flashing, the light stays solid. The only way to resolve this is to have the original tire repaired and reinstalled or to have a new sensor installed in the new tire by an Infiniti retailer.
How to Reset Your Infiniti TPMS Warning Light
The reset procedure can vary depending on your Infiniti model year. Here are the most common methods.
Method 1: The “Drive It Out” Method
This is often the only method you need. Once you’ve checked and inflated all your tires to the recommended “COLD” tire pressure, the system needs to recalibrate itself. To do this, simply drive your car. The sensors need to be in motion to send a new, accurate signal.
- The Speeds: Drive at speeds above 16 mph. In some cases, driving at 50 mph for about 10 minutes can do the trick.
- The Results: After driving for a bit, the TPMS should receive the new pressure data, and the warning light should turn off on its own the next time you start the car.
Method 2: Using the Physical Reset Button
Some older Infiniti models have a dedicated TPMS reset button.
- Locate the Button: It’s often found under the steering wheel or on the lower part of the dashboard.
- Turn Ignition “ON”: Get in the car and turn the ignition to the “On” position without starting the engine.
- Press and Hold: Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it.
- Start and Wait: Start the car and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes to let the sensors refresh.
Method 3: Using the Infiniti InTouch Touchscreen
This is the primary method for newer, more modern Infiniti models with the dual-screen setup. It’s a straightforward process that many owners prefer.
- Turn On the Car: Start your Infiniti.
- Navigate the Menu: On the lower touchscreen display, press the “MENU” button. Then touch “Settings”.
- Find TPMS: Look for and select “Meter” or “Meter Setting”. From there, you should see an option for “TPMS Setting”.
- Select “Reset”: Choose the “Tire Pressure Reset” option.
- Confirm: A prompt will appear asking you to confirm the reset. Select “OK” or “YES”.
- Drive Again: After completing the reset in the menu, you’ll need to drive the vehicle at speeds above 25 km/h (about 16 mph) for the system to update and confirm the new settings.
Here’s a quick visual guide based on the official Infiniti service information:
flowchart TD
A[Start the vehicle] --> B[Press 'MENU' button]
B --> C[Touch 'Settings']
C --> D[Select 'Meter' or 'Meter Setting']
D --> E[Touch 'TPMS Setting']
E --> F[Select 'Tire Pressure Reset']
F --> G[Confirm by selecting 'OK']
G --> H[Drive above 16 mph to complete reset]Model-Specific Reset Guidance
While the touchscreen and drive-out methods are common across many models, here’s a look at some specific ones.
Infiniti Q50
For the Q50, the process is similar to the touchscreen method. You’ll need to access the “Vehicle Settings” or “System Settings” on the control panel. From there, find “Tire Pressure Initialization” and follow the prompts to complete the reset.
Infiniti QX50
The QX50 follows the general rule: check the pressure of all four tires and ensure they meet the recommended COLD tire pressure as indicated on the tire placard. After adjusting, simply driving for a while should turn off the light. If you have a spare on, you’ll need to visit a dealer for the full reset.
Infiniti EX25 / FX Series
For older models like the EX25 and FX, a thorough check of tire pressure is the first step. If the pressure is correct but the light remains, it often indicates a sensor issue. In the case of a 2005 Infiniti FX, a persistent warning was traced back to failing TPMS sensors with depleted batteries. Replacing the sensors completely resolved the issue.
Real-World Scenarios: What Other Infiniti Owners Are Experiencing
The Sensor That Wasn’t Sending a Signal
A frustrated Infiniti FX owner wrote on a forum: “The persistent ‘Tire pressure too low’ warning on a 2005 Infiniti FX, despite proper tire inflation, was likely due to faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors. The issue was suspected to be caused by depleted batteries within the sensors.” A diagnostic using a TPMS scan tool confirmed the sensors were not transmitting signals. Replacing the sensors resolved the warning issue for about €280.
The “Check Tire Pressure” Alert Stuck On
Even newer models can have quirks. Some owners have reported that after the alert appears, simply adjusting the pressure isn’t enough. The TPMS system on some 2011 and newer models displays a “Check Tire Pressure” alert on the display. The correct procedure is to leave the ignition on and set the pressure to the recommended level. A subsequent drive above 16 mph should clear both the light and the message.
Comparison of TPMS Reset Methods
| Reset Method | Best For | Difficulty | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive It Out | All models | Very Easy | Inflate tires, drive above 16 mph, light turns off automatically. |
| Physical Button | Older Infiniti models | Easy | Hold reset button under dash, wait for blink, restart. |
| Touchscreen Menu | Newer Infiniti models | Easy | Navigate Settings > Meter > TPMS Setting > Tire Pressure Reset. |
| Professional Scan Tool | When all else fails | Professional | Dealer/mechanic uses diagnostic tool to check and reset sensor IDs. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my Infiniti TPMS light flashing?
A flashing TPMS light that blinks for about one minute and then stays on indicates a malfunction in the system itself. This means the system can’t communicate with one or more of your tire pressure sensors. It could be a dead sensor battery, a damaged sensor, or a general system error. You should have your vehicle checked by an Infiniti retailer.
Will my TPMS light reset itself?
Yes, in most cases. Once you’ve inflated your tires to the recommended “COLD” tire pressure, the light should turn off on its own after you drive the car for a short while at speeds above 16 mph. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to try one of the manual reset methods.
How do I reset the TPMS on my 2020 Infiniti QX80?
For newer models like the 2020 QX80, the reset is done through the touchscreen. Press the “MENU” button, select “Settings,” then “Meter,” then “TPMS Setting,” and finally “Tire Pressure Reset.” Confirm the selection and then drive the car to complete the process.
Can I drive with the TPMS light on?
Yes, but with caution. A steady light means you have low tire pressure, which can affect handling, fuel economy, and tire life. You should check and inflate your tires as soon as possible. A flashing light means there’s a system issue, but your tires might be fine. Regardless, it’s a sign you should get it checked out soon.
Why won’t my tire pressure light turn off even after filling tires?
There are a few reasons. You might have a slow leak, one of your TPMS sensors might be failing, or you may need to manually reset the system via the touchscreen or by driving. If you’ve tried driving and the touchscreen reset with no luck, it’s time to see a professional mechanic.
The Verdict: Stay Safe and Keep Rolling
The TPMS warning light is a small but mighty guardian of your Infiniti’s safety and performance. Understanding the difference between a steady glow and a flashing light is the key to knowing whether it’s a simple fix or a sign of a bigger issue. In most cases, a quick trip to the air pump and a short drive is all it takes to put that light to bed. But when it starts flashing, or when it stubbornly refuses to reset, it’s a clear signal to let the experts take over.
Have you had a stubborn TPMS light in your Infiniti that you finally beat? Share your story or any questions in the comments below!
Sources and Further Reading: