Locate & Reset Your 2017 Subaru Impreza TPMS Button Fast

Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Ryan

Have you ever experienced that annoying little dashboard light pop up unexpectedly? You know, the one shaped like a tire with an exclamation mark? That’s your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) telling you something is off. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially if your tires seem fine. But don’t worry, for 2017 Impreza Owner’s Manual”>Subaru Impreza owners, resetting this light often just requires finding a hidden button.

Understanding how to locate and use your TPMS reset button is a crucial skill. It can save you a trip to the dealership and grant you peace of mind. Knowing this simple fix ensures your car’s safety features are working as they should. Plus, proper tire pressure is vital for fuel efficiency and extending tire life. This guide will help you quickly get that light turned off and get you back on the road with confidence.

Where to Find the TPMS Reset Button in Your 2017 Subaru Impreza

Locating the TPMS reset button in your 2017 Subaru Impreza is the first step to resolving that pesky dashboard light. Many drivers assume it’s a menu option on the infotainment screen. Or maybe they think it’s a button on the steering wheel. However, for your model year, the button is discreetly placed. It requires a bit of looking, but once you know where, it’s easy.

Understanding the Button’s Purpose

It is important to understand what this button actually does. The TPMS reset button doesn’t fix a tire leak. It also won’t magically reinflate your tires. Its primary function is to recalibrate your car’s TPMS system. This is necessary after you’ve adjusted tire pressure. It is also used after rotating your tires, or installing new ones. Think of it as telling your car, “Hey, I’ve fixed the issue, please re-learn the correct pressures.” If the light comes on due to a genuine low tire, you must address that first. Always check your tire pressure before attempting a reset.

Pinpointing the Exact Location

For your 2017 Subaru Impreza, the TPMS reset button is typically found on the lower left side of the driver’s dashboard. This area is often referred to as the “knee bolster” panel. It’s usually tucked away near the fuse box access panel. You might need to squat down or lean in to get a good look.

Here’s a more specific guide to find it:

• Location: Look under the dashboard, to the left of the steering wheel.
• Panel: It’s commonly situated on the panel below the steering column. This is near where your left knee would be while driving.
• Appearance: The button itself is small. It’s often black or dark grey. It might be recessed to prevent accidental pressing.
• Labeling: It might be labeled “SET,” “TPMS,” or have a small tire icon. Sometimes, it might not have a label at all, just a small, round button.
• Tip: Use a flashlight if the area is dark. Your owner’s manual will also have a diagram showing its precise location. You’ll find it under the “Tire Pressure Monitoring System” section.

Once you locate it, half the battle is won. Now you’re ready for the actual reset process.

Step-by-Step Guide: Resetting Your 2017 Impreza’s TPMS

Now that you’ve successfully found the TPMS reset button, it’s time to put it to use. Resetting the system is a straightforward process. However, there are a few important steps to follow. Doing it correctly ensures the system recalibrates properly. This will make that annoying light disappear for good, assuming there isn’t an underlying problem. Always prioritize safety and accuracy when dealing with your car’s systems.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before you even touch that reset button, preparation is key. Skipping these initial steps can lead to the light reappearing. Or it might cause the system to fail to reset. Your TPMS light is often a warning. You must address the actual tire pressure first.

Follow these crucial preliminary steps:

• Check All Tire Pressures: This is the most critical step. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge. Inflate all four tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. You’ll find this information on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb. Never rely solely on the “look” of the tire.
• Consider the Spare: If your 2017 Impreza has a full-size spare tire with a sensor, check its pressure too. An underinflated spare can sometimes trigger the light.
• Cold Tires Are Best: Check tire pressure when the tires are “cold.” This means your car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours. Driving heats tires, which temporarily increases pressure. Cold readings are more accurate.
• Park Safely: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface. The engine should be off, but you’ll need the ignition set to “ON” for the reset.

Once all your tires are at the correct pressure, you are ready to proceed with the reset.

The Simple Reset Process

With your tires properly inflated, resetting the TPMS is quick and easy. Just follow these steps carefully:

1. Turn the Ignition ON: Get into your 2017 Impreza. Insert your key and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine. If your car has a push-button start, press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. You’ll see all your dashboard lights illuminate.
2. Locate the TPMS Reset Button: Find the small button you identified earlier. It’s typically under the dashboard, to the left of the steering wheel.
3. Press and Hold: Firmly press and hold this TPMS reset button. Keep holding it down.
4. Watch for the Light: After a few seconds (usually 3-5 seconds), the TPMS warning light on your dashboard will blink several times. This blinking indicates that the system has entered calibration mode.
5. Release the Button: Once the light blinks, you can release the reset button.
6. Start the Engine and Drive: Start your Impreza’s engine. Then, drive your car for at least 10-20 minutes. Maintain a speed above 20 mph (32 km/h). The system needs to drive to properly re-learn the new tire pressure values.
7. Observe the Light: During this driving period, the TPMS light should turn off. If it goes off, congratulations, your system has been successfully reset!

If the light does not turn off after driving, or if it comes back on shortly after, there might be a more significant issue. This could include a slow leak, a faulty sensor, or a system malfunction. In such cases, professional assistance might be necessary to diagnose the problem.

Common Reasons for TPMS Light and Troubleshooting Tips

You’ve checked your tires and found the reset button, but your TPMS light is still on, or it keeps coming back. Understanding why the light illuminates is crucial for effective troubleshooting. It’s not always just about low pressure!

Why Your TPMS Light Might Be On

Beyond simply having a flat or underinflated tire, several factors can trigger your Impreza’s TPMS warning:

• Significant Temperature Fluctuations: Cold weather causes air to contract, leading to lower tire pressure readings. Hot weather can cause pressure to increase. A sudden drop in temperature is a common culprit for the light appearing in the morning.
• Sensor Battery Life: Each TPMS sensor inside your tires has a battery. These typically last 5-10 years. If a sensor’s battery dies, it can no longer transmit data, and the system will flag it.
• Faulty or Damaged Sensor: Sensors can get damaged during tire changes, pothole impacts, or simply wear out over time, leading to inaccurate readings or a complete failure.
• New Tires or Tire Rotations: Sometimes, the system needs a moment to re-learn sensor positions after a rotation or new tire installation. Driving for a bit usually resolves this.
• Spare Tire Confusion: Note that your 2017 Impreza’s spare tire typically does not have a TPMS sensor. If you’ve recently used your spare, the light will remain on until the original, sensor-equipped tire is back on.

Quick Troubleshooting Steps Before Resetting

Before you even think about pressing that reset button, always perform these preliminary checks:

1. Manually Check All Tire Pressures: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge. Do not rely solely on the car’s system for this initial check. Inflate any tires that are below the recommended PSI (found on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb).
2. Inflate to Recommended PSI: Ensure all four main tires are at their specified pressure. Even a few PSI below the recommended level can trigger the light.
3. Drive for a Bit: After adjusting pressures, drive your Impreza for at least 15-20 minutes at speeds above 25 mph. This gives the sensors time to update their readings and transmit to the system. Sometimes, the light will turn off on its own.
4. Inspect for Visible Damage: Give each tire a quick visual inspection for punctures, bulges, or embedded objects. A slow leak might not be immediately obvious on the gauge but could be the root cause.

Only after these steps should you proceed with the manual reset process, if the light remains stubbornly illuminated.

Understanding Your TPMS: Maintenance and When to Seek Professional Help

Your TPMS is a critical safety feature. Proper maintenance ensures it continues to protect you, and knowing when to call in the experts can save you headaches and potential hazards.

Essential TPMS Maintenance Practices

Keeping your TPMS healthy is part of good vehicle ownership:

• Regular Tire Rotations: During routine tire rotations (every 5,000-7,500 miles), your mechanic should check the TPMS sensors for any signs of damage or wear.
• Tire Replacements: When you get new tires, it’s a perfect time to have the TPMS sensors inspected. Often, the valve stem kits (the rubber or metal parts connecting the sensor to the wheel) need to be replaced. If sensors are old, consider replacing them to avoid future issues.
• Seasonal Tire Changes: If you swap between summer and winter tires, ensure both sets of wheels have functional TPMS sensors, or be prepared for the light to stay on if one set lacks them. Your Subaru may need to “re-learn” the sensors each time.
• Proper Torque: When installing or removing tires, ensure lug nuts are torqued correctly. Improper torque can cause uneven wear or even damage to the TPMS sensor if the tire isn’t seated properly.

Being proactive with these small maintenance steps can greatly extend the life of your TPMS system.

When to Consult a Professional

While DIY troubleshooting is empowering, some situations warrant a trip to your Subaru dealership or a trusted independent mechanic:

• Persistent Light After Reset: If the TPMS light remains on even after checking pressures, driving, and successfully pressing the reset button, there might be a deeper issue like a dead sensor battery or a faulty sensor.
• Flashing TPMS Light: A flashing TPMS light (it blinks for a period then stays solid) usually indicates a system malfunction rather than just low pressure. This means one or more sensors might have failed, or there’s an issue with the TPMS control module itself. This is a sign to seek immediate professional help.
• Difficulty Locating/Performing Reset: If you’re struggling to find the button or the reset procedure isn’t working as described, a technician can quickly pinpoint the problem.
• Physical Damage to a Sensor: If a tire technician informs you that a sensor was damaged during a tire service, it will need to be replaced and reprogrammed.
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Professional tools can read specific TPMS-related diagnostic codes, providing a precise diagnosis that isn’t possible with basic checks.

Don’t ignore a persistent or flashing TPMS light. It’s not just an annoyance; it’s your car’s way of telling you there’s a safety concern related to your tires.

Conclusion

Navigating your 2017 Subaru Impreza’s TPMS light doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding its purpose, knowing the precise location of your reset button (often under the dash to the right of the steering column), and following the simple reset steps, you’re well-equipped to handle common warnings.

Remember to always start by checking your tire pressures with a reliable gauge. If the light persists after a drive and a manual reset, or if it begins to flash, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Your TPMS is a vital safety system, ensuring your tires are always ready for the road ahead. Stay safe and informed!