How to Clear Flat Tire Warning on Infiniti Q50

Clearing the flat tire warning on your Infiniti Q50 is simple once you understand the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This guide walks you through resetting the warning light after fixing a flat, replacing a sensor, or adjusting tire pressure—ensuring your dashboard stays clean and your ride stays safe.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the TPMS: The Infiniti Q50 uses a direct tire pressure monitoring system that detects low pressure and triggers a warning light on the dashboard.
• Check tire pressure first: Always verify that all tires—including the spare if equipped—are inflated to the recommended PSI before attempting to reset the warning.
• Use the reset button: Most Q50 models have a TPMS reset button located under the steering wheel or near the fuse panel—press it after inflating tires to clear the warning.
• Drive to reset automatically: On some models, driving at speeds above 20 mph for 10–15 minutes can allow the system to recalibrate and turn off the light.
• Scan tool may be needed: If the light persists, a professional OBD2 scanner or dealership tool may be required to reset or reprogram faulty sensors.
• Replace faulty sensors: TPMS sensors have a 5–10 year lifespan and may need replacement if damaged or depleted.
• Prevent future warnings: Regularly check tire pressure monthly and before long trips to avoid unnecessary alerts.

Understanding the Infiniti Q50 Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sedan known for its smooth ride, advanced technology, and attention to safety. One of the key safety features integrated into this vehicle is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS. This system constantly monitors the air pressure in each of your tires and alerts you if one or more tires fall below the recommended level. When the system detects low pressure, it triggers a warning light on your dashboard—often shaped like a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside.

This warning isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical safety alert. Underinflated tires can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, poor handling, increased tire wear, and even blowouts at high speeds. That’s why it’s essential to respond quickly when the flat tire warning appears. But what many Q50 owners don’t realize is that the warning light doesn’t always mean you have a flat. Sometimes, it’s triggered by a sudden drop in temperature, a slow leak, or even a sensor malfunction.

The Infiniti Q50 uses a direct TPMS, meaning each wheel has its own sensor mounted inside the tire valve stem. These sensors transmit real-time pressure data to the vehicle’s computer system. Unlike indirect systems that estimate pressure based on wheel speed, direct TPMS offers accurate, tire-specific readings. This precision helps drivers maintain optimal tire health and performance.

Knowing how your TPMS works is the first step in effectively managing and clearing the flat tire warning. Whether you’ve just patched a puncture, replaced a tire, or simply aired up your tires after a cold night, understanding the system ensures you can reset the warning correctly and confidently.

Why the Flat Tire Warning Light Comes On

There are several reasons why the flat tire warning light might illuminate on your Infiniti Q50. While a literal flat tire is the most obvious cause, it’s not the only one. Let’s break down the common triggers so you can diagnose the issue accurately.

First and foremost, low tire pressure is the leading cause. The TPMS is designed to alert you when tire pressure drops 25% or more below the manufacturer’s recommended level. For the Infiniti Q50, that’s typically around 32–35 PSI, depending on the model year and trim. If you’ve recently driven through a cold snap, you might notice the light come on—even if your tires were properly inflated before. That’s because air contracts in cold temperatures, reducing pressure inside the tire.

Another common cause is a slow leak. This could be due to a nail, screw, or other debris embedded in the tread, a damaged valve stem, or a worn wheel seal. Slow leaks often go unnoticed until the pressure drops enough to trigger the TPMS. In some cases, the leak might be so gradual that you don’t feel a difference in handling, but the sensor picks it up immediately.

Sensor malfunction is another possibility. TPMS sensors are powered by small batteries that last about 5 to 10 years. Once the battery dies, the sensor can no longer transmit data, which may cause the system to flag that tire as “missing” or low. Additionally, physical damage—like hitting a pothole or curb—can crack the sensor housing or dislodge it from the valve stem.

Sometimes, the warning appears after a tire rotation or replacement. If the new tires weren’t properly programmed into the system, or if the sensors weren’t relearned, the TPMS may not recognize them, leading to a persistent warning light. This is especially common if you’ve had work done at a shop that didn’t use the proper relearn procedure.

Lastly, electrical issues or software glitches can cause false alerts. While rare, a faulty control module or interrupted communication between sensors and the vehicle’s computer can result in an inaccurate warning. In such cases, a diagnostic scan is usually needed to pinpoint the problem.

Understanding these causes helps you respond appropriately. If the light comes on, don’t panic—check your tires, assess the situation, and take the right steps to resolve it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing the Flat Tire Warning

Clearing the flat tire warning on your Infiniti Q50 is a straightforward process, but it requires a few key steps. Whether you’ve just fixed a flat, inflated your tires, or replaced a sensor, following this guide will help you reset the system and turn off the warning light.

Step 1: Check and Inflate All Tires

Before attempting any reset, make sure all four tires—and the spare if your Q50 is equipped with one—are properly inflated. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check each tire. The recommended pressure is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. For most Q50 models, it’s between 32 and 35 PSI.

If any tire is low, inflate it to the correct level. Be sure to check the pressure when the tires are cold (i.e., the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours). Driving heats up the tires and increases pressure, which can give a false reading.

Pro tip: Keep a portable air compressor in your trunk. It’s a lifesaver on road trips or during winter months when temperature swings can cause pressure drops.

Step 2: Locate the TPMS Reset Button

Once your tires are properly inflated, it’s time to reset the system. On most Infiniti Q50 models (especially those from 2014 to 2020), there’s a TPMS reset button located under the steering column, near the fuse panel. You may need to crouch down and look up from the driver’s footwell to find it.

The button is usually small, black, and labeled “SET” or “TPMS.” It might be behind a removable panel or tucked beside other switches. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble locating it—Infiniti often includes a diagram showing its exact position.

Step 3: Turn the Ignition to the “On” Position

With the tires inflated and the reset button located, turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine—just turn it so that the dashboard lights up and the electronics are active. This powers up the TPMS system and prepares it for the reset sequence.

If you have a push-button start, press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This will activate the accessory and ignition modes without cranking the engine.

Step 4: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Now, press and hold the TPMS reset button for about 5 to 10 seconds. You should see the tire pressure warning light on the dashboard begin to blink. This indicates that the system is in reset mode.

Keep holding the button until the light blinks three times, then release it. On some models, the horn may chirp once to confirm the reset. If you don’t see a blinking light or hear a chirp, try repeating the process—sometimes it takes a second attempt.

Step 5: Drive the Vehicle to Complete the Reset

After releasing the button, start the engine and begin driving. The TPMS system needs to recalibrate by detecting the pressure from each sensor as you drive. For most Q50 models, driving at speeds above 20 mph for 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient.

During this drive, avoid sudden accelerations, hard braking, or sharp turns. Smooth, steady driving helps the sensors transmit accurate data. Once the system confirms that all tires are properly pressurized, the warning light should turn off automatically.

If the light remains on after driving, double-check your tire pressures and repeat the reset process. In some cases, the system may need more time to recognize the sensors.

Alternative: Use the Infotainment System (Newer Models)

On newer Infiniti Q50 models (2021 and later), the TPMS reset may be accessible through the infotainment system. To do this:

1. Press the “Menu” button on the center console.
2. Navigate to “Vehicle Settings” or “Settings.”
3. Select “Tire Pressure” or “TPMS.”
4. Choose “Reset” or “Initialize.”
5. Confirm the action when prompted.

Follow the on-screen instructions, and the system will guide you through the reset. This method is more user-friendly and doesn’t require locating a physical button.

When the Warning Light Won’t Turn Off

Sometimes, despite following all the correct steps, the flat tire warning light remains on. This can be frustrating, but it usually points to a deeper issue that needs attention. Let’s explore the most common reasons and how to resolve them.

Faulty or Dead TPMS Sensor

TPMS sensors are not designed to last forever. Their internal batteries typically last between 5 and 10 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions. Once the battery dies, the sensor can no longer send signals to the vehicle’s computer, causing the system to flag that tire as “low” or “missing.”

If you’ve recently had a tire replaced or repaired and the warning light won’t go away, the sensor in that tire may be faulty. You can test this by using a TPMS diagnostic tool or visiting a tire shop. These tools can read the sensor ID and signal strength, helping you determine if it’s working.

Replacing a TPMS sensor isn’t as simple as swapping out a regular valve stem. The new sensor must be programmed to match your vehicle’s system. This usually requires a professional scan tool or dealership equipment. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 per sensor, including installation and programming.

Sensor Not Relearned After Tire Service

If you’ve had your tires rotated, replaced, or repaired at a shop, the TPMS sensors may not have been properly relearned. Each sensor has a unique ID, and the vehicle’s computer must recognize all four (or five, including the spare) to function correctly.

Some shops skip the relearn procedure to save time, assuming the light will reset on its own. But without a proper relearn, the system may continue to show a warning. To fix this, you’ll need to perform a TPMS relearn procedure, which varies by model year.

For many Q50 models, the relearn process involves:

1. Inflating all tires to the correct pressure.
2. Turning the ignition to “ON.”
3. Using a TPMS activation tool to trigger each sensor in a specific order (usually front left, front right, rear right, rear left).
4. Listening for a horn chirp after each sensor is activated.
5. Driving the vehicle to complete the process.

This procedure ensures the vehicle recognizes each sensor and assigns it to the correct wheel position.

Electrical or Software Glitch

In rare cases, the TPMS warning may be caused by an electrical issue or software bug. This could be due to a faulty control module, damaged wiring, or a corrupted software update.

If you’ve ruled out tire pressure and sensor issues, it’s time to visit an Infiniti dealership or a qualified mechanic. They can perform a full diagnostic scan using specialized equipment to check for error codes related to the TPMS system.

Common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) include:

– C1704: TPMS sensor signal missing
– C1705: TPMS sensor battery low
– C1706: TPMS sensor not responding

These codes help pinpoint the exact problem and guide the repair process. In some cases, a simple software update or module reset can resolve the issue.

Incorrect Tire Size or Aftermarket Wheels

Using non-OEM wheels or tires that don’t match the original specifications can interfere with the TPMS. Some aftermarket wheels don’t accommodate TPMS sensors properly, or the sensors may not be compatible with the vehicle’s system.

If you’ve recently upgraded your wheels or tires, ensure they’re TPMS-compatible and that the sensors were installed correctly. Mismatched components can cause communication errors and persistent warnings.

Preventing Future Flat Tire Warnings

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when it comes to tire maintenance. By adopting a few simple habits, you can reduce the chances of seeing that dreaded warning light again.

Check Tire Pressure Monthly

Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Use a high-quality digital gauge for accuracy. Checking pressure when tires are cold gives the most reliable reading. If you notice a consistent drop in one tire, investigate for leaks or damage.

Inspect Tires for Damage

Regularly walk around your vehicle and inspect each tire for signs of wear, cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. Catching a small nail early can prevent a flat and a TPMS warning.

Rotate Tires Every 5,000–7,500 Miles

Tire rotation ensures even wear and extends tire life. It also gives you a chance to inspect each tire and sensor. Always have the TPMS relearned after rotation to maintain system accuracy.

Replace Sensors Before They Fail

If your Q50 is over 5 years old, consider replacing the TPMS sensors proactively. This prevents unexpected failures and keeps the system running smoothly.

Use a TPMS Maintenance Kit

Some kits include replacement valve cores, seals, and caps that can extend sensor life. These small components can degrade over time and cause leaks or signal issues.

Conclusion

Clearing the flat tire warning on your Infiniti Q50 doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right knowledge and a few simple steps, you can reset the system, ensure your tires are safe, and keep that dashboard light off for good. Whether you’re dealing with a real flat, a sensor issue, or just a cold morning drop in pressure, understanding your TPMS empowers you to act quickly and confidently.

Remember, the key is to check your tire pressure first, use the reset button or infotainment system, and drive to allow the system to recalibrate. If the light persists, don’t ignore it—investigate further or seek professional help. Regular maintenance and awareness go a long way in preventing future warnings and keeping your Q50 running smoothly.

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. Treat them well, and they’ll take you wherever you need to go—safely and reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Infiniti Q50 keep showing a flat tire warning even after inflating the tires?

This could be due to a faulty TPMS sensor, a dead battery in the sensor, or a system that hasn’t been properly reset. Try the reset procedure again, and if the light remains, have the sensors checked by a professional.

Can I drive with the flat tire warning light on?

You can drive short distances, but it’s not safe to ignore the warning. Low tire pressure affects handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Address the issue as soon as possible to avoid tire damage or a blowout.

Do I need a special tool to reset the TPMS on my Q50?

Most models only require the reset button under the steering wheel. However, if sensors need reprogramming or relearning, a TPMS scan tool or dealership equipment may be necessary.

How often should I check my tire pressure?

Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Cold weather can cause pressure drops, so winter checks are especially important.

Can I replace a TPMS sensor myself?

You can replace the physical sensor, but it must be programmed to your vehicle using a scan tool. This is best done by a tire shop or dealership to ensure proper function.

Will the warning light reset itself after fixing a flat?

Not always. While driving may allow the system to recalibrate, most Q50 models require a manual reset using the TPMS button or infotainment system to clear the warning.