What does a flashing tire pressure light mean in Lexus?
A flashing tire pressure warning light in a Lexus signals a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) fault rather than simply low air pressure. It should be diagnosed and serviced by a dealership or qualified technician.
Understanding the flashing TPMS light
The TPMS in Lexus models uses sensors in each wheel to monitor air pressure and report to the vehicle’s computer. A light that blinks generally means there is a malfunction in the system—whether a sensor, transmitter, wiring, or the control module is at fault—or that the system is in a relearn/calibration phase after tire service. In some situations, the light may briefly blink during a reset or relearn procedure; if it continues blinking after those procedures, a fault is present and service is needed.
Common causes
Before listing common causes, note that several issues can trigger a flashing TPMS warning. Possible culprits include the following:
- Dead or weak battery in one or more TPMS sensors (wheel-mounted sensors rely on small batteries that degrade over time).
- Sensor damage or corrosion in the wheel sensors or their wiring.
- TPMS control unit or receiver fault in the vehicle’s electronics.
- Need for a system reset or relearn after tire rotation, replacement, or wheel work.
- Low tire pressure coinciding with a fault—always verify actual pressures first.
Concluding note: If the light continues to flash after inflating tires to spec and performing any required relearn, schedule service to diagnose sensors, batteries, and wiring.
What to do right now
Here are practical steps you can take to address a flashing TPMS light in a Lexus:
- Check all road tires with a reliable gauge and inflate to the vehicle’s recommended pressure (found on the door jamb sticker or in the owner's manual).
- Inspect tires for punctures, sidewall damage, or slow leaks; address any leaks promptly.
- If you have recently rotated tires, replaced wheels, or serviced tires, perform the recommended TPMS reset or relearn procedure as described in your owner's manual or in the vehicle’s menu (some models require a specific sequence or driving at a certain speed).
- Drive the vehicle for a short period to allow the system to relearn if your model supports it (many Lexus models require driving at 30–50 mph for several minutes).
- If the light continues to flash or remains on after inflating correctly and performing a relearn, schedule service with a Lexus dealer or qualified tire shop to inspect sensors, batteries, and wiring.
Concluding note: A persistent flashing indicates a malfunction that needs diagnostic testing with the proper TPMS equipment by a trained technician.
When to seek immediate help
In some situations, it’s prudent to seek prompt professional attention rather than continuing to drive with a flashing TPMS light:
- If you notice a nail or puncture in a tire or rapid loss of air from a tire.
- If the vehicle’s braking or traction control systems are affected by incorrect tire pressure.
- If you’ve replaced tires or wheels recently and cannot complete the relearn procedure.
Concluding note: A dealer or tire professional can diagnose whether sensor batteries, wheel sensors, or the TPMS control module is failing and replace components as needed.
Summary
A flashing TPMS light on a Lexus signals a Tire Pressure Monitoring System fault rather than merely a low tire. Start by verifying tire pressures, perform any required relearn after service, and seek professional diagnostics if the light persists. Regular maintenance and timely sensor replacement help prevent these warnings from becoming a safety issue.
Why is my tire pressure light blinking on my Lexus?
The blinking tire pressure warning light usually indicates a TPMS sensor issue or pressure imbalance. Check all four tires plus the spare; the spare's lower pressure can trigger alerts if monitored. Reset the TPMS system after adjusting pressures to recommended levels (usually around 32 psi).
What does it mean when my tire pressure light is blinking?
A blinking tire pressure light means the ** Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has a malfunction** in the system, not just that a tire is low on air. This is typically caused by a dead battery in one of the sensors or a faulty sensor, but it could also be a result of a recent tire rotation that needs a system reset. You should have the system serviced by a mechanic to ensure your TPMS is working correctly, as a solid light usually indicates low pressure, but a flashing light means you won't get the warning if a tire does become low.
What to do when your TPMS light is blinking
- Check your tires' pressure: While the blinking light indicates a system issue, it's a good habit to manually check your tires' air pressure with a gauge and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended PSI if needed.
- Attempt a system reset: Some vehicles may allow you to reset the TPMS. You can often do this by pressing and holding the reset button (location varies by car) after turning the ignition to the "on" position.
- Schedule service: If the light continues to blink, take your vehicle to a dealership or mechanic to have the sensors and the system diagnosed and serviced.
- Consider replacement sensors: A common fix for a blinking light is replacing the TPMS sensors. You can often find cheaper sensors online, but installation at a shop is still necessary.
- Inspect the spare tire: If your spare tire is equipped with a TPMS sensor, check its condition as well.
Is it safe to drive with a blinking tire pressure light?
You should not drive long distances with a blinking tire pressure light, as it typically indicates a system malfunction that prevents the system from reliably monitoring your tires. While you can drive for a short distance to a safe location to inspect your tires, you must have the system checked by a professional as soon as possible.
This video explains the meaning of a blinking TPMS light and its potential causes: 55sFired Up AutomotiveYouTube · Aug 29, 2020
What to do immediately
- Pull over safely: Find a safe place to pull over and stop your vehicle.
- Check tire pressure: Use a tire gauge to check the pressure in all four tires. Inflate any low tires to the correct pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb.
- Wait and see: If the light was blinking because of a temporary issue (like a pressure drop from cold weather), it may turn off after you've corrected the pressure and driven a short distance.
Why it's not safe to drive long distances
- System malfunction: A blinking light indicates that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is not functioning correctly, meaning it can't warn you if a tire becomes dangerously low.
- Risk of a blowout: Without a working TPMS, you could lose air pressure without warning, which increases the risk of a tire blowout, especially on the highway.
- Other safety issues: Driving with low tire pressure can also lead to reduced vehicle handling, longer braking distances, and premature tire wear.
What to do next
- Get the system checked: If the light continues to blink or comes back on after being reset, it means there is a system problem, and you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
- Possible causes: The issue could be a faulty sensor, a dead sensor battery, or a wiring problem. A mechanic can use a diagnostic tool to find the exact cause and make the necessary repairs.
How to clear tire pressure light on Lexus?
So I'm just going to press that with my finger. And as I press. It. What I'm going to do is I'm going to press it. Now i'm pressing and holding it that switch. And now you can see it's flashing.
