What is the tire pressure warning system on a Toyota?

Toyota’s tire pressure warning system is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It continuously watches each tire’s air pressure and alerts you if a tire drops below the recommended level, helping you avoid under-inflation and potential safety issues.

Types of TPMS in Toyota vehicles

Most Toyota models use two main approaches to monitoring tire pressure. The exact type in your car depends on the model year and trim. Here is a quick overview:

• Direct TPMS: uses sensors mounted in each wheel to measure actual tire pressure and reports the readings to the vehicle's TPMS control module.


• Indirect TPMS: relies on the ABS wheel-speed sensors to infer pressure changes by comparing wheel rotation and circumference; it does not measure pressure directly and depends on software thresholds.

In newer Toyotas, direct TPMS is common, providing real-time pressure data for each tire. Indirect TPMS remains in some older or lower-cost configurations.

Reading the warnings and what they mean

The TPMS warning appears as a yellow tire-shaped icon with an exclamation mark in many Toyota dashboards, or as a low-tire-pressure message on the instrument cluster or multi-information display. If the system detects a persistent pressure drop or a sensor fault, it may illuminate a dedicated TPMS or service light.

• Low tire pressure: one or more tires are under the recommended pressure.


• TPMS fault or sensor issue: a problem with the sensor, its battery, or the receiver.


• Learn/reset required: after tire rotation, replacement, or sensor work, the system may need to relearn.

If you see a warning, check all tires with a reliable gauge, adjust each to the recommended cold pressure (as listed on the door jamb placard or in the owner's manual), and avoid driving long distances if a tire is significantly under-inflated.

Resetting and reinitializing TPMS in Toyota vehicles

After inflating tires to the recommended cold pressures, the system often relearns automatically as you drive, but some models require a manual reset or a specific learn procedure.

• Automatic relearn: drive at typical operating speeds for several miles with all tires at the proper pressure; the TPMS will learn the new baselines.


• Manual Learn via the instrument cluster: in some models, navigate to Settings > Vehicle > TPMS > Learn and follow on-screen prompts.


• Physical reset button or menu option: certain trims have a dedicated TPMS reset button (often under the steering column or in the glove box) to initiate the learn process.

Because exact steps vary by model year and trim, consult the owner's manual or a Toyota dealer for your specific vehicle if the light stays on after inflating and driving.

Maintenance tips and safety reminders

Regular tire pressure checks are a simple but crucial safety habit, especially during seasonal temperature shifts. Correcting pressure not only helps the TPMS stay accurate, it improves fuel efficiency and tire longevity.

• Always check tire pressure when tires are cold (before driving) to get an accurate reading from the gauge.


• Inspect tires for damage or slow leaks; a faulty sensor cannot compensate for a damaged tire.


• If a TPMS sensor fails, replacement is typically handled by a tire shop or dealership and will trigger a warning light until addressed.

If the warning persists after inflating to spec and reinitializing, seek a professional diagnostic from a Toyota-certified technician.

Summary

In Toyota vehicles, the tire pressure warning system, or TPMS, helps drivers detect under-inflated tires before they become safety risks. It may be direct or indirect, depending on the model, and requires occasional relearning after tire changes or rotations. Regular pressure checks and following the owner's manual steps for reset will keep the system accurate and support safer driving.

Why is my tire pressure light on when my tires are fine on my Toyota?

If your Toyota's tire light is on but tire pressure is fine, a TPMS sensor is likely malfunctioning, or there could be a temperature-related issue. You should first double-check the pressure in all tires (including the spare) and attempt a manual reset by pressing and holding the reset button until the light blinks. If the light remains on after a reset, the problem is likely a faulty sensor, which may need professional replacement, as described in this YouTube video.
 
This video explains the four reasons why the TPMS light may be on even when your tires are fine: 58sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Mar 6, 2023
Next steps

1. Re-check and inflate all tires: Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure each tire, including the spare, is inflated to the pressure recommended on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Remember to check the pressure when the tires are cold. 
2. Manually reset the TPMS: 
   • Start the engine. 
   • Locate the TPMS reset button, usually on the instrument panel to the right of the steering wheel. 
   • Press and hold the button until the TPMS light blinks three times. 
3. Drive for a few minutes: The light should turn off after you have driven for a short distance. If it doesn't, proceed to the next step. 
4. Inspect for a sensor issue: 
   • If the light is still on, a sensor is likely the problem. These can fail due to age, battery issues, or damage from impact. 
   • You can have a mechanic diagnose the system and replace the faulty sensor(s). This is a common and necessary repair to ensure the safety system is functioning correctly. 

This video explains how to perform a TPMS reset, which may help turn off the light: 59sChrisFixYouTube · Nov 18, 2014

Can I still drive my car if the TPMS light is on?

You can drive short distances with a TPMS light on, but you should not continue driving without addressing the issue, as it indicates low tire pressure which can be a safety risk. Driving with underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, reduced braking, uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and in the worst case, a tire blowout. 
This video explains why it's dangerous to drive with the TPMS light on: 1mABC11YouTube · Dec 13, 2017
What to do when the TPMS light is on

• Reduce speed and pull over: As soon as it's safe, pull over to check your tires. 
• Check tire pressure: Use a reliable tire gauge to check the pressure in all four tires and compare it to the recommended pressure on the sticker on your driver's side doorframe or in your owner's manual. 
• Inflate tires: Add air to any tires that are low. The light should turn off after driving a short distance as the system resets. 
• If the light is blinking: A blinking light often means there is a malfunction with the TPMS system itself, not just low pressure. You should have the system inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible. 

Why you shouldn't ignore the TPMS light

• Safety: Low tire pressure affects your vehicle's handling and braking, making it more difficult to control, especially in emergencies. 
• Tire damage: Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to overheat and wear down unevenly and prematurely. 
• Fuel efficiency: Your car's fuel efficiency decreases when tires are not properly inflated. 
• Blowout risk: In severe cases, the stress and heat from driving on severely underinflated tires can lead to a catastrophic tire failure. 

What is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System for Toyota?

TPMS tracks the pressure in your tires. It tells you when the air pressure falls too low and when it should be examined for problems. Whether you choose to pull over to the side and check your tire pressure yourself or have your tires serviced at your local dealership is really up to you.

Where is the TPMS reset button on a Toyota?

The location of the TPMS reset button on a Toyota varies by model year and can be found low on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, inside the glove compartment, or on the lower right of the instrument panel. For newer models, the reset is often performed through the vehicle's multi-information display on the dashboard, not a physical button. 
This video shows how to locate and use the TPMS reset button on a Toyota Highlander: 58sSmart Easy DIYYouTube · Dec 23, 2015
Common locations for a physical button

• Under the steering wheel: This is a very common location, often low and to the left or right of the steering column. 
• Glove compartment: On some models, you need to open the glove box to find the button. 
• Near the parking brake: On some models, you might find it tucked near the pedal area close to the parking brake pedal. 

How to reset using a physical button

1. Ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure. 
2. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). 
3. Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the TPMS indicator light on the dashboard blinks slowly three times. 
4. Release the button. 
5. Turn off the engine and wait for several minutes for the system to update. 

How to reset in newer models with a multi-information display

1. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position.
2. Use the arrow or "OK" buttons on your steering wheel to navigate the multi-information display.
3. Find and select "Vehicle Settings" or "TPMS".
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to set the pressure. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS light using the multi-information display on a Toyota Rav4: 55sSCC ToyotaYouTube · Oct 17, 2023
Important notes

• After a tire rotation or replacement, you will need to reset the system to ensure it is working correctly. 
• If the light continues to flash after a successful reset, there may be an issue with a sensor, and you should have the vehicle inspected at a Toyota dealership.