Why is my Toyota tire pressure light blinking then stays on?

The blinking TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) light that then remains on usually indicates a fault in the system or a failing sensor, not just a tire that’s actually underinflated.

What the blinking TPMS light typically signals

When the TPMS light blinks and then stays on, it often points to a problem inside the monitoring system itself rather than a simple pressure issue. Possible causes include a failing wheel sensor, a dead sensor battery, a malfunctioning TPMS module, or a need for the system to relearn after tire work. A solid light, by contrast, is more commonly tied to one or more tires being underinflated.

Common causes behind this pattern include:

• A failing or dying TPMS sensor battery in one or more wheels (sensor batteries have limited life and are typically not serviceable; replacement sensors are common).


• A damaged or leaking tire valve stem or wheel sensor that prevents proper communication with the TPMS.


• A fault in the TPMS receiver, wiring, or related electronics in the vehicle’s ABS/TPMS network (including possible fuse issues in some models).


• A recent tire service, rotation, or replacement that put the system into a learn/relearn mode, causing a temporary blink as it calibrates.


• A general sensor communication error or software glitch that requires diagnostic scanning to pinpoint the exact component.

Concluding: The blinking-then-solid pattern is typically a warning about the system itself rather than an immediate tire pressure danger, and it usually requires inspection and possible sensor service to resolve.

What you should do next

To determine whether you’re dealing with a true tire pressure issue or a TPMS fault, start with a basic check of all tire pressures and then consider a system reset or professional diagnostic if needed.

• Check tire pressures with a reliable gauge and inflate all tires (including the spare if your vehicle’s system accounts for it) to the recommended specification found on the door jamb sticker or owner’s manual. If any tire is low, inflate and recheck.


• Inspect tires for punctures, slow leaks, or damage that could cause rapid pressure loss.


• Drive the car at a moderate speed after inflating to allow the TPMS to relearn or recalibrate. Some Toyotas automatically relearn after tires are at the proper pressure and the vehicle is driven for a short period; for others, a specific relearn procedure may be needed.


• If the light remains solid or continues to blink after inflating to spec and driving for a while, arrange a diagnostic at a Toyota dealer or a qualified tire shop. They can read TPMS fault codes and verify sensor health.


• If a sensor or sensor battery is found to be faulty, plan for replacement and sensor relearn. Replacing sensor hardware is common when batteries fail, and technicians will typically program the new sensor to your vehicle.

Concluding: Start with the obvious step—confirm tire pressures—and then pursue a diagnostic if the light persists. Relearning, sensor replacement, or module issues are common next steps handled by a professional.

When to seek professional help

If you’ve confirmed all tires are properly inflated and the TPMS light still blinks and then stays on, or if you notice odd sensor behavior after tire service, it’s prudent to seek professional help. A technician can:

• Scan for TPMS trouble codes and identify which wheel sensor or system component is at fault.


• Check the wiring, connectors, and the TPMS control module for faults or corrosion.


• Perform a sensor relearn or programming as required by your specific Toyota model and year.


• Replace defective sensors and reprogram them to restore full TPMS reliability.

Concluding: Professional diagnosis is the most reliable path when the symptom persists beyond basic pressure checks, as TPMS issues can range from minor software glitches to degraded wheel sensors requiring replacement.

Summary

A TPMS light that blinks and then stays on in a Toyota generally signals a system fault or failing sensor rather than an immediate tire pressure emergency. Begin with a thorough check of all tire pressures, inspect tires for damage, and drive to allow any relearn to occur. If the light remains, have a qualified technician diagnose with TPMS-specific tooling to identify faulty sensors, wiring, or control modules and perform necessary replacements or reprogramming. Regular maintenance and proactive sensor checks can help keep the TPMS functioning reliably and reduce unexpected warnings on the road.

How much should it cost to replace a tire pressure sensor?

In the event TPMS sensors need to be replaced, the cost can range from approximately $50-$100 each depending on vehicle type.

Why is my tire pressure light blinking then staying on?

A tire pressure light that blinks for a short time and then becomes solid indicates a malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) itself, not just low tire pressure. The most common causes are a dead or failing sensor battery, a damaged or incorrectly installed sensor, or another system error. To diagnose and fix the issue, first, ensure all tires are properly inflated and then schedule a TPMS diagnostic service.
 
This video explains what the TPMS light means when it's solid or flashing: 59sproclaimliberty2000YouTube · Mar 10, 2018
What this warning light means

• Blinding and then solid: This sequence specifically signals a system-level problem. 
• Potential causes: The light is blinking because one or more sensors are not communicating correctly with the vehicle's computer. This could be due to: 
  • A dead or weak battery inside a sensor. 
  • A damaged sensor.
  • A sensor that was damaged during tire mounting. 
  • An incorrect sensor being installed in the wheel. 
  • A module or other system error. 

What to do

1. Check and inflate all tires: Before assuming a sensor failure, check the pressure in all four tires (and the spare, if it has a sensor) and inflate them to the correct pressure, which is listed on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. 
2. Drive for a while: Drive for at least 10 minutes, and if possible, at highway speeds (above 50 mph), as some systems need a "drive cycle" to reset and confirm that a problem has been resolved. 
3. Schedule a TPMS diagnostic: If the light returns after inflating the tires, or if the light remains solid after a short drive, schedule a diagnostic with a mechanic. They can use a special tool to scan for specific error codes to pinpoint which sensor is malfunctioning. 
4. Address the issue: The mechanic can then replace the faulty sensor or address other system issues. Replacing a single sensor is often recommended, but some mechanics suggest replacing all of them at once if they are all old. 

How to reset Toyota tire pressure sensor?

To reset a Toyota tire pressure sensor, first ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure, then turn the ignition to the "on" position (without starting the engine) and locate the TPMS reset button. Press and hold the button until the light flashes, and then drive the vehicle for a short time; the light should turn off. Some newer models may require a reset through the vehicle's dashboard display menu instead of a physical button. 
Method 1: Using the reset button

1. Inflate tires: Check the pressure in all four tires and inflate them to the recommended PSI found on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. 
2. Turn on ignition: Turn the key to the "On" position or press the start button without your foot on the brake. Ensure the vehicle is in park. 
3. Locate the button: Find the TPMS reset button. It is usually a small, circular button labeled "SET" or with a tire icon, and is often located on the dashboard, near the steering column, or on the driver's side kick panel. 
4. Press and hold: Press and hold the button for about three seconds or until you see the tire pressure light flash on the dashboard. 
5. Wait for the light to go out: The light will blink for a few minutes to indicate it's resetting. Wait until the light stops flashing and remains illuminated. 
6. Start driving: Turn off the ignition, then start the engine. The light should now be off. 

Method 2: Using the dashboard menu

1. Inflate tires: Set all tires to the correct pressure, as described above. 
2. Turn on ignition: Turn the ignition to the "On" position or press the start button without the brake. 
3. Navigate the menu: Use your steering wheel controls to navigate the dashboard menu. Find the "Vehicle Settings" menu, often indicated by a gear icon, and select it. 
4. Find TPWS: Navigate to the "TPWS" (Tire Pressure Warning System) or "Tire Pressure" setting menu. 
5. Reset: Select the option to "Set" or "Reset" the tire pressure, and press and hold the "OK" or appropriate button until the reset is complete. 

What to do if the light stays on

• Double-check tire pressure: Re-verify that all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the correct pressure. 
• Drive for a bit: After a correct reset, driving the vehicle for a short time can help the system fully recalibrate. 
• Consider a professional inspection: If the light continues to stay on after a proper reset and checking tire pressure, there may be a more serious issue. Contact a service center for professional diagnosis. 

What does blinking tire pressure light mean in Toyota?

If this light is blinking, it means the system itself is in need of attention. Your tire pressure monitoring system depends on batteries to power the sensors.