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Your tire pressure light provides a critical reminder to restore the pressure in your vehicle's tires when it gets low. You should only attempt to reset the light after first addressing the tire pressure in every tire. Once your tires are at the appropriate pressure, the light may go off on its own. If it doesn't go off right away, driving at 50 mph for about 10 minutes should help the tire pressure sensor reset.
If the tire pressure light is still on, there are a few more tricks you can try:
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The tire pressure light is one component of this electronic system, providing a visual alert when your tire pressure is low. The TPMS monitors tire pressure using either an indirect or direct method.
An indirect TPMS measures the rate of revolution for each wheel. If a wheel starts spinning faster than anticipated, the system signals to your vehicle's computer that something is amiss with the tire rotation, and your tire pressure light comes on. You must manually reset the monitor in an indirect TPMS system.
A direct TPMS uses pressure monitoring sensors in each tire to monitor tire pressure exactly. This is a more accurate alternative to an indirect TPMS system. The batteries inside these sensors will last for about 10 years. Direct TPMS systems reset automatically after tire inflation or rotation. You do need to have these sensors resynchronized when you get new tires, which requires a special tool.
Yes, cold weather will affect the air pressure in your tires. Your tires lose one or two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. Cold air condenses while warm air expands. Therefore, the colder air in your tires will take up less space in lower temperatures.
You may find that your TPMS light is only illuminated for a short time in the morning on particularly cold days. After about 20 minutes of driving, the air will often warm up and expand, restoring proper pressure in your tires.
If the light stays on after 20 minutes on the road, you should add air to your tires as needed to restore the proper pressure. Low tire pressure is hazardous for your vehicle regardless of the cause.
When the tire pressure monitor light is on, the first thing you should do is check the pressure in each of your tires, including the spare. Check the manufacturer's recommendation to determine the appropriate pressure for each tire. This is typically between 30 and 35 PSI but may vary. You should measure tire pressure when the tires are cold, which means they have not been driven in the last three hours.
To check the pressure, simply unscrew the valve cap and insert a tire gauge into the valve stem. The gauge will provide a clear reading. Replace the valve cap when you're finished. If your tires are all at the appropriate pressure, there's a malfunction with your TPMS. Bring your vehicle to an authorized dealership service center to diagnose and resolve the issue.
If the tire pressure monitor light is on, you should check your tire pressure as soon as possible. Low tire pressure creates a serious hazard on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 738 people died in tire-related crashes in 2017. When tire pressure is low, the tire has more contact with the road. This may cause the tire to overheat, leading to tread separation, excessive tire wear, or a blowout.
Low tire pressure also wreaks havoc on your fuel efficiency. You can save up to 11 cents per gallon simply by keeping your tires properly inflated. You'll also save money on tire replacements with adequate inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated can add 4,700 miles to the tire's average lifespan.
The tire pressure monitor light gives you valuable information and should not be ignored.
You do not necessarily need to have your TPMS sensors replaced with new tires, but this is a good time to check them and make sure they're still in good condition.
If you have an indirect TPMS system, your mechanic will need to manually reset the sensors after changing your tires. If you have a direct TPMS system, no additional maintenance is required to reset the system.
A new TPMS system will typically last for about 10 years before the batteries run out. If you have an older vehicle, you may need new sensors every five or six years. Your mechanic can advise you on the best time to replace TPMS sensors for your vehicle. When new sensors are installed, the system must relearn the location of each tire, which requires a detailed series of technical procedures. You should leave this task to a professional.
If you need tire service for your Toyota, come to Kings Toyota for prompt, reliable service. Our highly-trained technicians are equipped to assist with any type of tire issue, whether you need new tires or have a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor light. Make your appointment today.
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Home / Toyota News, Pricing and Reviews
By John Goreham G+ May 5 2017 - 9:54am
Many Toyotas on the road today use a reset button to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
We show you where it is and how to use it.
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Like all modern cars, trucks, and crossovers, Toyotas have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). TPMS has been mandated by the U.S. government since 2007, but many vehicles had systems prior to the rule's implementation. The mandate came about after Ford Explorers were found to be flipping over at an alarming rate. Ford and the tire manufacturer Ford used at the time pointed fingers at one another over who was to blame for the safety issue. In the end, the Explorer changed its suspension design, the tire manufacturer changed its tread adhesion quality control, and the motoring public got a new system they may or may not have ever needed.
How Does TPMS Work?
The TPMS system in your car monitors the pressure in your tires in one of two ways. The simplest and most common system on earlier vehicles equipped with this technology was to use the anti-lock braking system sensors to monitor the speed at which each of the car's four wheels was turning.
If one was turning slower, the system would put out a warning. If you have a 2007 Highlander your crossover likely has this system. Our image is from that model and year.
- Related Story - Is Your TPMS Light On? Here's Why
The second type of TPMS system uses a sensor in each wheel, and in some cases the spare. It directly measures the pressure of the air within the wheel and if any of them drop below the set points an alarm is signaled.
The problem is that if one changes their tires or if the air temperature drops rapidly, the TPMS light can come on. Or, it can come on if there is indeed a flat. How does one reset that light after the issue if resolved, or if it is a false alarm, like after a new set of tires are put on?
- Related Story From 2011 - Toyota recalls vehicles over TPMS risks
Where Is the Toyota TPMS Button?
For Toyota, Lexus and Scion models made between about 2001 and 2010 (that have this system), there is a small button like the one shown.
It is located way down under the steering column at the very bottom of the vehicle's dash assembly. It is almost better to start at the brake and power pedals and start to look upward to find it. On newer models, the reset is usually done via the infotainment system menus. (How to reset TPMS on Page 2)
How To Use The Reset Button
For Toyotas with the system, the button has two functions. To temporarily shut off the dashboard warning light one can touch and hold the button while the vehicle is running. To reset the system, the usual process is to park, put on the parking brake, turn the engine to the "on" position, not to be confused with "run," touch the button till it goes out, then let go and then hold it in again until it flashes the dash light three times. Check your manual if that is not the solution, and be sure you don't actually have a low tire of course. The system then initializes over the next 100 miles or so and you should be all set. For newer models follow the on-screen prompts to reset the system or refer to your manual.
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Remember that before carrying out a reset, you must check the condition of the tires. nine0008 
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Then we get into the car to reset the warning light; for this we start the engine of our car and open the glove compartment of our car: then we find the reset button for the tire pressure warning light, which we press and hold to reset the warning light itself! nine0008 
