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TPMS Warning Light

Toyota Vehicle

Severity: Moderate

What Does This Error Mean?

The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) warning light means one or more tires have low pressure. Check all four tires with a pressure gauge and inflate to the recommended PSI. The recommended pressure is on a sticker inside the driver's door.

Affected Models

  • Toyota Camry
  • Toyota Corolla
  • Toyota RAV4
  • Toyota Highlander
  • Toyota Tacoma
  • All Toyota vehicles (2008+)

Common Causes

  • One or more tires is low on air pressure
  • Temperature drop causing pressure to decrease (cold weather)
  • Slow leak from a nail or valve stem
  • Spare tire is low (some models monitor the spare)
  • TPMS sensor battery dead

How to Fix It

  1. Check all four tire pressures with a gauge.

    The recommended PSI is on a sticker on the driver's door jamb. Typically 32-35 PSI for passenger vehicles.

  2. Inflate any low tires to the recommended pressure.

    Use an air compressor at a gas station or a portable inflator. Do not exceed the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.

  3. Drive for a few miles — the light should turn off.

    TPMS sensors update while driving. After inflating, drive 5-10 minutes and the light should clear.

  4. If the light stays on: check for a slow leak.

    Spray soapy water on the tire. Bubbles indicate a leak. A nail or valve stem leak needs repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does TPMS come on in cold weather?

Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F (5.5°C) temperature drop. A tire at 32 PSI in summer can drop to 28 PSI on a cold morning — enough to trigger the warning.

What if the TPMS light flashes and then stays on?

A flashing TPMS light means the system itself has a fault — a sensor battery is dead or a sensor is not communicating. A steady light just means low pressure.