TPMS Warning Light
Toyota Vehicle
Severity: ModerateWhat it means
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
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.