Toyota Tire Pressure Monitor Systems: Toyota TPMS Updates - Page 2 of 2

Toyota Tire Pressure Monitor Systems: Toyota TPMS Updates

The direct TPMS system for Toyota vehicles uses a button labeled "SET" below the steering column or in the glove box to reset the system. When you press the button, the system is looking for the sensor IDs that are already stored in the memory.

The “SET button” procedure should be used when rotating tires that have different tire pressures in the front and rear, changing or adjusting the tire pressure, or changing tire size, or when tires are replaced.

If you push the button while the vehicle is moving, initialization is not performed. If you push the tire pressure reset switch accidentally and initialization is performed, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level and initialize the system again.

If the tire pressure warning light does not blink slowly three times when you push and hold the reset switch, initialization has failed and the tire pressure warning system may not work properly. In this case, you will need to initialize the system again.

Land Cruisers have a “MAIN/2nd” switch. This allows the owner to have two different sets of tires and wheels, with two different sets of tire pressure warning valve/sensor ID numbers. For example, the second set would be used for snow tires.

If there is a problem with one or more of the sensors communicating with the TPMS module during the reset procedure, it could go into a “looping” mode where it locks out the use of the SET button and the TPMS light will flash. The system is now stuck in this looping mode, and no matter how many times you press the SET button or cycle the ignition, the light will continue to flash.

The only way to stop the looping and the system from looking for sensor IDs not in the memory is to perform a procedure that puts the system into a “learn mode” (see “Stuck in a Loop”).

Indirect System
•  Scion tC 2005-2006
•  Toyota Corolla 2005-2006
•  Toyota Matrix 2005-2006
•  Toyota Solara 2004-2006
•  Toyota Highlander 2004-2006
•  Toyota RAV4 2004-2005

Turn the key on (engine off), then press and hold the RESET button until the flashing TPMS warning light goes off. Or, if it is not flashing, hold the RESET button until the light flashes three times. Turn the key off. Note: The relearn procedure is not complete until the vehicle is driven at 19 mph or faster for at least an hour.

Sensor Replacement
Toyota uses either Pacific or TRW sensors and modules. The system monitors more than pressure and temperature, it also looks at the wheel speed sensor, engine RPM and other inputs to make sure the system is operating within set parameters. If the vehicle has a problem with any of the information that is shared along the CAN-BUS, it will not function properly.

Whenever you replace a sensor, module or install a second set of wheels, the new ID numbers for the sensors must be programmed into the system through the OBD II connection. The ID numbers can be found on the sensors. Sometimes it is not until the tire is installed on the rim or the vehicle, that the techs realize they now need those numbers. Some dedicated TPMS tools can collect the IDs by either capturing the periodic transmissions from a sensor, or by activating the sensor by letting pressure out of the tire so that the pressure drops 6 psi within 30 seconds.

After you have the sensor IDs, it is just a matter of following the directions on whatever tool you are using and inputting the IDs. Some tools make it easier than others; some will even tell you if you have to collect an ID from the spare.

Stuck in a Loop
Toyota vehicles prior to 2009 are equipped with a Tire Pressure Warning Reset Switch that can be used for initialization. When the button is pushed and held for more than three seconds, the vehicle’s receivers are open and looking for the currently stored TPMS IDs.

What if there is a missing or broken sensor? What if there are new sensors on the vehicle that have not yet been programmed? This will cause the vehicle to become stuck in a loop, searching for TPMS IDs that are no longer there. If you have a scan tool and try to enter into the initialization mode it might say, “Lost Communication With ECU” or similar message.

Bartec USA has developed the Toyota Loop Reset tool to handle this issue. When a Toyota vehicle is stuck in the “loop,” the technician will not be able to write IDs using the OBD COMMS, and the tool will “error out.”  To verify it is a result of the loop condition, the technician can select the READ IDs option, which will connect and read out the IDs. IF THIS IS SUCCESSFUL, THE VEHICLE IS IN THE “LOOP.”

How to use the BARTEC WRTRST50 to Reset the Vehicle
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.

2. Insert the WRTRST50 into the OBD II port on the vehicle. Once connected, press and hold the button on the WRTRST50 for at least 20 seconds. Do not cycle the ignition switch to the “OFF” position during this step.

3. Remove the WRTRST50, and resume the TPMS relearn procedure.
Note: Tool does not work with Land Cruiser models.

You May Also Like

The Winter Tire Opportunity – Now Is The Time

Winters tires aren’t just a luxury, it’s your job to tell your customers the positive impact that the tires can give them.

It was a frigid February morning in Chicago last year. The kind of cold that creeps into the depths of your lungs, making it difficult and even a little painful to breathe. The kind of cold that literally takes your breath away. The snow was falling as I stepped into my car and took off across The Chicago Skyway with the city lights in my rear view. It was around Gary, Indiana, that the lake effect snow engulfed Interstate 90 and made it impossible to see the road more than about 15 feet ahead as I made an unwise attempt to pass a massive snowplow in the right lane. And, it was this moment that I understood the difference between an all-season tire and a true winter tire. My life as a “tire guy” would never be the same again.

Diagnosing Audi A8 TPMS Issues

These are all the steps you’ll need to pinpoint fault issues in TPMS for 2009-2016 Audi A8 vehicles.

The Rule of 3X Tire Rotation

Proper rotation procedures maximize tread life and customers coming back.

Communicating The Effectiveness Of TPMS

A good angle to start with may be laying out the consequences of not having a working TPMS.

Servicing Tires With 18-In.-Plus Rims

Servicing any tire and wheel assembly correctly starts with having the right equipment.

Other Posts

TPMS Tools and Sensors

Transform TPMS with advanced diagnostics and sensor programming. This video is sponsored by Bosch.

Autel’s TS900 TPMS Tool

The Autel TS900 shines as a full-service and maintenance tool. Sponsored by Autel.

Turning Off The TPMS Light

If a vehicle comes into your shop with the TPMS light on, there are a few key things to check first for time’s sake.

TPMS Sensor Signals

TPMS sensor signals are low power and low frequency, with most sensors transmitting at 315MHz or 433MHz.