Has a tyre pressure warning light appeared on your dashboard? The yellow symbol looks like the cross-section of a tyre with an exclamation mark inside. But what does the warning light mean, and what should you do about it?
What is the tyre pressure warning light?
The warning light is an alert message to the driver that there may be a loss of air pressure from one or more of the vehicle’s tyres. It comes from the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), an active safety technology that has become a legal requirement for all newly launched and factory updated passenger cars sold in Europe since November 2014.
Tyres represent the only contact your vehicle has with the ground, so maintaining the correct tyre pressure has many safety and efficiency benefits. These include:
- Prevents accidents caused by a critical decrease in tyre pressure
- Helps the vehicle perform predictably
- Saves fuel
- Reduces emissions
- Optimises tyre wear
How does a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System work?
There are two types of TPMS: direct and indirect. Direct systems are installed in the majority of Toyota’s current passenger car line-up, and this method uses a battery-powered sensor integrated into the valve assembly (see images below) to physically measure air pressure from within the tyre cavity itself.
Data from the sensor in each wheel is transmitted wirelessly to a control module connected to the car’s central computer, which prompts a visible alert for the driver if any of the tyres lose pressure. The control module is programmed with the unique serial numbers of the valves within the car’s system. This ensures that the TPMS assembly in each wheel only communicates with its host control module.
The only exception within Toyota’s passenger car line-up is the Proace Verso MPV. This model is equipped with an indirect system, which uses the existing wheel speed sensors within the anti-lock braking system to ‘measure’ tyre pressure by detecting differences in the rate of wheel rotation. A tyre with less air pressure will have a smaller circumference and therefore spin at a faster rate than a wheel that has not lost air pressure.
Data from the wheel speed sensors is communicated directly to the ABS control unit, which prompts a visible alert for the driver if any wheel speed abnormalities are detected.
What should I do if the tyre pressure warning light comes on?
If the tyre pressure warning light comes on, the air pressure in at least one of your tyres will have dropped below a minimum tolerance level – often a deflation of around 20-25%. This may indicate a leak, puncture, or some other kind of damage.
Dramatic changes in ambient temperature, such as driving from a snow-capped mountain to a warm and sheltered valley, can occasionally cause direct systems to prompt an alert until the temperature has stabilised. Similarly, indirect systems can occasionally mistake uneven tyre wear for a fluctuation in tyre pressure.
Irrespective of the circumstances, if the TPMS warning light comes on you should pull into a safe area and visually check the tyres. If any appear to be deflated yet undamaged you should try to re-inflate them to the correct pressure and reset the TPMS (see subheading below).
If the tyre has sustained more serious damage, it will be necessary to either continue your journey on the spare wheel, carry out a temporary repair using a tyre repair kit, or call an emergency breakdown service for a lift to a tyre centre.
How do I turn off the tyre pressure warning light?
Use the box below to identify the type of TPMS fitted to your car (only current models are listed below). You will also need to know whether the reset function is accessed via a button or sub-menu within the main display.
Once you have accessed the right sub-menu, instructions for resetting the TPMS will be shown within the main display. For those with a physical button, you simply need to turn the ignition on, then press and hold the TPMS button. The warning light will flash a couple of times and then extinguish, at which point the system has been reset.
| MODEL | TPMS TYPE | RESET ACCESS | LOCATION |
| Aygo X | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| Yaris | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| Yaris Cross | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| Corolla | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| Toyota C-HR | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| bZ4X | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| RAV4 | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| RAV4 Plug-in | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| GR86 | Direct | Button | Lower dashboard on passenger’s side |
| GR Supra | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Status menu on Supra Command |
| Land Cruiser | Direct | Button | Under dashboard on driver’s side |
| Highlander | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
| Proace Verso | Indirect | Software menu | Driving Functions menu on Pro-Touch display |
| Mirai | Direct | Software menu | Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display |
What should happen if I replace any tyres?
Direct: The condition and function of the TPMS valve and sensor assembly should be checked each time the tyres are replaced. This will involve a physical inspection and electronic diagnosis using a proprietary technology (example device in image below).
The integrated battery has a life expectancy of around ten years and cannot be replaced. Electronic diagnosis should reveal the health of the battery, which will help you decide whether to replace the entire unit at the same time as the tyre.
Although the main valve assembly is robust, parts exposed to the atmosphere can deteriorate over time. So if the battery level is adequate and the main unit is being retained, it would still be wise to have the grommets, washers, collars and cores (see image below) replaced as a matter of course.
Indirect: As this system is not directly related to the tyres, no further measures are needed, assuming the tyres are being replaced on a like-for-like basis. However, it is always wise to replace the valves when changing tyres.
Will changing the wheels affect the TPMS?
Not if your car features indirect TPMS measuring. In which case, you can switch to and from winter tyres with no additional system programming.
Due to the accuracy and complexity of direct measuring, the TPMS control module is designed to recognise and communicate with only one set of wheels at a time. So if you regularly switch to and from winter wheels it will be necessary for a qualified technician to reprogramme the control module through the vehicle’s OBD port.
There are occasions when it may be necessary to drive on a wheel that is not equipped with a TPMS valve, such as after a puncture when the spare wheel is fitted. Under such circumstances, the warning light will remain illuminated. The vehicle or tyre monitoring system will not be damaged but the vehicle cannot pass its annual MoT test if the warning light is on.
Do I still have to check my tyres manually?
Although TPMS is designed to deliver a safety alert in the event of a significant loss of tyre pressure, it does not replace manual inspections. Each tyre should be regularly checked to see if it is inflated to the correct air pressure and has sufficient tread depth.
Hi there,
My tyre pressure light came on this morning when checking my tyres they were 29.5 and one 28.5 when they should be 33 so a little confused as given the 20/25% tolerance it shouldn’t of lit up? It was the coldest morning since having the car so it first lit up at 0 degrees but then when I checked layer on and it was 5 degrees was still showing as first thought it could have been the cold weather setting in.
Jade
Hi Jade,
Thanks for contacting us. If you could please provide a reg or VIN, we can try to assist you further.
Thanks.
Hi there reg is na18 jze.
Thanks,
Jade
As temperature will affect the tyre pressures, it may be the case that the 0* was just enough to reduce the tyre pressure to illuminate the light.
If you correct the pressure to the recommended pressure and the light does not go out after a few minutes, we would recommend for you to contact your local Toyota Centre to have the system checked.
Thanks.
10c = 1 psi
how do I even know if my car hasthis indicator as i have never seen a light on the dash board since ive had the car even though a tyre dropped really low auris 2013 model
Hi Nicola,
Thanks for getting in touch. If you could please provide a VIN number, we will be able to assist you further.
I bought a new Auris hybrid 2018 tyre size 255 14 R17. The manual state PSi 33 all round, yet the dealer put 45 PSI. Why is this? Is it so that you get good MPG. Should I reduce this to what the manual states.
Hi Arun,
Thanks for getting in touch. We would recommend maintaining the pressure that is advised in the Owner’s Manual for your vehicle.
Thanks.
That is way too much! 34 psi is pretty much the norm for cars.
I have a Toyota RAV4 Invincible 2013 model. RecentlyI have experienced my tyre pressure warning light coming on. Checking the tyres showed them to be ok and when I spoke with a tyre specialist I was made aware of the sensor being temperature sensitive.
I am noe in the position where I require to have my front tyres renewed, with the same tyres as fitted at manufacture. My local tyre specialist informs me that he cannot undertake this for me as there is specialist equipment required, which they currently do not have and the task will have to be performed by people who have this equipment. Can you confirm whether this is true or not.
Hello John,
Thanks for getting in touch. We would advise for you to contact your local Toyota centre, as they would be in the best position to assist you with this. You can find your local centre here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms/forms?tab=pane-dealer.
Thanks.
Hi Toyota,
I bought my Auris and the TPMS light was on. The salesman told me that it would go off a mile into my drive and not to worry about it. That was a year ago and the light has had to go in to Toyota countless times since and no one can seem to figure out why it comes on. Every time it is ‘repaired’ and I drive away, it comes back on a few hours or days later at which point I cannot take it back in without booking another appointment and hire car which often takes weeks or months. I have reset it and checked the tyres in a bid to avoid this. No one has been able to get to the bottom of it hence why the cycle has been repeated multiple times. I simply do not have the time to keep going back and forth.
Do you have any suggestions as to what else can be tried?
Hi Iasha,
Thanks for getting in touch and we are sorry to hear that you are experiencing some issues. We would advise for you to contact our Customer Relations team, as they will be able to open a case and investigate further as to why this hasn’t been resolved. You can find their contact details via the following link:
https://www.toyota.co.uk/contact-us/.
Thanks.
Hi I have an 2016 avensis how do I reset my tyre pressure sign thanks
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. Could you please provide us with the reg or VIN? This will allow us to look into this further.
Thanks.
Hi my tyres are fine but my tpms light wont turn off even after I reset it
Registration ng15evh. Please let me know thanks
hi Sultana,
Thanks for getting in touch. We would recommend visiting your nearest Toyota centre for further help with this. They are best equipped to assess the car in person and make any necessary recommendations. You can find your nearest centre via this link: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks.
I gave a 2018 CHR design model and my
Tyre pressure light has come on
I cannot find how to go into settings to turn it off ?
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for getting in touch. Could you please provide us with the reg or VIN?
Thanks.
Hi i have toyota auris hybrid estate 2014
I took off sensors from the tyres because the sensors were broken inside making noise
Now the TMP light on how to turn off this without putting new sensors in the tyres
Hi Shah,
Thanks for getting in touch. Without the reg we can’t give any specific details, however if your vehicle had tyre pressure sensors inside the tyres, these would need to be replaced by your nearest Toyota dealer so they can be re-coded to the car as the system is fitted for safety.
We would recommend contacting your nearest dealer to discuss this further. You can find their contact details via this link: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks
On my 68 Yaris Hybrid, the reset button is on a wee plastic flap way under the steering column, I need to get down on my hands and knees outside the car and use a torch…I really think someone forgot about it and stuck it there as an afterthought.
2016 Toyota Yaris with TPMS warning light on, Ive been told by local (St Albans) Toyota dealership that it’s £63 for diagnostic check & if any sensors are found faulty they are £160 plus fitting & plus VAT, I have checked prices for OE parts & the price the dealerships charges seem extortionate – i have asked if i can provide own sensors but dealership says not allowed, this car is still under warranty i feel like i’m being fleeced……
Hi,
We’re very sorry about that. We recommend contacting our customer relations team if you want to make a complaint. You can do that here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/contact-us/email-us
Hi, I have a new 2020 Toyota Corolla Excel, I have replaced my original 18″ alloy wheels and tyres with a set of 16″ steel wheels and tyres with a set of TPMS sensors provided by the tyre shop. Since the installation the TPMS warning light keeps coming on every 20-25 miles. I am able to re-set the light only for it to come back again after a while. Is there a way of re-setting that permanently, please? I have a service plan with the local Toyota dealer and when I asked them about the issue, they said that the tyre shop should have programmed the sensors for the make and model of my car. I have the sensors IDs if that helps.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your comment.
As your car has been modified away from its original specification, we would recommend returning to the tyre shop at which the work was completed in order to get these sensors reconfigured, which will result in the warning light remaining off.
Alternatively, you can contact your nearest Toyota centre, who can rectify this for a fee.
You can find your nearest dealer, here: : https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks.
Hi Toyota,
Could you let us know what type of TPMS sensor is used in the Auris Hybrid – Model is Excel VVT-i CVT. It is a 2014 model. The Auris was not listed in the table above , hence enquiring.
Thanks.
Hi Amit,
Thanks for your comment.
Could you please provide us with your reg? We will then be able to look into this further for you.
Thanks.
The Reg is D6UMA
Thanks
Hi Amit,
Thanks for your reply and your patience.
A direct-sensing type of Tyre Pressure Warning System is used in your Auris.
Thanks.