Tyre pressure warning light: What is it?

tyre pressure warning light

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?

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

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.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

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.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

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.

tyre pressure warning light

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.

MODELTPMS TYPERESET ACCESSLOCATION
Aygo XDirectSoftware menu Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
YarisDirectSoftware menu Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
Yaris CrossDirectSoftware menu Vehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
CorollaDirectSoftware menuVehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
Toyota C-HRDirectSoftware menuVehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
bZ4XDirectSoftware menuVehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
RAV4DirectSoftware menuVehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
RAV4 Plug-inDirectSoftware menuVehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
GR86DirectButtonLower dashboard on passenger’s side
GR SupraDirectSoftware menuVehicle Status menu on Supra Command
Land CruiserDirectButtonUnder dashboard on driver’s side
HighlanderDirectSoftware menuVehicle Settings menu on Multi-info Display
Proace VersoIndirectSoftware menuDriving Functions menu on Pro-Touch display
MiraiDirectSoftware menuVehicle 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.

215 comments

  1. I have a 2017 RAV4 Self Charging Hybrid and l can’t find any Vehicle Settings option when scrolling through my settings in the instrument cluster, hence can’t reset my TPMS light. I checked the tyre pressures and were between 33 and 31 psi so l set them to 32 psi. I hit the start button without depressing the brake so power only to the cluster. Still no vehicle settings selection in my menu. Any ideas?

    1. Hi Mark,
      We would suggest visiting your local Toyota Centre so that they can investigate this for you.
      Kind regards

    1. Hi August, thanks for getting in touch.

      If your TPMS screen on the car can show you the pressure per corner you will need to book in and visit your local Toyota Centre to have the sensor location changed. Otherwise just set the pressures and reset the system.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

  2. Hi
    My name is Pori and have Toyota Yaris Cross 2024. After changing my winter tires , pressure indicator is blinking . Should I reset TPMS ?
    BR

    1. Hi Pori, thanks for getting in touch.

      We would recommend resetting the TPMS after swapping the tyres. Please refer to the handbook or pop by your local Toyota Centre.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

  3. I have a nail in my new Aygo x hatchback and the tyre light is on, will going to a tyre shop afffect my warranty?

    1. Hi Les, thanks for your comment.

      This is dependent on the vehicle, your local Toyota Centre may be best placed to take a closer look for you.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

    2. I have a Toyota Auris 1.2 (2015) and had major problems with my TPMS over the past three months. I’ve purchased 3 off Ebay, had them fitted and then been told they can’t resit them, by both National Tyres, Quick-Fit. The light is still on and now at an empass with it.

      1. Hi Gary, thanks for giving us the heads up of your struggles.

        We’d always recommend a Toyota Centre to take a look at any issues you may have, they’ll know exactly what they’re looking for!

        Thanks,

        Toyota UK

    1. Hi Owen, thanks for your comment.

      The TPMS likely needs resetting, your local Toyota Centre can take a look at this for you.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

  4. My Yaris 2014 has a tire reset button under the dash above the foot pedals . Ignition on hold until 3 flashes of the tire warning light and release . My wife has a 2014 Aygo reset is in the menu although it is I believe an indirect system

  5. Hi, I’m trying to remove the seats from a 2016 aygo x play 5dr , but can’t disconnect the green airbag connector. Is there a particular way to do this? Accidently snapped off the red tab

  6. I have a 16 plate Yaris Icon and cannot find how to check that my tyre pressure warning is enabled. The dash has a symbol which lights when ignition is turned on, but how do know it is working and how do I reset it? Various online videos suggest there is a reset button near the accelerator pedal but there isn’t one on my vehicle.

    1. Hello Steve,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Please may you provide your vehicle registration so we can double check this for you?
      Thanks!

  7. Hi, I have an Aygo X and am confused to if the latest ones have Indirect or Direct Tyre Pressure monitoring?

    My one gives no information relating to tyre pressures under settings, just reset.

    Also if you have changed to Indirect why the change?

    1. Hi there, thanks for your comment.

      We will need your full registration number to confirm this.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      1. Thanks for confirming.

        This has an indirect system using the ABS wheel speed sensors.

      2. Hi, as the Aygo X model now only has indirect TPWS perhaps the table on this web page can be updated to reflect this change.

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