TPMS reset failure..

My guess is that a sensor is busted, assuming you're performing the reset procedure correctly. I'm not sure what a program reset is.

The TPMS is not unique to the Prius, but does require a Toyota-compatible computer to register a new sensor. Most shops should be able to handle it by now since there are so many Toyotas out there and it's been required equipment since 2007.

 

I would tend to agree that a sensor is probably bad. To be honest, you're probably going to have to take it to a dealership, especially so that they can read what the sensors are reporting and get an idea of which one is bad. Most tire shops, if they even have the tool to update the TPMS IDs, wouldn't necessarily know which one is bad unless it was shattered. Then you still need all the other IDs, because you can't just program one - you have to do all 4 of them at once. I will tell you that you can get a set of 4 sensors for cheap on ebay, as Toyota uses the same ones in several different vehicles. I believe I got a set of 4 for around $50 for mine. There is a TPMS Kit that comes with other necessary items, but any tire shop should have that around already. I think mine charged around $6/tire for that.

 

1. Have you checked the spare tire pressure, which needs to be 60 psi?

2. If you decide that you need help, you might call your tire store to see whether they think they can fix the problem. If not then visit your local Toyota dealer.

 

There are some cheap tools that only let you register IDs, but with a good tool they can query each sensor and that would tell you which one is bad.

ETA: Ah, the spare. I should just quit responding to troubleshooting threads until Patrick chimes in...

 

I didn't think there was a TPM on the spare...

 

There is no pressure sensor on the spare.

 

The owners manual instruction for resetting the TPM is not confidence inspiring. I don't have the manual handy, but recall the final step is something like: "let the car sit in accesory mode for a few minutes". Ok: what's "a few minutes", and it would be nice if there was some feedback to say the reset has "taken".

 

Around here, most tire shops don't have the tools that work with Toyotas. I even had one tell me that they can't do it and to go to the dealership - luckily I've got a cable and techstream on my laptop so I can do it myself. Unfortunately, unless it's a really large and busy tire shop, they probably don't have a tool to reprogram the ECU with the IDs. Why Toyota didn't just go with the ones that program themselves with x miles of driving, I have no clue (I hear GM has this, or had it, who knows if they changed or what I heard was wrong).

I wish some of the shops around here had better tools, but I think they just don't want to deal with them. Either that, or they are too small to make the expense worthwhile. Although, considering some of them can't even get the basics right, who trusts them to put enough concentration to programming the sensor correctly?

 

Another thought: we ignored the TPM warning light for 5 months or so last winter when using snow tires without sensors. I found the warning light is less obnoxious than the passenger air bag warning. Neither really register after a week or two.

For me, the simplest way to solve this problem is to just ignore this legislated BS.

 

from everything i've read.. isn't the hard core/absolute way to reset it simply pulling the 12v while everything is off? wouldn't this make your current psi the new standard? (or did they change that on the genIII somehow?... i've never been into tpms)

 

After you are sure that the four tires have correct tire pressure, did you hold the pressure warning reset switch in for 3 seconds or longer when the car is IG-ON? The warning light is supposed to blink 3 times after the system has been reinitialized. You are then supposed to wait 3 minutes while the car remains IG-ON so that the four tire pressure sensors can be polled by the TPMS ECU.

If this process fails, then DTC C2177 is supposed to be set. In that case the TPMS light is supposed to blink, showing that a DTC exists.

If a sensor has failed, then in theory another DTC should be logged which again would cause the TPMS light to blink.

You are correct. It is a good idea to check spare tire pressure periodically every few months, and there is no TPM sensor on that tire.

The TPMS will lose its setting after 12V power has been removed, but I believe it is necessary to reinitialize the system as per my comment above.

 

Hi Patrick. Where did you see the 3 minute wait time after reset? In some bulletin? Good to know.

This is cut-and-paste from the Owners Manual, very vague:

(from page 443)

Just to soap box some more: it's funny when all the attention this system draws is due to it's failings, expense and frustrations, not it's design purpose. Not uncommon these days, LOL.

 

Try leaving the car IG-ON when doing the TPMS reset process, including the 3 minute period when waiting for the TPMS ECU to poll the four sensors. (IG-ON is where all instrument panel warning lights remain on, and is reached by pressing the POWER button 2x from IG-OFF, without depressing the brake pedal.)

I would say that it is premature for you to assume that any of the TPMS sensors need to be replaced. I suggest that you visit your local Toyota dealer for help, before you decide that sensor replacement is required.

The 2G repair manual indicates that the system typically takes 2-3 minutes to obtain data from the four TPMS sensors.