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Is Tire Pressure Monitoring System available as an upgrade on a 2012 Pruis Four?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Blitzen, Sep 3, 2012.

  1. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Does anyone know it you can get the tire pressure monitoring system retrofitted on a 2012 Prius Four? I see the reset button under the steering wheel and the warning light in the dash but, the "Tire Pressure" screen doesn't come up when I press the "Car" button on the Nav system. Manual states this means its not installed? The manual doesn't list it as an available upgrade. Since this feature would help with fuel economy and tire life I'm bummed that it appears I don't have it. Anyone know if I can get this as an upgrade or do I already have it but, I'm not accessing it properly? Clueless in Ft. Lauderdale.
     
  2. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    It comes standard on the Prius. My 2012 doesn't have it on the nav screen either but I know I have it
     
  3. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    It comes standard on the Prius. My 2012 doesn't have it on the nav screen either but I know I have it[/quote]
    OK thanks for you promt reply. I see on a dealers website it comes standard on all the 2012 models. Maybe we have some kind of "Base" version that doesn't display individual tire pressures on the Nav Screen? Anybody know how I can access the tire pressures on the nav screen? It doesn't come up when I press the "Car" button. Could it be located elsewhere?
     
  4. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

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    OK thanks for you promt reply. I see on a dealers website it comes standard on all the 2012 models. Maybe we have some kind of "Base" version that doesn't display individual tire pressures on the Nav Screen? Anybody know how I can access the tire pressures on the nav screen? It doesn't come up when I press the "Car" button. Could it be located elsewhere?[/quote]

    Here's a thread discussing the same topic; in summary you need the HDD upgrade....so the question after reading it is, what tire pressure does the system consider "low"?

    Hope the linked helped.
     
  5. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Thanks for the response...I'm really disappointed as I would have thought with all the emphasis on Gas Economy that the individual tire pressures screen would have been a standard option. I feel cheated and depressed.
    And like you said, what is considered "low"?
     
  6. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

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    No problem. There are quite a few threads on the topic, but I'm on my phone now and can't provide any links to them.

    Apparently, the reason we have a basic monitoring system at all is because it is required by law.

    Glad you brought the topic up though, as there are a lot of things to learn on my new prius that I often miss while browsing for hours through the forums and now I just learned something else new
     
  7. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    IIRC, the low tire pressure light comes on when it drops ~6-8 psi below the last reset pressure.
     
  8. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Another post I read claimed it signaled when the tire fell below 75% of set value so, people were filling tires to 50lbs., setting the system reset button then deflating to 40 lbs (20 Minutes later when sytem has reset) so, the pressure monitor would sound when tires fell to 37.5 lbs (since it was reset a 50lbs). It sure would be nice to get some clarification of which value it actually is from toyota. 25% seems like a LOT of pressure to loose before you get a warning rendering the system almost useless.
     
  9. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    TPMS became mandatory in 2006 but the implementation is left up to the manufacturer. Two implementations ago it tripped when 25% of the set pressure was lost. I don't know if the system has changed or just the reporting.
     
  10. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    Assuming the air loss value until the warning light came on was -25% of set value, I had origianally set my tires at 51.5 pounds, and then, deflated them to 42 lbs. This didn't work out as the TPMS light came on and stayed on. Someone else mentioned they thought the loss value was more like 5 lbs and another poster said 6-8lbs. With this in mind, I set the pressures at 45lbs, and then, reduced pressure to 42 lbs in hopes it will trigger when the pressure reduces to circa 37- 40 lbs depending on which poster is correct. We will see as time passes. The Warning light has stayed off so far.
     
  11. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Ooh, a contest! I hope I win!!! :D
     
  12. Blitzen

    Blitzen Junior Member

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    The race is on!!!---LOL! Anyway, I see you can get the toyota TPMS diagnostic tool that will tell you what the pressures are but, I haven't seen the price for it. I'm sure its cheaper than financing the extra dough for the enhanced Nav/soundsystem.