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can I reset my dashboard tire pressure warning light?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by priusunum, Dec 16, 2015.

  1. priusunum

    priusunum priusunum

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    My tire pressure warning light has come on and stays on. I have checked the tire pressure in all four tires and even brought the spare up to correct pressure but light still stays on. I also tired pressing and holding for a few seconds the tire button under the steering wheel next to the on/off button for the smart key, but all that happened is that the warning light blinked for a while and then stayed on steadily.
    I'm guessing it's a malfunction of the light, but I don't know how to reset it so the light will go off. Any ideas?
     
  2. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Chances are one of the sensors has failed due to weak or dead battery in the offending sensor.
     
  3. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    If you have indeed performed the reset procedure correctly, than, as previous poster said, you have an issue with the actual sensors...
    Did you:

    1. Set the tire pressure of all wheels to the proper pressure.

    2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

    3. Press and hold the tire pressure warning reset switch until the tire pressure warning light blinks three times at one-second intervals.

    Some things that apparently can interfere with reset...
    Due to the air valve angle of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, they may not be used on wheels other than those originally installed on the vehicle.

    Under the following conditions, the system may not function properly:

    • areas, facilities or devices that use similar radio wave frequencies to those of the sensors are located in the vicinity of the vehicle;

    • a radio device of similar frequency is used near the vehicle;

    • a lot of snow or ice is stuck to the vehicle, especially around the wheels or wheel housings;

    • tires and wheels are installed that are not equipped with a tire pressure sensor;

    • snow tires or tire chains are used;

    • the battery of the sensor has been depleted;

    • wheels other than manufacturer factory wheels are used (if any other wheels than the specified ones are used, the system may not function properly because the radio waves are differently transmitted from the tire pressure sensor);
     
  4. priusunum

    priusunum priusunum

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    Thanks to the two people who replied. Since my tires are at the correct pressure and the tire pressure warning light was behaving properly until now and I have not changed my wheels or tires, it sound like it's the sensor. Can you tell me where the sensor's battery is located (I had no idea the sensor ran on a separate battery!) and whether I can get and install a new battery for it myself. What kind of battery would I need and could I buy one at a local auto parts store like Advanced Auto. Thanks again for your replies!
     
  5. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    Sensors and batteries are in the wheel, a small piece of electrical tape placed properly will block the offending light.
     
  6. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    The electric tape would be my vote. To get to the sensor, you have to dismount the tire from the wheel. Something the average person is not able to do.

    Even if you did that, I believe that most sensors are made so as the battery cannot easily be replaced -- not to say it could not be done, but not something the average person would attempt.

    Finally, you don't really know what is wrong. Probably the battery, but maybe not.

    Your option is to take it into a garage/tire shop and ask for a diagnosis/estimate (you could call around first and ask what they would charge to replace a sensor. Odds are if one has failed, the others COULD be getting close also.

    Or, ignore the light. Eventually, when you need new tires, you could deal with the sensor issue at that time. Either replace or not.

    As I understand the law -- and do not rely on my thoughts -- a motor vehicle repair business would not be violating 49 USC 30122(b) by removing an inoperative or damaged TPMS sensor and replacing it with a standard snap-in rubber valve stem.
     
  7. priusunum

    priusunum priusunum

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    I will follow your suggestion and just put some black tape over the offending light! And I will try to remember to check my tires' air pressure
    every few weeks. Thank you Lucifer and Stevewoods for your information and advice. You were very helpful.