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‘17 Prius Prime Tire Pressure Dropping

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Kevin Kobayashi, Dec 30, 2017.

  1. Kevin Kobayashi

    Kevin Kobayashi New Member

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    I purchased a 2017 Prius prime approx 1 month ago (2000 miles). I’ve been experiencing tire pressure issues with the TPMS light coming on. The first time was the right front tire dropping to 26 psi (approx 1 week after purchase). The second time was the right rear. The most recent TPMS light issue was this morning (12/30), 3 tires were low.

    I took it to the Toyota dealer last week. They said if it’s the tire, you need to take it to a tire shop! Wth! I have Toyota care and there is no sign of a nail or a puncture. It’s not a coincidence that different multiple tires have had pressure issues. The weather has been colder than usual (in the 40’s in Los angeles). I know I know, can’t complain!!

    I gave the benefit of the doubt the first time the tire pressure dropped but this is the third time and it hasn’t been all four tires. You would assume when the weather is cold, I would experience a drop in tire pressure in all four tires! Any advise would be greatly appreciated!! Happy New Year!!
     
    #1 Kevin Kobayashi, Dec 30, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    cold makes the pressure drop. pump 'em up to 42f/40r, then the light will stay off longer. check them regularly, and if one is dropping faster than the others, have the valve checked, or tire reseated.
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 30, 2017
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Two right side tires with slow leaks, could be you drove through something.

    Both tires have been taken off and inspected?

    See my first comment. You could have run over some staples, tacks, whatever. The dealership is right: there is no road hazard warranty through Toyota. Inspect the two leakers thoroughly, either yourself or a tire shop. I'll wager if you remove a wheel, straddle it and roll it along in good light, you'll spot something.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Dec 30, 2017
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  4. Kevin Kobayashi

    Kevin Kobayashi New Member

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    I’ll take a look at both right tires just to make sure, thanks!
     
    #4 Kevin Kobayashi, Dec 30, 2017
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  5. Kevin Kobayashi

    Kevin Kobayashi New Member

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    Does Toyota have a way to test the TPMS/valve?
     
    #5 Kevin Kobayashi, Dec 30, 2017
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there is a reset procedure in the o/m, but not sure about testing.
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 30, 2017
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I think they can verify they're present and responding, with Techstream. It'd cost somewhere between $50~100? You'd be shooting the messenger though: you had TPMS warning on the dash, and you had low tire pressures. So why would there be a problem with the sensors?
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Dec 30, 2017
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  8. Kevin Kobayashi

    Kevin Kobayashi New Member

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    I’m not sure how the sensor/valve is designed but if there isn’t a puncture or leak in the tire, would it be bad valves or bad seals around the beads of the rim of multiple wheels? Granted the weather has been colder but a 14psi drop in 1 tire, then 2, and now 3 tires doesn’t make sense. This car is 1 month old! I would expect issues like this for such a new car.
     
    #8 Kevin Kobayashi, Dec 30, 2017
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Did you check pressures at time of purchase? Follow @bisco 's suggestion, just air them all to 35~40 (your preference) and watch for a few days?

    You want it to be a defect, but I'm saying check the obvious/easy first. So far the only thing untoward is your tires all seem to be dropping. The TPMS is accordingly reporting it. It could be the tires were a bit low at the outset, and the colder weather is dropping them more.
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Dec 30, 2017
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  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Do you have your own tire pressure gauge?
     
    #10 Raytheeagle, Dec 30, 2017
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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Modern parable:

    upload_2017-12-30_9-47-13.png
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Dec 30, 2017
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  12. Kevin Kobayashi

    Kevin Kobayashi New Member

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    The first time the TPMS light came on (front right), all other tire pressures read 42. That was a week or so after I drove off the Toyota lot. Like you stated, the TPMS works as it should. I think the cold has partially something to do with it but I’ll make note the next time this happens. Thanks for your advise.
     
    #12 Kevin Kobayashi, Dec 30, 2017
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  13. Kevin Kobayashi

    Kevin Kobayashi New Member

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    Yes, I use a digital gauge. I’ll monitor the pressure on all four from here on out.
     
    #13 Kevin Kobayashi, Dec 30, 2017
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  14. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Sounds like a good idea:).

    Happy new year (y).
     
    #14 Raytheeagle, Dec 30, 2017
  15. drysider

    drysider Active Member

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    The TPMS seems to be doing its job telling you that you have some low tires. You need to get them fixed.
     
    #15 drysider, Dec 30, 2017
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i had a slow leak. couldn't see anything visually, but the mech found a small nail. i don't know if they put them in the dunk tank like the olden days, or if there is a high tech way now. out maybe it's just easier to find when you take the wheel off.
     
    #16 bisco, Dec 30, 2017
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  17. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    It’s possible those two right tires were not mounted right or a small defect in the rims allowing small leakage.
     
    #17 Andyprius1, Jan 1, 2018
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