Tire pressure warning light

If you change the wheels, the sensors that are installed on the other wheels are no longer being read by the car. That is why the light is on.

The workaround is one of a few choices.

1. Install sensors in the second set of wheels and register them on the car, the light will then go out. If you do that, and then swap back to the old wheels you will have to register the old one's again. The system only works on four sensors at a time. You may or may not have sensors on both sets of rims. The OEM wheels should have them, the aftermarket wheels may not unless someone has installed them.

2. Put a piece of black tape over the light and simply keep track of the pressure with a good gage.

3. Ignore the light being on and drive it as it is.

You won't damage the car if you do nothing. Also if you do nothing, when you put the old wheels back on the light should go out. You might have to push the button again for the computer to read the sensors, but after a short time that light should go out.

I hope this helps you. I tried not to get too technical. FWIW, most good tire shops can help you with this. If you start installing sensors and registering them with the car, you will find it will cost you a considerable amount of money. Most folks simply ignore the light if swapping wheels for winter time use and simply keep the tires aired up the old fashioned way. A tire gage and a compressor.

Good luck to you and "Welcome" to Prius Chat.

Ron

 

This is what a typical sensor will look like. There is one of them on each wheel. Each sensor has a number which has to be registered to the car so the system will work properly. Toyota and most tire shops can register the sensors for a fee.