Low tire warning light?

[haroldpo6]

2005 4runner

After about 50mi on a trip the tire warning light came on. I stopped and checked all the tires including spare and they where at about 32psi so I upped them to 35psi and went on with the trip. It has been about 3 weeks now and the light is still on, where do I start looking for the problem?

I've looked around on the net but have not come up with anything helpful.

 

[TakeitApart]

Does it flash for a while when turning on the ignition, then remain on? Or does it just stay on solid all the time?

 

[chaz]

mines almost always the spare, but you might have to do this to all, try lowering the pressure again to below 27 then refill.

 

[haroldpo6]

Does it flash for a while when turning on the ignition, then remain on? Or does it just stay on solid all the time?

It flash while driving.

 

[chaz]

if its flashing theres a problem. scroll down to what blackswork says. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/100722-tpms-light-randomly-started-flashing.html

 

[TakeitApart]

Yep. The flashing is indicating that there's a DTC (diagnostic trouble code) stored in the TPWS. You may have a bad sensor, or a bad module. Give this a shot before spending anything to diag or repair though.

http://www.toyotapart.com/TIRE_PRES..._LOST_COMMUNICATION_WITH_ECU_T-SB-0084-09.pdf

Basically, this is a reset of the communication systems between networked ECU's. As long as the sensor ID's aren't changed, ignore the part about the registration at the bottom. Instead, immediately after this process, go for a good 10-15mile test drive to allow the sensors to report and hopefully the light goes out.

 

[gfluff]

I'm a tire center manager at Costco, we sell and install sensors every day. I'd bet you have a dead one or two. Each sensor has a non-swappable battery in it, the batteries are good for 5-8yrs, on average. Sensor is roughly $45-70, install is $14. Free test/scan ahead of time. They do hate cold weather, but I'd bet yours is an age related issue...

 

[haroldpo6]

Thanks everyone, after some testing i'm thinking of cutting the wire to the light. I've owned cars for 50yrs with out the tire warning light, I can go a few more without I guess.

 

[Kmvreter]

Thanks everyone, after some testing i'm thinking of cutting the wire to the light. I've owned cars for 50yrs with out the tire warning light, I can go a few more without I guess.

Check the link in my signature or search for threads on how to disable the light. It's a matter of rerouting the ground path.