Pleasantly surprised by the TPMS

[xxaarraa]

I didn't realize my 08 T4R had an indirect system and that it actually works. I am coming from a Tacoma which had a direct system that was a pain in the ass and I had assumed the same for the runner, only to be pleasantly surprised!

I moved my non-TPMS-valve-stem Tacoma wheels/tires over to the T4R when I bought it. Oddly, the TPMS light never came on and I thought the entire system must have been disabled or something. Then yesterday, it came on while driving home. I thought it was odd that it just came on and figured "well, time for black tape I guess" Then this morning, the front tire was completely flat. Once I got the tire fixed and remounted, the TPMS light went away, indicating this is some sort of ABS/speed sensor based indirect system.

I personally like the indirect systems better for street use, have had good luck with them in other cars. Woohoo for the runner!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The '08 doesn't have an indirect TPMS system... all vehicles produced after '07 are required by law to have a direct TPMS monitoring system.

Now as to why your 4Runner seems to be acting like it has an indirect TPMS, I honestly have no clue... but as far as I know, Toyota didn't set up a redunency that goes to indirect TPMS when the direct fails (though, that would probably be a good idea).

The indirect TPMS systems were not bad systems, but were often plauged by improper repair/maintence, lack of understanding, and sensitivity to tire/wheel combinations. Part of the reason they went to direct TPMS units after '07.

 

[xxaarraa]

The '08 doesn't have an indirect TPMS system... all vehicles produced after '07 are required by law to have a direct TPMS monitoring system.

Now as to why your 4Runner seems to be acting like it has an indirect TPMS, I honestly have no clue... but as far as I know, Toyota didn't set up a redunency that goes to indirect TPMS when the direct fails (though, that would probably be a good idea).

The indirect TPMS systems were not bad systems, but were often plauged by improper repair/maintence, lack of understanding, and sensitivity to tire/wheel combinations. Part of the reason they went to direct TPMS units after '07.

All vehicles are required to have TPMS, you are correct. But I am not sure if the law specifies a particular technology (direct vs. indirect). I know for a fact that my wheels don't have TPMS valve stems and the 4R TPMS light lit up when the tire was flat and went away when I got the tire plugged and inflated. Definitely indicates an indirect system.

 

[ChaosStarter]

The '08 doesn't have an indirect TPMS system... all vehicles produced after '07 are required by law to have a direct TPMS monitoring system.

Now as to why your 4Runner seems to be acting like it has an indirect TPMS, I honestly have no clue... but as far as I know, Toyota didn't set up a redunency that goes to indirect TPMS when the direct fails (though, that would probably be a good idea).

My '05 is a direct system..... and this topic is kind of boggling my mind.