school me on tire pressure sensors & light

[codan]

2019 4Runner, about 37k miles.

My tire pressure indicator is on all the time. I drive for a couple of miles (light off), then it blinks for maybe a minute, then it's on for the rest of the drive.

I've checked the pressure with two gauges. Running about 33-34, with recommended pressure at 32.

I've got stock wheels with snow tires mounted, which I put on in November and take off in April. I've got another set of stock wheels (purchased used), with regular tires, that I run the rest of the year.

Both sets have OEM tire pressure sensors. And the spare is the original, with the original OEM dohickey.

When I switch sets do I have to have some kind of adjustment done to the car to have the tire pressure indicator work?

What tire pressure should I be running? I've been told to run about 2lbs high to get the indicator light to go away.

If I can't get this fixed simply then I'll remove the indicator bulb I guess.

Suggestions?

Thank you.

 

[pDubs]

Yes, the TPMS sensors need to be paired with the vehicle. Most tire shops have a device that you go around and stick up against the tire near the valve stem to pair each sensor 1 by 1.

Edit: Something like this should work: Amazon.com

 

[flyrv9]

Part of each TPMS sensor is a battery that lives inside the rim under the valve stem. The batteries are good for about 7 years on average. Although you have a 2019 a bad battery could be the culprit. A failing battery results in the TPMS light coming on. When mine was failing the TPMS light blinked off and on until it went on solid. In fact it's still on! I see no point in paying about $80 per wheel to replace the sensors. A tire gauge works just fine. I run about 32lbs pressure. You might want to check the manual as you have a newer vehicle.

What a lot of guys do is mount Winter tires on steel rims without sensors. They live with the light for the Winter.

 

[codan]

So I have to reprogram the sensors EVERY time I switch, even if it's just switching back to the same wheels I had on 6 months ago?

I think I'll try to figure out how to remove the bulb.

 

[Yamahamer]

So I have to reprogram the sensors EVERY time I switch, even if it's just switching back to the same wheels I had on 6 months ago?

I think I'll try to figure out how to remove the bulb.

Correct! But you don't need any special tools. In your owner's manual there should be a section about how to "Register", and then "Initialize" your tire pressure sensors. You have to go through this process each time you change sensors (which is what you do when you put on a different set of tires)

For me the only difference was that the owner's manual told me the system would recognize the different sensors in around 20 miles of driving. In my case it was 75 miles before the system finally recognized them.

 

[Humble Leader]

the fact that toyota doesn't have a TPMS reset button is a huge fail. it would make tire swaps so much easier for those of us that have winter tires

 

[Jakeepoo3]

the fact that toyota doesn't have a TPMS reset button is a huge fail. it would make tire swaps so much easier for those of us that have winter tires

My tpms never had issues when putting on larger a/t tires. I did have a battery die though. I believe this system is useless at for me and the light was driving me nuts. Therefore I wired an on off switch directly into the circuit which is under the steering wheel close to your switch blanks for extra accessories. That will be much easier than getting that bulb out. This will also leave the system stock if you ever sell it and the human wants the monitor. Napa had the switch that fits your blanks for $5.

 

[Humble Leader]

My tpms never had issues when putting on larger a/t tires. I did have a battery die though. I believe this system is useless at for me and the light was driving me nuts. Therefore I wired an on off switch directly into the circuit which is under the steering wheel close to your switch blanks for extra accessories. That will be much easier than getting that bulb out. This will also leave the system stock if you ever sell it and the human wants the monitor. Napa had the switch that fits your blanks for $5.

can you link this please, did you do a write up. CH4x4 has I think custom switch blanks. This would be useful for going offroading. People hate on the TPMS lol but it is a nice feature and actually was the first indication I had a tire puncture last year

 

[Jakeepoo3]

can you link this please, did you do a write up. CH4x4 has I think custom switch blanks. This would be useful for going offroading. People hate on the TPMS lol but it is a nice feature and actually was the first indication I had a tire puncture last year

Yeah, it's good for something haha. Only one tire puncture nice! I've never owned a tire that I haven't plugged a couple times. But yes!, I air down all the time so it's nice to be switchable and not have to look at the stupid light. Yes, I did a post on it a long time ago. I can't remember what all information I posted. I'll see if I can find it later. I think I still have the switch package too.

 

[Humble Leader]

Yeah, it's good for something haha. Only one tire puncture nice! I've never owned a tire that I haven't plugged a couple times. But yes!, I air down all the time so it's nice to be switchable and not have to look at the stupid light. Yes, I did a post on it a long time ago. I can't remember what all information I posted. I'll see if I can find it later. I think I still have the switch package too.

awesome thanks. I've been lucky. only one puncture. a lot of my driving is highway so maybe that's why