Write-up: How to Disable (Bypass) the TPMS

[txt4r]

This can be done in 5-10 minutes. All you need is a wire connector that can directly connect two wires. What I used was a Scotchlok wire connector (see the first picture below). Here is how:

Steps (on my '05 4Runner):

1. Disconnect the battery (Although I did not do this)
2. Take out the screw that holds the black plastic panel located below the glove box
3. Gently pull the black panel and it should just pop out
4. Drop the panel and you will see that the TPMS module is right there
5. Unplug the harness (as show in the second picture below)
6. Use utility knife or scissors and cut the yellow type open (BE CAREFUL-Not to cut the wires!!!!)
7. Inside the yellow type there is another layer of black type, cut that open as well (again, BE CAREFUL Not to cut the wires!!!)
8. Now, look for two wires: the Pink-Black one (TPMS) and the White-Black (ground) wire (see below the third picture)
9. Use Scotchlok wire connector to connect the Pink-Black wire and the White-Black wire (watch youtube Scotchlok Wiring Demo clip here: ScotchLok Wiring Connector Demonstration - etrailer.com - YouTube) NOTE: Check both channels inside the connector. If one channel is blocked, you need to cut out the plastic block to make adjustment so that the wire can go through just like the other channel).

Done! The TPMS light is now bypassed and the light will never come back on. (Note: this mod is reversable by simply removing the connector or wire a switch to turn it on or off: see http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/50252-tpms-light-bypass-switch.html)

Since the TPMS is disabled, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly.

 

[ohnoitsthecops]

Good **** :thumb3:

 

[Bigrupp]

So need to do this. I'm sick of that damn thing being lit up. Thank you.

 

[Synister]

Does this work for 06+? I had heard Toyota did something to make this type of bypass harder for newer years.

 

[txt4r]

I did not see any info saying this mod would not work for 06+. But don't take my words as I only did it to my 05.

Does this work for 06+? I had heard Toyota did something to make this type of bypass harder for newer years.

 

[THES0FAK1NG]

Quick question. Just want to be thorough here. Which ends of the wires do we connect? As in 2 needed wires run into the TPMS module. Do we pull the 2 wires out of the module and connect them? Or cut the two wires and connect the ends of the wires loose from the module?

 

[txt4r]

Just use a scotchlok connector (as shown in the first pic) to connect the two wires (Black-White and Pink-Black). Do not pull or cut any wires.

Watch the youtube clip on how scotchlok wiring connector works. Put the Black-WHite wire in one channel and the Pink-Black wire in the other channel to connect the two wires directly.

Quick question. Just want to be thorough here. Which ends of the wires do we connect? As in 2 needed wires run into the TPMS module. Do we pull the 2 wires out of the module and connect them? Or cut the two wires and connect the ends of the wires loose from the module?

 

[li_runner]

This is exactly the same for 06+ :thumb3:

 

[Radial GT]

Good stuff, I will be doing this TODAY. That light drives me nuts. My spare tire sensor is shot. I understand that 100% of soccer moms do not check their tire pressure, but to make it such a finicky system to keep running is not acceptable. Our 04 Sienna uses the ABS sensors to tell if one tire is running low, which is a GREAT way of performing this task. Why they decided to over complicate the system is beyond me.

I do not have any of those lock deals, but I plan on soldering a wire across the two wires. The next owners don't know it yet, but I am making this fairly permanent.


Thanks for the write-up!

 

[txt4r]

That's right -- you do not have to have a scothlock connector; it should work just fine as long as those two wires are connected. Soldering a wire directly across the two wires is a good idea! Good luck!

Also, you can add a switch some where between the two wires to turn the TPMS system on and off.

Good stuff, I will be doing this TODAY. That light drives me nuts. My spare tire sensor is shot. I understand that 100% of soccer moms do not check their tire pressure, but to make it such a finicky system to keep running is not acceptable. Our 04 Sienna uses the ABS sensors to tell if one tire is running low, which is a GREAT way of performing this task. Why they decided to over complicate the system is beyond me.

I do not have any of those lock deals, but I plan on soldering a wire across the two wires. The next owners don't know it yet, but I am making this fairly permanent.


Thanks for the write-up!

 

[geedubcpa]

Thanks

Just did this on my 2005 4runner - pesky little flashing light is gone. I have been checking my air pressure for 35 years without an ECM telling me I am low, so why start now.

On my Honda Oddysee I have never had the light come on an be accurate - it comes on about once per year during cold days and gives me false alarm.

 

[zstampe]

GREAT write up. I'm surprised that i've never seen this. I will be doing this to mine once I get new wheels.

 

[BReardon21]

great Write Up!

 

[ChaosStarter]

Couldn't you just pull the bulb in the cluster if you didn't want to look at it and not use the system?

 

[blk-4runner]

Did it on my 07, and it works! Thanks.

 

[berettashot117]

scotchlock connectors make this ridiculously easy. good mod

 

[geedubcpa]

thanks

Couldn't you just pull the bulb in the cluster if you didn't want to look at it and not use the system?

The bulb is way too hard to get too - besides I think it is led. This is a very easy fix - just be careful to follow the instructions. Make sure you get the proper wires.

gw

 

[Atlanta_man]

Couldn't you just pull the bulb in the cluster if you didn't want to look at it and not use the system?

That will work just fine.

Allow plenty of time for the mod.

 

[Synister]

Late update, I tried this mod a few months ago on my 09 V6 TE and the wires are not the same. The pink and black is there but there is no white and black, only grey an black. I tried the scotchlock connector on these wires and my tachometer read zero at idle and fluctuated when revved. Not sure if 09 specific or 4th Gen TE specific. I'd love to lose the tpms light but not at the expense of my tach.

 

[jeober]

Measured the current between the wires..

Current was 7 mA - good to go here; and this worked for me. These are small wires so be sure your Scotchlok is able to slice through to the copper core. Mine didn't at first try but I went to plan B.

Thanks