Toyota 4Runner is equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for the purpose of warning the driver when one or more of the tires are significantly under-inflated, creating a potentially unsafe driving condition. In this article we discuss the reasons for the amber colored TPMS warning light in 4Runner, and how you can reset it.
The TPMS warning light illuminates in Toyota 4Runner when air pressure is low in one or more of the tires, battery has depleted in a pressure sensor, TPMS receiver module has malfunctioned, or a pressure sensor has been damaged.
Low tire pressure
When the amber colored TPMS warning light 
turns on in your 4Runner, stop your vehicle when it is safe to do so and check tire pressure on all the wheels, including the spare wheel (if your vehicle has one). Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Reinflate the tires
Reinflate all the tires of your 4Runner to the manufacturer specified air pressure, which is mentioned on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label usually located on the B-pillar or the edge of the driver door. If you can’t find the label, check the size of your tire which is mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and match it to the tire pressure information shown below. These are official cold tire pressure values for 4Runner from Toyota.
- P265/70R17 113S: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 bar)
- P245/60R20 107H: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 bar)
Resetting the TPMS warning light
After you have inflated all the tires to the correct air pressure, the TPMS warning light should turn off automatically after driving for a few miles. Toyota 4Runner uses the direct method for monitoring tire pressure, which means a pressure sensor actively records the internal pressure and air temperature of the tire on each wheel. If the warning light doesn’t turn off you should perform a reset procedure.
The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the following circumstances:
- When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when changing traveling speed or load weight.
- When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when the tire size is changed.
- When rotating the tires.
- After performing the transmitter ID code registration procedure.
When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.
TPMS reset procedure in Toyota 4Runner
- Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off. The initialization procedure cannot be started while the vehicle is moving.
- Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level.
Note: Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level. - Start the engine.
- Select settings tab in the multi-information display using the meter control switches on the steering wheel.
- Select Vehicle Settings.
- Select TPWS.
- Select Set Pressure, then press and hold the O button on the steering wheel until the tire pressure warning light blinks 3 times. Then a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
- “—” will be displayed on the multi-information display for the inflation pressure of each tire while initialization is being performed.
- Drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
Initialization is complete when the position of each tire is determined and the inflation pressure of each tire is displayed on the multi-information display.
Initialization may take longer than approximately 1 hour in certain situations, such as when the vehicle is stopped for a long time at traffic lights, etc.
If the low tire pressure light does not turn off automatically after reinflating the tires in your 4Runner, increase the tire pressure by 5 psi on top of the factory recommended value, and drive your vehicle for at least 10 miles (16 km). After the TPMS warning light turns off, and the vehicle has been parked for a few hours, reduce the tire pressure to the factory recommended value.
Chilly weather can turn on low tire pressure light in 4Runner
Cold weather is one of the most common cause for low tire pressure warning light in Toyota 4Runner. When analyzing WheelsJoint’s statistical data, it has been observed that there is sharp rise in the number of searches for TPMS warning light causes at the start of every winter season, about three times higher as compared to mid summer season.
The air, like most other substances, expands when heated and contracts when cooled. So when the weather gets colder, the tire pressure decreases, which could trigger TPMS warning light in 4Runner. The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
Inflate tires when cold
Tire pressure in 4Runner should always be set based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three-hour period.
Do not adjust tire pressure when hot
The tires on your 4Runner can get around 50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature when you’re driving, which increases the tire pressure by about 4 psi – this is normal and there should be no adjustment for this increased pressure.
Does altitude affect tire pressure?
Yes, altitude can change tire pressure values, but it is negligible and not a cause for concern. If you drive your 4Runner from sea level to Mount Evans Scenic Byway in Colorado which is the highest paved road in North America at the altitude of 14,130 feet (4,307 m), the tire pressure should theoretically increase by approximately 6 psi. But, the decrease in ambient temperature at higher elevation contracts the air in tires and compensates for any altitude pressure changes.
Is it safe to drive 4Runner with low tire pressure?
The driving characteristics of 4Runner change even if the air pressure is 5 psi less than manufacturer’s recommended value: the braking distance can be longer, cornering worse, and at particularly high speeds there is even a risk that the tire will burst. Low tire pressure also increases tire wear, and the higher rolling resistance of the tire means higher fuel consumption. So it is recommended to reinflate the tires to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Dead battery in a tire pressure sensor
Each tire pressure sensor in 4Runner is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery. When the battery is depleted, the sensor stops transmitting tire pressure information to the receiver module. When this happens, the TPMS warning light will flash every time the engine is started, and will remain illuminated until you turn off the vehicle.
How long do the pressure sensor batteries last?
The tire pressure sensor batteries usually last anywhere from 5 to 10 years in 4Runner. When the battery is depleted, you must replace the sensor itself, as the battery is sealed into the sensor unit and is non-replaceable.
Identifying a faulty pressure sensor
The most reliable method for detecting a faulty tire pressure sensor or a sensor with dead battery is by testing each sensor with a scan tool. For example, MaxiTPMS TS408 is commonly used for diagnosing and programming tire pressure sensors. A sensor that is not detectable by the scanner is most likely defective and should be replaced with a new one.
If you don’t want to spend over a hundred bucks on a scanner, then head over to any reputable tire shop and perform a TPMS diagnostic scan of your 4Runner. Some shops like Discount Tire and Pep Boys offer free of charge TPMS diagnostic services.
Installed new tires?
If a pressure sensor stopped responding after you installed new tires on your 4Runner, it is possible the sensor got damaged during tire installation. These sensors are quite sensitive, and can be easily damaged if utmost care is not taken while changing tires.
Toyota 4Runner TPMS user guide
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pressure warning valve and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise.
The tire pressure detected by the tire pressure warning system can be displayed on the multi-information display.
If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is warned by a screen display and a warning light.
Installing tire pressure warning valve and transmitters
When replacing the tires or wheels, the tire pressure warning valve and transmitters must be installed to the wheels which will be installed to the vehicle.
When new tire pressure warning valve and transmitters are installed, new ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be initialized.
Registering ID codes
Every tire pressure warning valve and transmitter has a unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, it is necessary to register the ID codes. The ID codes can be registered on the multi-information display by going to Settings > Vehicle Settings > TPWS > Change Wheel Set.
How to register the ID codes
- Select settings tab on the multi-information display using the meter control switches on the steering wheel.
- Select “Vehicle Settings”.
- Select “TPWS”.
- Select “Change Wheel Set”, then press and hold the • button on the steering wheel until the tire pressure warning light blinks slowly 3 times. Then a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
- When registration is being performed, the tire pressure warning light will blink for approximately 1 minute then illuminate and “—” will be displayed for the inflation pressure of each tire on the multi-information display.
- Drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
Registration is complete when the tire pressure warning light turns off and the inflation pressure of each tire is displayed on the multi-information display.
Registration may take longer than approximately 1 hour in certain situations, such as when the vehicle is stopped for a long time at traffic lights, etc.
After registering the ID codes, make sure to initialize the tire pressure warning system.
Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.
Warning performance of the tire pressure warning system
The warning of the tire pressure warning system will change in accordance with the conditions under which it was initialized. For this reason, the system may give a warning even if the tire pressure does not reach a low enough level, or if the pressure is higher than the pressure that was adjusted to when the system was initialized.
Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly
In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
- If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used.
- A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.
- A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
- Tire chains etc. are equipped.
- If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
- If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the wheels or wheel housings.
- If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified level.
- If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal reception.
- If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put near the spare tire.
- If tires not equipped with the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are used.
- If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
Performance may be affected in the following situations.
- Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large display, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electrical noise.
- When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless communication device.
When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off could be extended.
When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has burst, the warning may not function.
The initialization operation guidelines (TPMS Reset)
- Make sure to carry out initialization after adjusting the tire inflation pressure. Also, make sure the tires are cold before carrying out initialization or tire inflation pressure adjustment.
- If you have accidentally turned the engine switch to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or off (vehicles with a smart key system) during initialization, it is not necessary to press the reset switch again as initialization will restart automatically when the engine switch has been turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system) for the next time.
- If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization is not necessary, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level when the tires are cold, and conduct initialization again.
- While the position of each tire is being determined and the inflation pressures are not being displayed on the multi-information display, if the inflation pressure of a tire drops, the tire pressure warning light will come on.
When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Do not move the vehicle backward during initialization. Initialization is started again from the beginning and it may take longer than usual.
Initialization may take longer to complete if the vehicle is driven on an unpaved road.
When performing initialization, drive on a paved road if possible. Depending on the driving environment and condition of the tires, initialization will be completed in approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
- If initialization is not complete after driving approximately 30 minutes, continue driving for a while.
- If initialization is not complete after driving approximately 1 hour, park the vehicle in a safe place for approximately 20 minutes. Then drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more (*except when making a left/right turn) for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
- If initialization is still not complete, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
In the following situations, the tire inflation pressure will not be recorded and the system will not operate properly. Perform initialization again.
- When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure warning light does not blink 3 times.
- After performing initialization, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute then stays on after driving for about 20 minutes.
When ID code registration has failed
Registration may take long time or the ID codes may not be registered in the following situations.
- When the vehicle is moved backward during registration. Registration is started again from the beginning and it may take longer than usual.
- When another vehicle is running the side of the vehicle such as in heavy traffic. It may take longer to detect the vehicle’ tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
- If tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are in the vehicle. The ID codes may not be registered.
When performing registration, drive on a paved road if possible. Depending on the driving environment and condition of the tires, registration will be completed in approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
- If registration is not complete after driving approximately 30 minutes, continue driving for a while.
- If registration is not complete after driving approximately 1 hour, park the vehicle in a safe place for approximately 20 minutes. Then drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 40 km/h (25 mph) or more (*except when making a left/right turn) for approximately 10 to 30 minutes. If registration is still not complete, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
When the tire pressure warning light does not blink slowly 3 times, the ID code will not be registered and the system will not operate properly. Perform registration again.
When registering ID codes
Initialize the tire pressure warning system after ID code registration. Initialization is disabled if the system was initialized before registration. After ID code registration, the tires are hot by driving. Initialize the tire pressure warning system after the tires become cold.
Canceling the change wheel set mode
If turning the engine switch to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or off (vehicles with a smart key system) when in the change wheel set mode before driving, the change wheel set mode is canceled.
After driving when in the change wheel set mode, the change wheel set mode cannot be canceled. To cancel the mode, perform the procedure for ID code registration again and turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or off (vehicles with a smart key system) before driving.
If the change wheel set mode is canceled, the ID codes that have already been registered are communicated. When communication is finished, the tire pressure warning light will turn off.
Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and tire valve caps
- When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.
- Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not installed, water could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire pressure warning valves could be bound.
- When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified. The cap may become stuck.
To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Toyota dealer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire.
Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes. These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
Reset the entire system
If the low tire pressure warning light won’t turn off due to a glitch in the tire pressure monitoring system, it may be possible to reset the TPMS system by resetting all on-board computers in your 4Runner. This method should only be considered as a last resort, when all else fails.
You can reboot all the on-board computers by disconnecting the main 12 volt battery for a few minutes. Remove the cable from the negative terminal of the battery first, then from the positive terminal. With the battery disconnected, press the horn button a few times and turn on the headlights to drain out all the residual electricity from the system. After about 15 minutes, reconnect the battery in reverse order: positive cable first, then negative cable.
Tire pressure keeps getting low
If the TPMS warning light turns on frequently in your 4Runner, and the tire pressure is also decreasing after you have reinflated the tires, there may be an air leak. One or more of the tires may have been punctured by an external object, or the air may be leaking from a defective value stem.
Can I disable the TPMS system in 4Runner?
No, the TPMS system is federally mandated, and cannot be disabled in Toyota 4Runner. All vehicles must have a working tire pressure monitoring system to be legally compliant.
Use OBD2 scanner for diagnosis
Since Toyota 4Runner is equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can provide initial indications of where the malfunction is located. But when it comes to TPMS, a basic code reader will not suffice. You will need an advanced scanner to monitor TPMS data or read TPMS codes.
BlueDriver is a commonly used scanner by DIYers that can read TPMS codes for most vehicles and isn’t too expensive – costs about a hundred bucks. You can also clear the TPMS fault codes with this device which will turn off the warning light, but the light may come back on if the on-board diagnostic system detects a fault again.
