Toyota Tacoma low tire pressure warning light causes, how to reset

Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma, and how you can reset it.

Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tacoma – (Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock)

The TPMS warning light illuminates in Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma from Toyota.

  • P245/75R16 109S: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 bar)
  • 265/70R16 112T: 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 bar)
  • P265/65R17 110S: 29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 bar)
  • P265/60R18 109H: 29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 bar)
See the sidewall of any tire on your Tacoma to find the tire size information.

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 Tacoma 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 rotating the tires.
  • When changing the tire size.

When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.

TPMS reset procedure in Toyota Tacoma

  1. Vehicles without a smart key system: Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position.
    Vehicles with a smart key system: Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off.
    Note: Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
  2. Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. 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.
  3. Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.
    Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode.
  4. Press and hold the tire pressure warning reset switch (labeled SET) under the steering wheel until the tire pressure warning light blinks slowly 3 times.

    Note: “- -” will be displayed for inflation pressure of each tire on the multi-information display while the tire pressure warning system determines the position of each tire.
    Note: When position of each tire is determined, the inflation pressure of each tire will be displayed on the multi-information display.
  5. Drive the vehicle at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 minutes.
    Note: When initialization is complete, the inflation pressure of each tire will be displayed on the multi-information display. Initialization will take longer than approximately 10 minutes if the vehicle is stopped for a long time, such as at traffic signals.
TPMS reset button location in Toyota Tacoma third generation.

If the low tire pressure light does not turn off automatically after reinflating the tires in your Tacoma, 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 Tacoma

Cold weather is one of the most common cause for low tire pressure warning light in Toyota Tacoma. 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 Tacoma. The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).

Tire pressure vs temperature: This chart shows how tire pressure of 35 psi at temperature of 35°C (95°F) decreases by roughly 1.6 psi with every 10°C (18°F) drop in temperature.

Inflate tires when cold

Tire pressure in Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma with low tire pressure?

The driving characteristics of Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma. 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.

Scan each wheel with a scan tool like MaxiTPMS TS408 and see which one does not respond.

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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma TPMS user guide

Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise.

Tire pressure information in the instrument cluster of Toyota Tacoma.

If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is warned by a warning light.

The tire pressure detected by the tire pressure warning system can be displayed on the multi-information display.

Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must also be installed.

When new tire pressure warning valves 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. Have tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes registered by your Toyota dealer.

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.

Routine tire inflation pressure checks

The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily vehicle checks.

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.
  • An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is 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 wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is 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

If tire position information is not correctly displayed due to the radio wave conditions, the display may be corrected by driving and changing the radio wave conditions.

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 (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.

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.

When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed

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 minutes. If initialization is not complete after driving approximately 10 minutes, continue driving for a while.

If the inflation pressure of each tire is not displayed after driving for approximately 1 hour, perform the following procedure.

  • Park the vehicle in a safe place for approximately 20 minutes. Then drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

However, 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 while driving.

If the inflation pressure of each tire is still not displayed, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

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 Tacoma. This method should only be considered as a last resort, when all else fails.

Disconnect both negative and positive terminals of the battery.

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 Tacoma, 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.

A punctured tire can be plugged with a tire repair kit if the puncture is not near the sidewall.

Can I disable the TPMS system in Tacoma?

No, the TPMS system is federally mandated, and cannot be disabled in Toyota Tacoma. All vehicles must have a working tire pressure monitoring system to be legally compliant.

Use OBD2 scanner for diagnosis

Since Toyota Tacoma 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 Bluetooth based diagnostic device which you can connect to the OBDII port in your vehicle and use your mobile phone for diagnosis. You will need to download the “BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool” app from the App Store on your iPhone, or from Google Play Store if you have an Android phone.

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.

Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com