Low Tire Pressure Indicator

How does this gizmo work?

I had my first tire rotation yesterday. I have never owned a vehicle with this feature and was wondering how the truck can sense when tire pressure falls below the threashold.



Thanks

Jeff W. Waldrop

 

The valves in our tires are special as they are actually pressure sensor units, spare included. When the pressure level drops below a certain level, the TPMS lamp goes on and stays on until the faulty pressure is corrected.

 

The valvestems in the 5 tires contain a pressure sensor and an RF transmitter.
The truck has a receiver.
The 'reset' button underneath the dash sets the current pressure in the tires.
When the pressure changes +/- 4 psi, the TPMS light in the dash will come on solid.
If the TPMS light flashes you have a malfunction in the system.
Steel wheel and aluminum wheel sensors are not interchangeable.
Each sensor is about U$120 at the dealer.
Each sensor has a unique GUID number that must be programmed into the truck ECU.

Fritz

 

I appreciate both responses!!

 

I appreciate both responses!!

 

so another word, when u get new tires, the new stems will work for the sensors?

 

yeah and rims as well?

 

You may want to read Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems info at the Tire Rack site.

Here is a good thread about the Tacoma sensor system at Toyota Nation.

 

Does this also include the spare? My light has been on for months, I have the four tires all at the same pressure. When I have tried to reset the switch, the indicator light does not go off.

 

If you still have all the original paperwork for your truck, look in the owners manual pouch. There is a sheet with 5 bar code labels. Those are for the tire pressure doo-hickies.
(I think)

 

Thanks for the info. I will review this when I return home on Wednesday.

gizbo

 

i dont have to buy new senors when i get new tires??? do I? does not sound cheap!!

 

All good information to know. Thanks fritzthecat!

 

Nope....Only if you get rims that the TPMS sensors you have are not compatable.

Get your new rubbers put on- and reset the TPMS value after they are done.

 

Does anyone know if tire pressure sensors are mandatory here in Canada. Sounds like it could be a handy tool, but not worth replacing should it become damaged.

It looks like you only need new sensors if you change to the steel rims from aluminum, or vice-versa. But it also looks like you can only program 5 sensors at a time. So it will make things difficult if you want to have a set of winter tires.

 

bless u!!

 

well i dont know if im special, or if toyota just likes me, but when i replaced my wheels and tires, the tpms sensors would not fit on the new rims. took the sensors out went to toyota ad asked if they had sensors that had more of a bend to fit the curvature of my wheel better, they came back with 2005 Corolla Sensors and did a trade really. no extra charge. Had them installed, and i still have my sensors