HL 2009 - TPMS question - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

e1e0n · 10-17-2010, 01:03 PM

I wonder if TPMS is installed on every Limited (this is Canadian model)?

I just bought one and there is no TMPS reset button (in manual it's shown left-bellow Traction control off button). What will happen if I use winter tires without sensors? Will it just bring this warning light on or something else?

EDIT: I see TP warning light when I switch main switch on (using START BUTTON, I have smart key system).

luck123 · 10-17-2010, 04:42 PM

Yes, your vehicle should have TPMS. Your TPMS reset should be located roughly where the manual states. I had difficulty locating it the first time as well, but when I stuck my head under the dash with a flashlight, I found it almost immediately.

Your TPMS sensors are part of the valve stem on your wheels. So if you simply swap out tires on your OEM wheels, you'll be fine. If you change to a winter set of wheels without TPMS sensors, then yes, your TPMS warning light will remain on. No other impact that I am aware of. Many people do this and simply put a piece of black tape on the instrument cluster lense to hide the light, or just live with it on.

***05Moose*** · 10-17-2010, 06:29 PM

Also, you can tell that you have TPMS by looking at your valve stems. Wheels with TMPS (at least on the Toyotas) have metal valve stems. Those without have the rubber valve stems.

e1e0n · 10-17-2010, 07:42 PM

Right! I found it. I wonder who designed it and why they hide it that way

Quote:

Originally Posted by luck123

Yes, your vehicle should have TPMS. Your TPMS reset should be located roughly where the manual states. I had difficulty locating it the first time as well, but when I stuck my head under the dash with a flashlight, I found it almost immediately.

Your TPMS sensors are part of the valve stem on your wheels. So if you simply swap out tires on your OEM wheels, you'll be fine. If you change to a winter set of wheels without TPMS sensors, then yes, your TPMS warning light will remain on. No other impact that I am aware of. Many people do this and simply put a piece of black tape on the instrument cluster lense to hide the light, or just live with it on.

luck123 · 10-18-2010, 08:04 AM

Yeah, they probably don't want people hitting it accidentally.

Also, if you choose to go with another set of wheels for winter and want to have the functionality of your TPMS, you may wish to consider ebay for sensors. I purchased four used OEM sensors with new valve and gasket (essential that these be replaced when swapping to new wheels) for $100....much cheaper than new and they work perfectly.

If you choose to by any TPMS sensors, ensure you write the sensor IDs down, or take a picture of each, BEFORE they are installed so that they can be easily programmed into the computer's ECU.

The only drawback to having two sets of TPMS sensors is that every time you swap out, you have to program the IDs of the tires you're putting on your vehicle back into the HL ECU, and unless you have your own programming tool (eg. ATEQ), then you'll have to get the dealer to do it. Some dealers charge, some don't. If yours does, then you'll have to take that added expense, twice a year, into account.

Cheers.

lets456 · 10-18-2010, 08:23 AM

yeah my light just went on the other day. i inflated the tires, held the reset button and NOTHING. I really do hate these sensors... had them on my Sienna and they failed more than they worked. Anyone have an idea how to reset or disable it altogether?

e1e0n · 10-18-2010, 08:06 PM

wow that's really stupid.... dealer will charge minimum 1hour labor...
I will live without them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by luck123

The only drawback to having two sets of TPMS sensors is that every time you swap out, you have to program the IDs of the tires you're putting on your vehicle back into the HL ECU, and unless you have your own programming tool (eg. ATEQ), then you'll have to get the dealer to do it. Some dealers charge, some don't. If yours does, then you'll have to take that added expense, twice a year, into account.

Cheers.

nov0798 · 10-18-2010, 08:21 PM

you only need to reset the tpms, if you change the pressure in the tire. in other words if you want the threshold to be say 30 psi, then you inflate all tires to 30psi, and then do the reset, which now sets the thing to 30psi. If you change your tire pressure to say 34psi, then you would again reset it to that threshold. if your light comes on, simply re inflate the affected tire, and the light will go off automatically. no need to reset ever time

luck123 · 10-19-2010, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e1e0n

wow that's really stupid.... dealer will charge minimum 1hour labor...
I will live without them.

Fully understand. A few folks, me included, have invested in the ATEQ TPM Quickset tool for around $150 so we can reset the ECU ourselves. (Easily pays for itself in a few visits to have the dealer do it, and works on a number of car brands that have TPMS. Depending on how important it is for you to have the TPMS, it may be something to consider. Many see TPMS as a pain in the rear, and it can be to a certain extent. The way I look at it, its there, so I choose the extra expense ($100 sensors + $150 ATEQ) for the little bit of extra peace of mind that it will provide when traveling with my family (ie.tell me if I have a slow leak so I can pull over before the situation gets critical or dangerous). Of course, its not fool proof, but it is something. Different strokes.....

Anyway, there's another thread I started way back with more info on the ATEQ in case you're interested.....

DIY TPMS Programming - Tool to Program your Own TPMS Sensors - Toyota Scion Honda

Cheers.

lets456 · 10-19-2010, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nov0798

you only need to reset the tpms, if you change the pressure in the tire. in other words if you want the threshold to be say 30 psi, then you inflate all tires to 30psi, and then do the reset, which now sets the thing to 30psi. If you change your tire pressure to say 34psi, then you would again reset it to that threshold. if your light comes on, simply re inflate the affected tire, and the light will go off automatically. no need to reset ever time

None of the tires were low... they were all 32 PSI. However, I put them up to 34 and the light is still on. All read 34 psi... I held the reset button down and nothing changes. Stays a solid "yellow". Anyone have any other ideas how to reset or completely disable?

Does it read the spare even though it is not mounted on a shaft?

luck123 · 10-19-2010, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lets456

None of the tires were low... they were all 32 PSI. However, I put them up to 34 and the light is still on. All read 34 psi... I held the reset button down and nothing changes. Stays a solid "yellow". Anyone have any other ideas how to reset or completely disable?

Does it read the spare even though it is not mounted on a shaft?

Yes, spare also has a sensor. I keep mine inflated at around 36 lbs so that I don't have to check it as often.

Cheers.

laughing_budha · 10-19-2010, 12:23 PM

I think I have a stupid question. If I get my tires changed to winter tires from a shop other than toyota dealer, would it affect my warranty in any way? ofcourse I understand that if the tire flies off while driving, toyota wont take the blame. Anything else? thanks in advance

luck123 · 10-19-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laughing_budha

I think I have a stupid question. If I get my tires changed to winter tires from a shop other than toyota dealer, would it affect my warranty in any way? ofcourse I understand that if the tire flies off while driving, toyota wont take the blame. Anything else? thanks in advance

Welcome to Toyota Nation.

Not necessarily a stupid question, but certainly not related at all to this thread. Suggest you start a new thread so as to avoid hijacking this one.

Cheers.

laughing_budha · 10-19-2010, 12:28 PM

Hi guys

Since I am at it, thought of asking one more question from you experts. I own a 2010 HL Hybrid and the tires are 245/55/19. Is it safe to use 235/55/19 winter tires? do i need to change wheels as well?

luck123 · 10-19-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laughing_budha

Hi guys

Since I am at it, thought of asking one more question from you experts. I own a 2010 HL Hybrid and the tires are 245/55/19. Is it safe to use 235/55/19 winter tires? do i need to change wheels as well?

Sorry, hate to be a pain, and know I'm not a moderator, but again, your question is completely unrelated to the thread topic. Suggest you search the forum given this has likely already been covered somewhere or start a new thread.