Tire Pressure reset button question

[cmarie]

Hi all,

I just bought a used '07 Corolla on Monday, and on Wednesday I noticed that the tire pressure reset button to the left of the steering wheel is missing. There's just a hole where the button/switch should be.

Is this a part that definitely needs to be replaced/fixed or can I get by without? I have tried searching for this part at several auto parts online stores in an attempt to defray the cost, but no luck. I can only find other TPMS-related parts. Furthermore, I have reached into the hole to try to determine if I could somehow reset the tire pressure monitor manually (just to clarify, I don't actually need to reset it at this point, but will probably need to eventually during the life of the car) without the button, but there's just a big space there. So I don't really understand how the button/switch would even work.

Got insurance for repairs when I purchased the vehicle, but there is a $100 deductible and it makes my stomach hurt to think of paying that much when I just bought the car three days ago. I am taking it to the dealer tomorrow to see if they will fix it for free but I'm not holding my breath. Any advice on this situation would be MUCH appreciated.

-Christy

[mikered30]

What corolla model is this and do you have ABS and what do your valve stems look like, metal or all rubber?

There are 2 TPMS designs. 05-07 TPMS uses the ABS sensors to sense a change in air pressure by comparing the wheel speeds. If you dont have ABS then you likely did not have TPMS on an 07. I say likely because the change over year was not 100%. The void is likely a coin holder slot or just a flat panel for future use, next to the security light, dimmer, mirror controls.

2008 models have a direct acting system, it uses individual sensors in each wheel to monitor the pressure. If you look at valve stems on these cars, it looks like nut on the bottom of the stem. If you are supposed to have the metal ones, the light would have gone off by now. People have a problem in the winter time when they put their snow tires on and the tire light goes off because the metal stems are not in communication with the ECU.

So check if you have ABS and look at the type of valve stems on the tires.

[cmarie]

Mikered,

It is a CE with no ABS (that I know of -- no ABS warning light OR tire pressure warning light is visible when I turn the key in the ignition). The only special feature it has that I know of is the “power pack” for power windows, locks, etc. Rubber valve stems. I do not see a nut on the valve stem. Yes, the hole is between the mirror controls and the security light.

So are you saying I might not need to be worried about this? Like I said, there seems to be nothing of substance in the hole in question, so that is why I am wondering if this is something that really needs to be “fixed.”

Thanks so much for helping me!! You are a lifesaver!

[mikered30]

It is likely that it was a space for a coin holder or just a blank panel with no ABS and it is a CE, and has rubber valve stems. You can ask the dealer just to be sure.

[cmarie]

OK, thanks again, Mike! (If I could figure out how to "thank" you officially through the site, I would...)

P.S. For what it's worth, the service dept. of our local Toyota dealership is VERY unhelpful and were actually part of the problem in this case.