Tire Pressure Sensor Fault in a Toyota Corolla

October 24, 2024 TirePressureFault Toyota 0

Common Causes of Tire Pressure Sensor Fault in a Toyota Corolla

  1. Underinflated Tires: When one or more tires are underinflated, the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) will trigger a warning. Make sure to check and adjust your tire pressure.
  2. Sensor Damage: The sensors inside the tires can wear out or get damaged, especially if the tires were recently changed or hit a hard bump. This can cause incorrect readings or failure to communicate with the car’s system.
  3. Battery Life: The sensors run on small batteries, which eventually die (usually after 5-10 years). When this happens, the sensor can no longer send data, resulting in a fault message.
  4. Tire Rotation or Replacement: After rotating tires or replacing one, the TPMS system may not recalibrate automatically. This could lead to a fault or warning even if the tire pressure is correct.
  5. Electrical Issues: Occasionally, the fault may stem from the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) having trouble communicating with the sensor. A reset or software update can fix this.

How to Fix the Tire Pressure Sensor Fault:

  1. Check and Adjust Tire Pressure:
    • Start by checking the tire pressure with a manual gauge. For the Toyota Corolla, the recommended pressure is typically 32-35 PSI, but you should check your owner’s manual for exact specs.
    • If any of the tires are underinflated, inflate them to the proper level.
  2. Reset the TPMS System:
    • Turn the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
    • Press and hold the TPMS reset button (usually located under the steering wheel) until the TPMS light blinks three times.
    • Start the vehicle and drive for 10-20 minutes at speeds over 25 mph to allow the system to recalibrate.
  3. Sensor Replacement:
    • If a sensor is faulty, it will need to be replaced. A repair shop can identify which sensor is bad using a TPMS scan tool, and the replacement typically costs around $50-$150 per sensor.
  4. Perform a Hard Reset:
    • Disconnect the car’s battery for 10-15 minutes to force a system reset. This may resolve communication issues between the TPMS sensors and the ECU.
  5. Professional Diagnostic:
    • If none of the above steps work, it’s recommended to take your Corolla to a mechanic for further diagnostics. They can check for electrical issues or software problems.