How to Change a Toyota TPMS

A faulty TPMS cannot be fixed: it must be replaced.

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A TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, is a sensor that is often housed in the tire's valve stem. The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act stated that all vehicles made after 2008 must be be fitted with a TPMS, which alerts a driver when a tire has low pressure. The device measures tire pressure and temperature, then transmits this data to your tire pressure monitor ECU/receiver. However, sensors can fail due to any number of reasons including mechanical or electrical failure. You must take care while attempting to replace your TPMS-equipped tire or you could risk interfering with or damaging the sensor.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Crowbar
• Replacement TPMS
• Bartec Wheelrite TECH400 tool
• Jack
• Support stands
• Penetrating oil
• Tire iron
• Pliers

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1. • 1

     Take your car to a certified technician, who will use a Bartec Wheelrite TECH400 tool to determine if your sensor needs replaced, and also pinpointing the nature of the problem.

   • 2

     Buy a replacement sensor-containing valve stem that is configured for your Toyota. To cut down on costs, try purchasing a replacement sensor from aftermarket sources.

   • 3

     Raise your car in the air using a jack and support stands. Remove your tire by spraying its lug nuts down with penetrating oil then using a tire iron to remove the nuts.

   • 4

     Relieve the tire pressure by unscrewing the valve stem cap to let air out. The valve stem is a metallic valve that sticks out from the tire. Next, lay the tire on the ground and use a crowbar to break the beads, or seal between the wheel and tire. Pry the tire from the wheel with the crowbar.

   • 5

     Soak and lubricate your replacement valve stem in some liquid dish soap, then slide it into the hole in the tire vacated by the old valve stem. The valve will seal itself. Seat the tire beads onto the wheel using the crowbar.

   • 6

     Reinflate the tire according to the manufacturer's specifications, which can be found in the owner's manual.

   • 7

     Reprogram the ECU (Engine Control Unit) with the diagnostic tool using the replacement TPMS's unique ID and its position on your car. This information varies from model to model, but can found the sensor's service manual. The ECU is generally found on the engine, though its exact location varies from model to model.