Tire nightmare, TPM sensor

So I had a flat tire yesterday from driving on a road than is in worse condition than a road from 100 A.D. This car is less than 6 months old, stock Yokoma tires.

The gas station mechanic "plugged" the hole in the rear left tire and all was fine (I'm pretty sure he filled it up with the PSI level not matching Toyota recommended values).

Anyways, this morning...I get ready for work and TPMS sensor turns on. I take it back to the gas station because the front left tire looks a little flat. The mechanic checked it for holes (by putting it in a water basin to figure out where the leak is) and found no holes.

He said that sometimes if the four tires have different PSI levels...the TPMS sensor can come on. So he balanced the PSI levels but the TPMS sensor is still lit. Then he said that you have to drive it around for a while and it will turn off?

Also, he removed the front tire (to do the water basin test) and after he put it back on....I got squealing from my front left brakes (only on sudden stops)....it went away though.

Also, when he was jacking the front left tire....the rear left side of the car was creaking...not sure if it was the rear tire OR the rear suspension.

 

Do you know why the left front brakes started squealing after the mechanic put on the tire (it stopped after about 5 miles)? Was it because the lug nuts were too tight?

 

I just tried to reset the TPMS sensor, it won't reset. I powered the car on, press and held the TPMS and it started blinking....after about 2 blinks or so, it disappeared and then came back right after. I powered it off and then powered it back on, and the TPMS sensor is still lit.

All the tires have air....I'm not sure if they have the same PSI levels. Can different PSI levels in the tires OR exceeding the toyota recommended values cause the TPMS sensor to show?

 

Ok, I get my pressure gauge and pump tomorrow. What should the front and rear pressure be for a Prius 2010 stock Yokoma tires (I don't know the specific model...whatever Yokoma tires that stock Prius comes with).

Just note that I go over A LOT of bumps (very poorly maintained roads).

 

If I understand correctly, the TPMS is located on the "wheel disc" and not the tire itself?

The only thing the mechanic did was take out the tire and put it back on (however, the tire was resting sideways on the disc while he went to get a tool)....so I doubt he damaged the sensor.

Right now, when I get in the car....it feels like the right side is more inclined than the left side...I think the rear right tire has too much PSI. I will adjust it tomorrow but I need to know the recommended PSI levels for front and rear Yokoma stock tires?

 

Thanks,

So tomorrow....I will balance the PSI in all four tires, reset the TPMS switch. If it does not work, I will take it to the dealership.

Do you know if the dealership will replace (warranty) a tire that has been plugged that has only 2200miles on it?

 

Just found this article:
TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring System

So if the TPMS light doesn't flash...it means it's a pressure problem...if it flashes, the TPMS sensor is faulty.

 

I just powered the prius on and the TPMS disappeared.

However, I still hear noises from the rear...I think it might be the rod inserted into the tire OR the tire has too much pressure (can't check till tonight).

Also, when turning, I hear a new noise...a "squish" noise (not sure if this is caused by the seat) AND the back rattles (rear window area) when going over a bump....this NEVER happened before....so I'm guessing it's caused by the PSI.

My brand new no problem Prius has been ruined!

 

If I buy a new tire, does it have to be the same brand? Do you recommend buying and installing at the dealership?

 

But if I did any serious damage, why is it still working (including the TPMS sensor)? The roads here are brutal...if there was any side wall damage...wouldn't it have already gone?