TPMS reset button or sensor is damaged.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by GeorgeM269, Oct 2, 2014.

  1. GeorgeM269

    GeorgeM269 Member

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    The issue is: when I start the Prius, the TPMS light blinks for about a minute before remaining steady. I have tried to reset the TPMS via the button below the steering wheel (knee-or-so height), but have not been successful (tried with the ignition in "ON" status, tried with "ACC", and as last resort tried in "READY")

    My question is the following: Since I do not know all the history of the vehicle, how can i tell if its a sensor, the button, or something in the TPMS or ECU that's at fault? When I picked it up, all of the tires were a little flat (about 25 PSI).

    I have a cheap OBDII scanner and torque app on my Android, with extra PIDs i have picked up in the forums (thanks to usbseawolf2000), so don't know if that can help.

    Thanks
     
    #1 GeorgeM269, Oct 2, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2014
  2. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Blinking followed by a solid TPMS light is indicative of system fault. It can be anything from a bad sensor to bad TPMS ECU. My bet is a bad sensor.
     
    #2 Jonny Zero, Oct 5, 2014
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  3. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Could be a tire low on air.
     
    #3 Mike500, Oct 5, 2014
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  4. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Per the repair manual - low air: on solid. system fault: blink then solid.
     
    #4 Jonny Zero, Oct 5, 2014
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  5. CARspec

    CARspec Junior Member

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    I would wager this as well.

    My .02 - most sensors don't fail for a long long time, so if you just had tires changed out take it back and complain. More sensors are broken due to poor tire installation than any other cause of failure.
     
    #5 CARspec, Oct 6, 2014
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  6. GeorgeM269

    GeorgeM269 Member

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    Ok, guess I'll have to change the sensors since its been like this since I got it from the lot.

    another question: does the replacement tire have a sensor as well?
     
    #6 GeorgeM269, Oct 6, 2014
  7. CARspec

    CARspec Junior Member

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    I'd pay to have it diagnosed rather then throw 4 sensors at it. They aren't cheap and cost money to install and program. The spare does not have a sensor.
     
    #7 CARspec, Oct 6, 2014
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