Toyota Highlander 2008-2017: Featured TPMS Tip

Mitchell 1 provides TPMS information to Modern Tire Dealer, an award-winning publication that writes editorial content geared to independent tire dealers. We’re sharing this content in our blog, with a link to the Modern Tire Dealer website where you can read the article in full. The TPMS information in this article may also be accessed in either the TPMS or the reset procedures quick link in our ProDemand® auto repair information software, along with other important reset procedure data for the selected vehicle.

SUBJECT VEHICLES: 2008–2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander HV.

RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes.

SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes, a Toyota Techstream.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the 2008–2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander HV is designed to provide warning when the tire inflation pressure of one or more road tires is low.

A tire pressure warning valve sub-assembly equipped with tire pressure sensor/transmitter is installed in each tire and wheel assembly. The sensor measures the air pressure and internal temperature of the tire. These measured values and the transmitter ID are transmitted to the tire pressure monitor antenna and receiver assembly on the body via radio waves.

This data is then sent to the tire pressure monitor ECU from the tire pressure monitor receiver.

If the transmitter ID has been previously registered, the ECU compares the measured air pressure value and the standard value.

When the value is less than the standard value registered in the tire pressure monitor ECU, the tire pressure warning light on the instrument cluster will turn on.

In order to reset the warning threshold in response to changes in tire pressure values due to tire type and installation position changes, a tire pressure warning reset switch is used. This switch is used to initialize the system after certain repair procedures.

Under the following conditions, the system may not function properly:

Facilities or devices that use similar radio frequencies are located in the vicinity of the vehicle.
A radio device of similar frequency is used in the vehicle.
A film or window tint that may interfere with radio waves is attached on the glass.
A large amount of snow or ice is stuck to the vehicle, especially onto the wheels and around the wheel wells.
Use of non-original wheels may result in the system failure or air-leak.
Tire chains are used.
Snow tires or tire chains are used.
If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave reception.
If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put in the trunk.
When the full-size spare tire is not within the receivable range of the electric wave, a signal may not be received because the full-size spare tire is fixed. Accordingly, the system may not function properly. If there is a possibility that the tire pressure warning system does not receive a signal from the full-size spare tire, rotate the tire 90 to 270 degrees.
If the system was initialized with tire pressures which were not at the specified values.

Tire pressure monitoring system warning light

NOTE: The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such as natural air leaks or tire pressure changes caused by temperature. In this case, adjusting the tire pressure will turn off the warning light.

NOTE: If the warning light turned on due to very low outside temperatures that cause decreases in tire pressure (such as in winter), adjust pressure to a higher pressure suitable to cold conditions. Tire pressure decreases by about 1.45 psi (10 kPa) for every 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) drop in ambient temperature.

NOTE: The compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the warning light will not turn off when the flat tire is replaced with the spare. When the standard tire is repaired, inflated to the specified level and returned to the vehicle, the warning light will go out.

When the tire pressure warning light does not go off, or when it comes on during driving, check tire pressure. If the tire pressure warning light comes on after adjusting the tire pressure, the tire may have a slow air leak.

If the warning light is still on even though the tire pressure is correctly adjusted, the tire could be punctured. Repair as necessary.

If the warning light turns on within several hours after adjusting the tire pressure, the tire may have a slow air leak. Repair as necessary. If the warning light is on or blinks after all above situations have been investigated, there is a malfunction in the TPMS. See appropriate manufacturer service information.

Reset procedures

The system will need to be initialized when tires are replaced with tires of different pressures, or the tire pressure sensor and/or tire pressure monitor ECU are replaced. See “Initializing tire pressure monitoring system.” When a tire pressure sensor and/or tire pressure monitor ECU is replaced, the sensor ID must be memorized by the tire pressure monitor ECU prior to system initialization. See “Tire pressure sensor registration.”

When the tire pressure warning light does not go off, or when it comes on during driving, check tire pressure. Adjust tire pressures to specification. Check that the warning light goes out after a few minutes.

NOTE: If the negative battery terminal is disconnected, initialize the following power systems after the terminal is reconnected: window control system, back door system, sliding door system and the moon roof. Refer to the owner’s manual or appropriate manufacturer service information.