TPMS light blinks then is on solid

Hi all,

I own a 2012 Tacoma TRD off road. When I start the truck, the TPMS light blinks for about 1 minute then stays on steady. What could that mean? I have replaced two sensors that were bad but the problem is still there. I have tried to reset the system by using the procedure in the owner's manual but no go there. Is there a sensor in the spare tire? Do I have to get the receiver re-programmed? I'm in British Columbia, is there a difference between the Canadian and the American versions?

Your help is appreciated very much.

Waldo in BC

 

My 06 does the same. It used to blink but is now solid. I use a gauge and check my tires once a week and ignore the light.

 

Check the spare.

 

I've never thought of that! Doesn't explain the blinking though.

 

I'm sure your owners manual would help.
But usually the TPMS light blinking means that the batteries in at least one of your sensors is dying. Thats what it means in my Nissan, I assume its the same for toyota.

 

The light is annoying for a bit but I got used to it. I run dedicated set of winters.
I’d check the pressure in the spare then go from there.

 

No TPMS sensor in the spare on a 2012.

To the OP. They only way your going to resolve this is for someone to plug into the OBD2 connector and check the programmed sensors for proper programming and sensor battery condition.

 

Try unplugging battery terminal for a minute and see if that resets it. That fixed mine a few weeks ago.

If it comes back on, blinks for a minute and then remains lit, there is a problem with the system that needs to be checked by a technician.

 

Flashing TPMS light, especially at startup, normally indicates a connection issue to one of the sensors (normally caused by no connection due to a dead sensor battery).

As @Muddinfun said, have a shop take a look. Their systems will easily determine the issue.

You said that you have already replaced 2 sensors, if that was due to dead batteries it only makes sense that the remaining sensors are on their way out.

The SET button is not a reset, it’s only to set current tire pressure levels in the trucks computer and should not be used to get rid of the warning light.

 

Blinking = a tire telling the truck low pressure. How do I know? I had to drop my spare yesterday and bring it back up to pressure. It was 24 PSI. All better now.

 

Usually a bad TPMS battery . I have had to replace 2 of mine and I said fuck it and replaced the other 2 so hopefully they are on the same-ish schedule

 

Thanks to everyone for input on this issue. 2013 Tacoma. Same symptoms - blinking TPMS indicator for about a minute and then solid. All pressures set and holding. I called the local dealership and they said $390 for the sensors and $400 for labor. KMA. Called a local tire shop down the road in northwest Corpus Christi, Big Joe's Tire and Auto. If I brought the sensors they would mount and program for $100. Bought mine from RockAuto for $22/each. All in as of this morning and the system is working again.

Yes, I use a gauge. Yes, I use my eyes. But the idiot light on the dash is a good backup and looking at the illuminated tire light was annoying. Appreciate the input from this forum, a lot.

 

Just look local tire shop. I was quoted $250 with sensors and labor for 5 sensors by Discount tire shop. I did not have time to wait at that time and now I am just waiting time for new tires and will be paying only sensors since labor assumes taking rubber and re mounting, re balancing etc. Light is on for past year and so and stopped bother me.
my 2007 has sensor in spare tire too.
At that time they checked and 2 sensors were dead. I guess till next set of tires all sensors will be dead since they are all original and Tacoma is 2007 with 90k miles on the clock.

 

so I changed all 4 senors with my mechanic for $300.. after 12 yrs why not... it was fine driving home then the light came out I tried to reset the TPMS from the under the steering wheel... now it blinks twice and solid!
thoughts? I notice the air pressure is about 38 psi thou.

 

Double check with your mechanic to make sure he programmed the new sensors to the vehicle. Also some of the earlier Tacomas(not sure what years) have a sensor in the spare as well.
If yours has one in the spare it’s probably bad as well.

 

I reset the TPMS and the light cam off... boy I hope it stays off... sick of tired of looking a that yellow light!

 

If it comes back on, and you really don’t like looking at it.
There are 2 options.
1. Kill the light
2. Kill the whole TPMS system

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/complete-tpms-disable-guide.161292/


I personally just live with it.
And if I ever sell the truck, at least the system works.
The new owner can fix it if they want.

 

wow i didnt know there is a thread on killing it. I dont want to sell it... I am going to keep it as long as I can... I want to give it to my son later on, I want to make sure he is comfortable with it. maybe I'll get a new taco or a new rubicon (but too expensive)