Lexus RC200t Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your Lexus RC200t and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Tire Leaking Air
0%
30% chance it's the
Wheel Leaking Air
0%
15% chance it's the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
0%
15% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Lexus RC200t tire pressure warning light stays on are a leaking tire, a wheel that no longer holds air, or a faulty tire pressure monitoring system.
  • Tire Leaking Air: A puncture, valve stem issue, or rim damage can cause a tire to leak air, leading to loss of pressure.
  • Wheel Leaking Air: A puncture or damage to the tire or rim can cause air to leak, resulting in a loss of tire pressure.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system can be caused by faulty sensors or a dead battery in the sensor units.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a Lexus RC200t tire pressure warning light stays on?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

When a tire pressure monitoring sensor fails, the tire pressure monitoring system control module will recognize a loss in communication and turn on the warning lamp which indicates the failure. This is most often the case. However, the tire pressure monitoring sensor may also fail by reporting incorrect tire pressures. This could cause a flat tire to go unrecognized, or a properly inflated tire to signal a low or high tire pressure warning.

When a relearn is needed, for any reason, the TPMS warning light will illuminate, and many vehicles will display a message relating to the TPMS system being inoperative or loosing communication. It is important to keep a watchful eye on tire pressures when this system is having issues because there is no warning available for underinflation or overinflation of the tires.

Wheels offer very few symptoms, but these symptoms should never be ignored. Visible cracks on the wheels may appear, especially after hitting a large bump, Most often, this will also be accompanied by loss of air from the tire on that wheel. Also, vibration in the steering wheel is very common when the tire is out of balance, and improper wheel nuts or bolts can cause creaking and popping noises to develop. Again, there are very few symptoms, but they should not be ignored.

The only symptoms requiring diagnosis for the tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp is if the warning lamp has illuminated while the tires have correct air pressure, or if the air pressure for the tires is out of specification and the warning lamp is off. This is because the overwhelming majority of cases where the TPMS lamp illuminates is due to the change in ambient temperature.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in a Lexus RC200t

When dealing with the tire pressure warning light in your Lexus RC200t, start by ensuring your vehicle is safely parked and the engine is off. This initial step is crucial for your safety and allows you to focus on the task at hand. Next, check the recommended tire pressure, which can be found on the tire placard located on the door panel. This will give you a baseline for what the tire pressure should be. If the tire pressure is low, inflate the tires to the specified levels. After adjusting the tire pressure, locate the TPMS reset button, typically found under the steering wheel. Press and hold this button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. This action resets the system. Start your vehicle and allow it to run for about 20 minutes, giving the sensors time to refresh. If the warning light remains illuminated, it may indicate a deeper issue, such as a malfunctioning TPMS sensor or a dead battery in the sensor. In such cases, using a tire pressure gauge to manually check each tire's pressure is advisable, ensuring they all meet the recommended specifications. If problems persist, consider consulting a professional to diagnose potential sensor issues or electrical faults.

How to Diagnose a Tire Pressure Warning Light in a Lexus RC200t?

When diagnosing a tire pressure warning light in your Lexus RC200t, it's essential to be aware of several common problems that could be causing the alert. One of the most frequent issues is low tire pressure, which can occur due to natural air loss or punctures. Regularly checking the air pressure in all tires is crucial, as the warning light will activate if any tire falls below the recommended level. Additionally, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) relies on sensors that can fail or become damaged over time, leading to false warnings. If the sensors are functioning properly, consider inspecting the TPMS receiver module, as a malfunction here can also trigger the warning light. Lastly, a depleted battery in one of the pressure sensors can cause the light to illuminate, indicating that it may need replacement. By understanding these common problems, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure warning light issue in your Lexus RC200t.

What Should You Do When the Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On in a Lexus RC200t?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your Lexus RC200t, it is crucial to act promptly to avoid serious safety risks and potential damage to your vehicle. Ignoring this warning can lead to tire failure, which not only jeopardizes your safety but can also result in costly repairs. Start by safely pulling over to check your tire pressure; this is the first step in diagnosing the issue. A visual inspection of your tires is equally important, as it can reveal signs of damage or deformities that may not be immediately apparent. If the light persists despite proper tire pressure, consider resetting the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), as a malfunctioning sensor could be the culprit. Remember, addressing these symptoms quickly is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and ensuring your safety on the road.

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