Scion TC Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your Scion tC and How to Resolve the Issue

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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 Scion tC 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 Scion tC 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 of a TPMS control module failure are failing to alert the driver of underinflation or overinflation of one or more tires, failure to communicate with the body control module or TPMS sensors, or erroneously reporting incorrect tire pressure.

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 Scion tC

When faced with a tire pressure warning light in your Scion tC, the first step is to ensure that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure levels. This simple check can often resolve the issue immediately. Next, turn on the ignition without starting the engine and locate the tire pressure warning reset button, typically found in the glove box. Press and hold this button until the warning light blinks and turns off, indicating that the system has been reset. If the light remains illuminated, it’s crucial to manually verify the tire pressures again, as discrepancies can lead to persistent warnings. Should the light continue to stay on despite these efforts, it may be necessary to use a TPMS diagnostic tool to assess the health of the tire pressure monitoring system and its sensors. Addressing the tire pressure warning light promptly is essential for maintaining optimal tire performance and ensuring your safety on the road.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in a Scion tC

When dealing with the tire pressure warning light in a Scion tC, it's essential to recognize the common problems that may cause this alert. One frequent issue is simply low tire pressure, which can occur due to temperature changes or slow leaks. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for both safety and performance. Another common problem is a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which may be indicated by a blinking light. This could stem from a faulty sensor or a dead battery in the sensor, necessitating the use of a TPMS diagnostic tool to pinpoint the exact issue. Additionally, if the warning light remains illuminated after addressing tire pressure, it may suggest a more complex problem within the system that requires professional attention. Understanding these potential issues allows DIYers to take proactive steps in troubleshooting and maintaining their vehicle's tire health, ensuring a safer driving experience.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a Scion tC?

When the Tire Pressure Warning Light in your Scion tC stays illuminated, it is essential to take immediate action to prevent potential safety hazards and vehicle damage. This warning light often signals low tire pressure, which can compromise your vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency, leading to increased tire wear and the risk of a blowout. Additionally, a malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may prevent you from receiving accurate tire pressure readings, leaving you unaware of critical issues that could affect your driving safety. If you've checked and inflated your tires but the light remains on, it may indicate the need for a TPMS reset or reveal deeper issues such as tire or wheel leaks. Addressing these concerns promptly not only ensures your safety on the road but also contributes to the longevity of your tires and overall vehicle performance. If the warning light persists despite your DIY efforts, seeking professional assistance is advisable to avoid further complications.

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Scion tC Tire Pressure Warning Light: Causes & Solutions