2010 Toyota 4Runner Tire Pressure Light Won't Go Off (TPMS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light in 2010 Toyota 4Runner: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2010 Toyota 4Runner 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 2010 Toyota 4Runner 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.

What steps should I take to diagnose why the tire pressure light won't go off in my 2010 Toyota 4Runner?

To effectively diagnose why the tire pressure light won't turn off in your 2010 Toyota 4Runner, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the tire pressure of all tires, including the spare, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended levels specified on the tire information placard or in the owner's manual. It's crucial to perform this check when the tires are cold, as temperature fluctuations can impact pressure readings. If the tire pressures are correct and the light remains illuminated, inspect the spare tire, as it may also have a TPMS sensor that could trigger the warning light if under-inflated. Should the issue persist, consider the possibility of a malfunctioning TPMS sensor; a flashing light may indicate a sensor issue that requires replacement. Since the 2010 4Runner lacks a TPMS reset button, driving at speeds over 50 mph for about 10 minutes may help reset the system if all tires are properly inflated. If these steps do not resolve the issue, disconnecting and reconnecting the battery can sometimes reset the system. Lastly, if the light continues to stay on, check the connections to the TPMS ECU, as loose or damaged connections could be the culprit. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically identify and address the issue with your tire pressure light.

What could cause the tire pressure light to remain on in a 2010 Toyota 4Runner?

When the tire pressure light stays on in your 2010 Toyota 4Runner, it can be frustrating, especially after you've checked the tire pressures. One common issue is simply having incorrect tire pressure; both under-inflation and over-inflation can trigger the light, so it's essential to ensure all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Additionally, faulty TPMS sensors can be a culprit, particularly if they are old or have dead batteries. If the light flashes briefly before staying on, this may indicate a sensor issue that could require replacement. Don't forget to check the spare tire as well, as its low pressure can also activate the warning light. In some cases, the TPMS system itself may malfunction due to software or hardware issues, necessitating a professional diagnosis. If you've adjusted the tire pressures and the light remains on, you might need to reset the system, which can often be done by driving at higher speeds or using the reset button if available. Lastly, if you've recently installed new tires with new sensors, ensure that the old sensors have been deregistered to prevent interference. By systematically addressing these potential problems, you can effectively troubleshoot the tire pressure light issue in your 4Runner.

What should I do if the tire pressure light on my 2010 Toyota 4Runner won't turn off?

When the tire pressure light on your 2010 Toyota 4Runner remains illuminated, it’s crucial to address the issue without delay. Ignoring this warning can lead to unsafe driving conditions, including reduced traction and increased tire wear, which may ultimately result in a blowout. Proper tire pressure is essential for optimal vehicle performance and safety, as under-inflated tires can compromise handling and fuel efficiency. Additionally, a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can indicate deeper issues, such as faulty sensors or electrical problems, which could lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. By taking immediate action to check tire pressures, reset the TPMS, and inspect for any underlying faults, you not only ensure your safety on the road but also protect your vehicle from potential damage that could arise from prolonged neglect of this important warning light.

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