2013 Toyota 4Runner Tire Pressure Light Won't Go Off (TPMS)

Resolve the Persistent Tire Pressure Light in Your 2013 Toyota 4Runner

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 2013 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 2013 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 2013 Toyota 4Runner?

To effectively diagnose why the tire pressure light won't turn off in your 2013 Toyota 4Runner, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the tire pressures of all four tires, including the spare, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended levels specified on the tire information placard. 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, take the vehicle for a drive at speeds exceeding 50 mph for about 10 minutes, as this can help the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) recalibrate itself. If the light remains illuminated, consider the possibility of a malfunctioning TPMS sensor or poor connections to the TPMS Electronic Control Unit (ECU). In such cases, inspecting the sensor and connections may be necessary, and if issues persist, disconnecting the battery for a brief period can sometimes reset the system. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically identify and resolve the issue with your tire pressure light.

What could cause the tire pressure light to remain on in a 2013 Toyota 4Runner?

When the tire pressure light remains illuminated in a 2013 Toyota 4Runner, it can be frustrating, especially after checking the tire pressures. One common issue is that the spare tire, often overlooked, may be underinflated, which can trigger the light even if the other tires are fine. Additionally, malfunctioning TPMS sensors can cause persistent warnings; if the light flashes before staying on, it may indicate a sensor issue that requires replacement. Environmental factors, such as cold weather, can also lead to a drop in tire pressure, so it's essential to check and adjust pressures accordingly. If you've recently adjusted the tire pressures, the TPMS system may need a reset, which can often be done by driving at higher speeds or using the reset button if available. Lastly, if new tires were installed without deregistering old sensors, the system might still be receiving signals from them, causing confusion. By systematically addressing these potential issues, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure light concern in your 4Runner.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure light issue in my 2013 Toyota 4Runner?

Addressing the tire pressure light issue in your 2013 Toyota 4Runner is of utmost importance due to the significant safety risks and performance implications involved. When the tire pressure monitoring system alerts you, it indicates that one or more tires may be underinflated, which can severely compromise your vehicle's handling and increase the likelihood of tire failure. This is particularly critical at high speeds, where a blowout can lead to loss of control and potentially catastrophic accidents. Furthermore, maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for optimal fuel efficiency; underinflated tires can cause your engine to work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher costs at the pump. Ignoring the tire pressure light not only jeopardizes your safety but can also result in premature tire wear, necessitating costly replacements sooner than expected. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly investigate and resolve any issues indicated by the tire pressure light to ensure a safe and efficient driving experience.

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