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

Resolve persistent tire pressure warning lights in 2010 Toyota Highlander.

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 Highlander 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 Highlander 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.

What steps should I take to diagnose the tire pressure light issue on my 2010 Toyota Highlander?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure light issue on your 2010 Toyota Highlander, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the tire pressure of all four tires, including the spare, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended level of approximately 32 psi. If the spare tire is underinflated, it can also trigger the warning light. Next, inspect each tire for any visible damage or excessive wear, as these conditions can affect the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If the tire pressures are correct and there are no signs of damage, attempt to reset the TPMS. Depending on your model, this may involve pressing a reset button or simply driving the vehicle for a short distance after ensuring proper tire pressure. If the light remains illuminated after these steps, it may indicate a malfunctioning TPMS sensor, which could require professional assessment or replacement. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically address the issue and potentially resolve the tire pressure light concern on your Highlander.

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

When the tire pressure light remains on in a 2010 Toyota Highlander, it can be attributed to several common problems that are relatively easy to diagnose and fix. First, check the tire pressure of all tires, including the spare, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended levels specified on the driver's side doorjamb. Temperature fluctuations can also play a significant role, as a drop in temperature can lead to decreased tire pressure, so be sure to adjust accordingly. If the light persists shortly after adjusting the pressure, inspect for slow leaks, which may require a thorough examination of the tires for punctures or damage. Additionally, don’t overlook the spare tire, as its pressure is monitored by the same system and can trigger the warning light if low. If the sensors are older than seven years, they may be faulty and need replacement. In cases where sensors have been replaced, ensure they are properly registered with the TPMS system to avoid any discrepancies. Lastly, if you’ve recently adjusted tire pressures or replaced sensors, follow the correct reset procedure to clear the warning light. If all else fails, a malfunction in the TPMS system itself may require professional diagnostic tools to identify any underlying issues. By systematically addressing these potential problems, you can effectively troubleshoot the tire pressure light and ensure your Highlander is safe and road-ready.

Why is the tire pressure light on in my 2010 Toyota Highlander, and how urgent is it to address this issue?

When the tire pressure light illuminates in your 2010 Toyota Highlander, it is crucial to address the issue promptly due to the significant safety risks involved. Ignoring this warning can lead to under-inflated tires, which compromise traction and increase the likelihood of tire blowouts, especially during adverse driving conditions. Additionally, driving on improperly inflated tires can result in longer stopping distances, making it harder to react in emergencies. Beyond safety concerns, neglecting to check tire pressure can also negatively impact fuel efficiency, leading to increased fuel costs over time. Furthermore, under-inflated tires wear unevenly, which can shorten their lifespan and lead to costly replacements. Therefore, it is essential to regularly monitor tire pressure and reset the TPMS system as needed to ensure safe and efficient driving. If the light remains on after addressing tire pressure, seeking professional assistance is advisable to prevent further complications.

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