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

Resolve the persistent TPMS warning light in your 2013 Toyota Matrix.

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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 2013 Toyota Matrix 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 Matrix 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 why the tire pressure light won't turn off on my 2013 Toyota Matrix?

To effectively diagnose why the tire pressure light won't turn off on your 2013 Toyota Matrix, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. First, check the tire pressure in all four tires, ensuring they are inflated to the recommended levels of 32 to 35 psi for the front and 32 psi for the rear. If any tire is underinflated, add air as needed, since temperature changes can cause pressure drops. Once the tires are properly inflated, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by turning the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine and pressing the TPMS reset button until the warning light blinks slowly three times. After resetting, drive the vehicle above 19 miles per hour for at least an hour to allow the system to recalibrate. If the light remains on, inspect the TPMS sensors for potential issues, as they may have dead batteries or faults. Utilize an OBD2 scanner to check for error codes related to the sensors. Additionally, inspect the tires for air leaks, especially if one tire consistently loses pressure. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting a professional for further diagnosis and repair. This methodical approach ensures that you address the most common causes first, potentially saving time and effort.

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

When the tire pressure light remains on in your 2013 Toyota Matrix, it can be frustrating, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue. One of the primary culprits is under-inflated tires; checking and adjusting the tire pressure to the recommended levels is a straightforward first step. If the tires are properly inflated and the light persists, consider the possibility of a TPMS system failure, which may indicate a malfunctioning sensor, often due to a dead battery. Additionally, if you've recently replaced a tire or sensor, ensure that the new sensor's ID is correctly registered in the vehicle's electronic control unit, as improper registration can keep the light illuminated. Interference from electronic devices or physical obstructions like snow or ice around the wheels can also disrupt the signal between the sensors and the receiver, leading to the light staying on. Lastly, if you've made any changes to your wheels or tire chains, be aware that non-genuine parts can affect the TPMS functionality. If all else fails, remember to follow the reset procedure correctly after making adjustments, as this can often resolve the issue. By systematically checking these factors, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the tire pressure light concern on your own.

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

Addressing the tire pressure light issue in your 2013 Toyota Matrix is crucial for both safety and vehicle performance. When the light is solid, it typically signals that one or more tires are underinflated, which can lead to serious safety risks such as reduced tire life, decreased fuel efficiency, and an increased likelihood of a tire blowout. This situation demands immediate attention to ensure your safety on the road. Conversely, if the light blinks before turning solid, it indicates a potential failure in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which, while not an immediate threat, means you cannot rely on the system to monitor tire pressures accurately. In such cases, you should manually check your tire pressures until the issue is resolved. If you've recently adjusted your tire pressures or changed tires, you may need to reset the TPMS by ensuring the tires are properly inflated and pressing the reset button. However, if the light remains illuminated, it could point to a malfunctioning sensor, necessitating a visit to a professional mechanic or tire shop. Ignoring these warnings can lead to more significant issues down the line, making it essential to act promptly to maintain your vehicle's safety and performance.

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