2016 Toyota Prius C Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2016 Toyota Prius C: Causes and Solutions

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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 2016 Toyota Prius C 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 2016 Toyota Prius C 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 are the initial steps to diagnose a tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2016 Toyota Prius C?

To effectively diagnose a tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in your 2016 Toyota Prius C, start by checking the tire pressure in all four tires. Ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, as low pressure is a frequent culprit for this warning. Next, visually inspect each tire for any signs of damage, such as punctures or bulges, which could lead to air loss. If the tires appear to be in good condition, attempt to reset the tire pressure monitoring system following the instructions in your owner's manual, as this can sometimes clear false alerts. Additionally, examine the tire pressure sensors for any signs of malfunction or damage, as faulty sensors can also trigger the warning light. By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the persistent warning light and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2016 Toyota Prius C?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2016 Toyota Prius C, it can be a source of concern for drivers. The most common issue is low tire pressure, which can be easily checked and corrected by inflating the tires to the recommended levels. If the tire pressure is adequate, the problem may stem from a faulty tire pressure sensor that could be giving inaccurate readings, necessitating a replacement. Additionally, the batteries in the TPMS sensors can wear out over time, leading to malfunctions; replacing these batteries may resolve the issue. It's also crucial to inspect the sensors for any signs of damage or interference from electronic devices, as these can trigger the warning light to remain on. If these steps do not resolve the issue, performing a system reset according to the manufacturer's instructions can help recalibrate the TPMS. However, if the warning light continues to illuminate despite these efforts, consulting a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection is advisable to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2016 Toyota Prius C that stays on?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on a 2016 Toyota Prius C is an urgent matter that should not be overlooked. When this light remains illuminated, it signals that the tire pressure is either too low or too high, which can significantly compromise your safety on the road. Low tire pressure can lead to poor handling and braking performance, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, driving on improperly inflated tires accelerates uneven wear, which not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also raises the likelihood of a blowout, potentially leading to costly repairs or dangerous situations. Furthermore, underinflated tires can negatively impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency, resulting in higher fuel costs over time. Therefore, it is crucial to check and adjust your tire pressure promptly to ensure safe driving conditions, enhance vehicle performance, and avoid unnecessary expenses. Taking immediate action when the tire pressure warning light is on is essential for maintaining the overall health of your vehicle and ensuring your safety on the road.

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