2010 Toyota RAV4 Tire Pressure Light Won't Go Off (TPMS)

Addressing the Persistent TPMS Warning Light in 2010 Toyota RAV4

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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 RAV4 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 RAV4 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 the tire pressure light issue on my 2010 Toyota RAV4?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure light issue on your 2010 Toyota RAV4, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking and adjusting the tire pressure of all four tires, including the spare, using a reliable tire pressure gauge. The recommended pressure for your vehicle is typically around 32 PSI, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner's manual. If any tires are underinflated, inflate them to the correct level, as this is often the primary cause of the warning light. Next, attempt to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If your model has a reset button, turn the ignition to the "on" position, press and hold the button until the light blinks, and then start the vehicle. If there is no reset button, simply driving the car at a speed of at least 30 mph for about 20 minutes can help the system reset itself. Additionally, ensure that the spare tire is also properly inflated, as a low spare can trigger the light. If the light remains on or blinks, it may indicate a malfunction within the TPMS, such as a faulty sensor, which would require professional attention. Regularly monitoring tire pressure, especially during weather changes, can prevent future issues and ensure safe driving conditions.

What could cause the tire pressure light to remain on in a 2010 Toyota RAV4?

When the tire pressure warning light remains on in a 2010 Toyota RAV4, it can be attributed to several common problems that DIYers can investigate. One of the primary causes is low tire pressure, which can occur if any tire, including the spare, is below the recommended inflation level. It's essential to check each tire manually to ensure they are properly inflated. Another frequent issue is faulty tire pressure sensors, which may fail after several years of use. If the sensors are malfunctioning, they may need to be replaced, and it's often advisable to replace all four at once if they are of similar age. Additionally, leaking tires or wheels can lead to a persistent warning light, so inspecting for any visible damage or air loss is crucial. Temperature fluctuations can also affect tire pressure, particularly in colder months, so be mindful of seasonal changes. If the TPMS system was reset incorrectly, or if there are connection issues with the sensors, the light may remain illuminated. Since the 2010 RAV4 lacks a reset button for the TPMS, ensuring that the tires are correctly inflated before any reset is vital. For a thorough diagnosis, using an OBD2 scanner can help identify any error codes, and visiting a tire shop equipped with a TPMS tool can provide further insights into sensor status. By understanding these common problems, DIYers can take the necessary steps to address the tire pressure warning light effectively.

What should I do if the tire pressure light on my 2010 Toyota RAV4 won't go off?

When the tire pressure light on your 2010 Toyota RAV4 remains illuminated, it’s crucial to address the issue without delay. Ignoring this warning can lead to unsafe driving conditions, such as reduced traction and increased tire wear, which may ultimately result in a blowout or loss of control while driving. Additionally, a malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can mask other underlying issues that could lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly check the tire pressure, inspect for leaks, and ensure that all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated. If the light persists after confirming correct tire pressures, consider resetting the TPMS or checking the sensors for battery issues. Taking these steps not only enhances your safety on the road but also helps maintain the longevity and performance of your vehicle.

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