2021 Toyota RAV4 Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2021 Toyota RAV4: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2021 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 2021 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 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 2021 Toyota RAV4?

When faced with a tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in your 2021 Toyota RAV4, the first step is to check the tire pressure in all tires, including the spare, using a reliable tire pressure gauge. Ensuring that each tire is inflated to the manufacturer's recommended PSI is crucial, as incorrect pressure can trigger the warning light. Next, visually inspect the tires for any signs of damage such as punctures or bulges, which could indicate a loss of air. If the tires appear to be in good condition, attempt to reset the tire pressure monitoring system, as this can sometimes clear false alerts. Additionally, examine the valve stems for leaks, as faulty stems can also lead to pressure loss. For specific troubleshooting steps tailored to your vehicle, consulting the owner's manual can provide valuable insights. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, it may be time to seek professional assistance from a mechanic or dealership for a comprehensive diagnosis of the tire pressure monitoring system. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively address the tire pressure warning light and ensure your vehicle's safety on the road.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2021 Toyota RAV4?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2021 Toyota RAV4, it can indicate several common issues that DIYers can address. The first step is to check the tire pressure in all four tires, as low pressure is the most frequent cause of the warning light. If the pressure is within the recommended range, the next area to investigate is the tire pressure sensors; a malfunctioning sensor may need to be replaced. Additionally, some sensors have batteries that can die over time, so replacing the battery could resolve the issue. It's also important to inspect the wiring and connections related to the tire pressure monitoring system for any damage or loose connections, as these can interfere with proper function. Environmental factors, such as drastic temperature changes, can affect tire pressure, making regular checks essential. Finally, if the warning light remains illuminated after these troubleshooting steps, recalibrating the tire pressure monitoring system may be necessary to ensure it provides accurate readings. If the problem persists, seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic is recommended for a comprehensive diagnosis.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in a 2021 Toyota RAV4 is of utmost urgency due to several critical factors. First and foremost, proper tire pressure is essential for safe driving; low tire pressure can severely compromise vehicle handling and stability, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, neglecting this warning can lead to uneven tire wear, which not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also raises the risk of a blowout while on the road. Furthermore, incorrect tire pressure can negatively impact fuel efficiency, resulting in higher fuel consumption and increased emissions, which is not only costly but also environmentally unfriendly. Lastly, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to alert drivers to potential issues, and ignoring this warning could indicate a malfunction within the system itself. Therefore, it is crucial to check and adjust tire pressure promptly to ensure safety, enhance vehicle performance, and prevent further complications.

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