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

Addressing the Persistent TPMS Light in the 2013 Toyota Tacoma

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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 2013 Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 2013 Toyota Tacoma?

To effectively diagnose the tire pressure light issue on your 2013 Toyota Tacoma, start with the simplest solutions before progressing to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the tire pressure, ensuring that all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the recommended levels specified on the sticker in the driver's side doorjamb or in the owner's manual. It's crucial to measure the pressure when the tires are cold for accurate readings. If the tire pressure is correct, proceed to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by turning the ignition to the ON position, locating the TPMS reset button, and holding it until the warning light blinks three times. After releasing the button, start the engine and drive for about 10 minutes at speeds over 25 mph to allow the system to recalibrate. If the light remains on, check for potential sensor issues, especially if the sensors are older or if you've recently changed your wheels or tires. In such cases, ensure the sensors are compatible and properly programmed. If the problem persists, consider using diagnostic tools like Toyota Techstream to register sensor IDs or check for leaks and punctures in the tires. If you're uncomfortable with these steps or if the issue continues, seeking assistance from a professional mechanic or a Toyota dealership is advisable, as they have the expertise and tools to resolve TPMS issues effectively.

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

When the tire pressure light remains on in your 2013 Toyota Tacoma, it can be frustrating, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue. One of the primary reasons is low tire pressure, which can occur in any of the tires, including the spare. Always check the tire pressure against the recommended values found in your owner's manual or on the door frame, and inflate them as needed. Another potential culprit is malfunctioning TPMS sensors, which may fail over time, especially after significant mileage. If the light flashes briefly upon starting the vehicle and then stays on, this could indicate a sensor issue. Additionally, if the tire pressures were not set correctly during the TPMS initialization, the light may remain illuminated. It’s also important to consider external factors, such as radio interference or environmental changes, which can affect the system's performance. If you've recently changed tires, ensure that they are compatible with the TPMS, as non-standard tires may not have the necessary sensors. Lastly, remember to check the spare tire, as it is monitored by the TPMS as well. By systematically addressing these common problems, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure light issue in your Tacoma.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure light that won't turn off in a 2013 Toyota Tacoma?

Addressing the tire pressure light that remains illuminated in your 2013 Toyota Tacoma is an urgent matter that should not be overlooked. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious safety hazards, as both underinflated and overinflated tires compromise vehicle handling and increase the risk of tire blowouts, which can result in dangerous driving conditions. Furthermore, maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for the longevity of your tires; neglecting this can lead to premature wear and decreased fuel efficiency, ultimately costing you more in the long run. If the light persists despite correct tire pressures, it may indicate a malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor, which could require replacement to ensure accurate monitoring. While some may consider temporary fixes, such as disabling the warning light, these solutions bypass critical safety features and can lead to more significant issues down the line. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check and adjust your tire pressures and address any underlying problems with the TPMS to ensure safe and efficient driving.

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