2012 Toyota Yaris Tire Pressure Light Won't Go Off (TPMS)

Resolve persistent TPMS warning light in 2012 Toyota Yaris with effective 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 2012 Toyota Yaris 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 2012 Toyota Yaris 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 why the tire pressure light on my 2012 Toyota Yaris won't go off?

To effectively diagnose why the tire pressure light on your 2012 Toyota Yaris won't turn off, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the tire pressures to ensure they are at the recommended levels, which can be found on the tire pressure sticker inside the glove box or on the driver's side doorjamb. If the pressures are correct, proceed to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by locating the reset button, typically found under the dashboard or in the glove box. After resetting, if the light remains illuminated, identify whether your Yaris has a direct or indirect TPMS system, as this will guide your next steps. For direct TPMS, inspect the sensors for any signs of malfunction, such as a blinking light indicating a potential sensor failure. Utilizing a TPMS scanner tool can help pinpoint any issues with the sensors. If necessary, retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using an OBDII module to gain further insight into the problem. Should these steps not resolve the issue, consider manually checking each tire sensor for proper seating and damage, and if they are nearing the end of their lifespan, replacement may be warranted. If you still face challenges, consulting a professional mechanic or a specialized tire shop is advisable for accurate diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can systematically address the tire pressure light issue on your Yaris.

What could be causing the tire pressure light to stay on in a 2012 Toyota Yaris?

When the tire pressure light remains illuminated on your 2012 Toyota Yaris, it can be frustrating, but understanding the common problems can help you troubleshoot effectively. One prevalent issue is the age of the TPMS sensors; as they typically last between 5 to 10 years, a dead or weak battery in one or more sensors can prevent the system from receiving accurate data, triggering the warning light. Additionally, even if your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, slight discrepancies in tire pressure readings can cause the light to stay on, particularly if the gauge is not calibrated correctly. If the light flashes before staying on, it often indicates a more serious malfunction, such as a communication issue between the sensors and the vehicle's computer, which could stem from faulty wiring or software problems. Furthermore, after making tire pressure adjustments or rotations, the TPMS may require a reset; failure to do so can result in the light remaining on. Given the age of your vehicle, it’s also wise to consider the overall condition of the sensors, as replacing all four at once can prevent future complications. To diagnose the issue, check tire pressures with multiple gauges for accuracy, and consult a tire shop to test the sensors without removing the tires, which can save you time and effort.

What should I do if the tire pressure light on my 2012 Toyota Yaris won't turn off?

When the tire pressure light on your 2012 Toyota Yaris remains illuminated, it’s crucial to address the issue without delay, as neglecting it can lead to unsafe driving conditions and potential tire damage. Start by checking the tire pressure of all tires, including the spare, to ensure they are inflated to the recommended levels. This simple step can often resolve the issue. If the light persists, consider resetting the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). While some models have a reset button, others may require a TPMS scan tool for recalibration. Additionally, driving your Yaris at speeds over 25 mph for about 30 minutes can sometimes help reset the system. If the light continues to blink or remains steady, it may indicate a malfunctioning sensor, which is common in older vehicles. In such cases, visiting a tire shop equipped with a TPMS scanner can help identify the problem. While temporarily overinflating the tires might provide a short-term solution, it’s essential to consult a mechanic if the light does not turn off, as they can diagnose and replace any faulty sensors. Addressing these issues promptly not only ensures your safety on the road but also helps maintain the longevity of your tires.

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