Toyota Camry Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Explained)

If you are driving your Camry and suddenly a “Check tire pressure monitoring system” comes up it can be quiet confusing as to what it means.

Fortunately, this article will explain what the message means and how to fix it.

Toyota Camry Check Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in your Toyota Camry is designed to alert you when the tire pressure in one or more of your tires is significantly low. This system is essential to ensuring a safe and efficient driving experience. In this section, we will discuss the meaning and causes of TPMS activation in your Toyota Camry.

When the TPMS indicator light illuminates on your dashboard, it means that the system has detected low pressure in one or more of your tires. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including:

• A slow leak in one or more of your tires
• A sudden drop in temperature, which can cause the air inside the tires to contract
• Damage to a tire or wheel from a road hazard or debris
• A faulty sensor in the TPMS

To address the low tire pressure warning, follow these steps:

1. Safely park your vehicle and turn off the engine.
2. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each tire.
3. Refer to your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb for the recommended tire pressure.
4. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure, paying attention to the tire that triggered the TPMS light.

If you find that the tire pressure is consistently low after filling it with air, take your vehicle to a professional technician for further assessment and repair, as there may be a more significant issue, such as a puncture or damaged wheel.

It’s essential to keep in mind that TPMS is not a substitute for regular tire maintenance. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure once a month and before long trips.

Understanding Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are crucial for maintaining optimal tire pressure and ensuring your safety on the road. In your Toyota Camry, the TPMS will alert you if one or more tires are below the recommended pressure by triggering a warning light on the dashboard. This section will explain how Direct and Indirect TPMS work in your vehicle.

Direct TPMS

Direct TPMS uses sensors mounted on each tire’s valve to measure the tire pressure directly. These sensors send real-time tire pressure data to your car’s computer system. When the pressure in one or more tires drops below the recommended level, the TPMS warning light will illuminate on your dashboard. It is important to remember that the sensors in the tires have batteries and need to be replaced periodically to maintain accurate readings.

To maintain your Toyota Camry’s Direct TPMS:

• Regularly check tire pressures with a reliable tire pressure gauge.
• Keep track of sensor battery life and replace them as needed. Some sensors may indicate low battery levels through your car’s dashboard.
• If you have recently rotated tires or replaced them, ensure that the TPMS sensors are properly synced with the car’s computer.

Indirect TPMS

Indirect TPMS does not use sensors inside the tires. Instead, it relies on the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to calculate the relative speed of each wheel. If a tire’s pressure is too low, it will have a smaller diameter, causing it to rotate faster than others. The ABS system can detect this difference in rotation and alert you when tire pressure is too low.

In order to maintain your Toyota Camry’s Indirect TPMS:

• Regularly check and adjust tire pressures using a reliable pressure gauge.
• Follow the recommended tire rotation schedule for your vehicle.
• Perform regular maintenance on your ABS system, as it plays an essential role in the Indirect TPMS function.

Causes of TPMS Issues

Low Tire Pressure

One common cause of TPMS issues in your Toyota Camry is low tire pressure. When the pressure in one or more of your tires falls below the recommended level, the TPMS warning light may come on to alert you. To resolve this issue:

• Check the tire pressure in each tire with a reliable gauge
• Inflate any tires that are below the recommended pressure levels
• It’s good practice to check your owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure specifications for your Camry model.

Faulty TPMS Sensor

Another possible cause of TPMS issues is a faulty TPMS sensor. This could be due to:

• Damage during tire mounting or dismounting
• Wear and tear over time
• Exposure to harsh conditions

In these cases, your Camry’s TPMS system may not accurately read the tire pressure, triggering a warning light. If you suspect a faulty sensor:

• Consult with a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue
• They may need to replace the faulty sensor to resolve the problem

Dead TPMS Battery

TPMS sensors in your Toyota Camry are powered by small, non-rechargeable batteries. These batteries typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. When a TPMS sensor battery runs out, it will be unable to transmit data to the vehicle’s computer, causing the warning light to come on.

If a dead TPMS battery is the culprit, you may need to:

• Replace the dead battery with a new one or replace the entire TPMS sensor, depending on the design of your Camry’s TPMS system
• Consult with a professional mechanic to determine the best course of action for your specific situation

Remember to regularly inspect your tires and maintain the recommended pressure levels to minimize TPMS issues and ensure a safe driving experience.

How to Check Your Toyota Camry’s TPMS

Using an On-Board Diagnostic Tool

To check the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on your Toyota Camry using an on-board diagnostic tool, you will need a TPMS diagnostic scan tool with an OBDII module (such as VT56 or VT55).

1. Plug the OBDII module into the diagnostic port of your Camry, located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
2. Turn on the TPMS diagnostic tool and select “Service TPMS.”
3. Follow the prompts on the screen to read the tire pressure data from each sensor.
4. Compare the data to the recommended tire pressure for your Camry, which can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.
5. If any tire’s pressure is not within the recommended range, adjust the pressure accordingly.

Manual Inspection

To manually check your Toyota Camry’s TPMS, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged.
2. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire. You can find the recommended tire pressure in your owner’s manual or on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.
3. If any tire’s pressure is not within the recommended range, deflate or inflate the tire as needed.
4. After adjusting the tire pressure, start the engine and locate the TPMS reset button inside your Camry. It is typically low and to the right of the steering wheel on the instrument panel.
5. To reset the TPMS, simply press and hold the reset button for at least five seconds. You’ll know it’s working when the TPMS indicator light on the instrument panel blinks three times.
6. Allow the system to reset and update the tire pressure readings.

By following these steps for using an on-board diagnostic tool and conducting a manual inspection, you can effectively monitor and maintain the TPMS of your Toyota Camry.