Got a TPMS light after rotating your tires or swapping to winter wheels? Here's how to reset and initialize the tire pressure monitoring system on your 4th Gen Tacoma - a straightforward process you can handle yourself.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 534, 537-539)
Your Tacoma has a tire pressure warning system (TPWS) that monitors air pressure in each tire and alerts you before low pressure becomes a problem.
2-Type Warning System
The system uses two different warning levels:
Display Options
The tire pressure detected by the tire pressure warning system can be displayed on the multi-information display. Your Tacoma may have either a 7-inch display or a 12.3-inch display.
WARNING
Do not use tires with different load rating and/or speed symbol than what is specified on tire pressure label or in owner's manual.
Source: Owner's Manual Page 534
NOTICE - Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and tire valve caps
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.
Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not installed, water could enter the tire pressure warning valves, corrode the valves and the tire pressure warning valves could be bound.
When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified. The cap may become stuck.
Source: Owner's Manual Page 537
NOTICE - Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle's wheels and body.
Source: Owner's Manual Page 534
You'll need to initialize the TPMS in these situations:
Why initialization matters: When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure. This is the reference point the system uses to detect low pressure conditions.
Tools Required:
Time Estimate:
Skill Level: Beginner - no special tools or expertise required
Critical Requirements:
Step 1: Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off, wait for approximately 20 minutes or more, and then perform the procedure.
Step 2: Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level.
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Step 3: Turn the engine switch to ON.
Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Step 4: Press up/down of the meter control switch to select the settings icon.
Step 5: Press up/down to select "Vehicle Settings" and then press and hold the center button.
Step 6: Press up/down to select "TPWS" and then press the center button.
Step 7: Press up/down to select "Setting Pressure". Then press and hold the center button until the tire pressure warning light blinks 3 times.
Then a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. "--" will be displayed on the multi-information display for the inflation pressure of each tire while initialization is being performed.
Step 8: Drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
When initialization is complete, the inflation pressure of each tire will be displayed on the multi-information display.
Menu Navigation Path (7-inch Display):
Settings Icon > Vehicle Settings > TPWS > Setting Pressure
Step 1: Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off, wait for approximately 20 minutes or more, and then perform the procedure.
Step 2: Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level.
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Step 3: Turn the engine switch to ON.
Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Step 4: Press and hold the center button to display the cursor on the content display area (center) of the multi-information display.
Step 5: Press up/down of the meter control switches to select "Settings" and then press the center button.
Step 6: Press up/down of the meter control switches, select "Vehicle Settings" and then press and hold the center button.
Step 7: Press up/down of the meter control switches, select "TPWS setting" and then press the center button.
Step 8: Press up/down of the meter control switches, select the "Setting Pressure". Then press and hold the center button.
Then a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. "--" will be displayed on the multi-information display for the inflation pressure of each tire while initialization is being performed.
Step 9: Drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
Even if the vehicle is not driven at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, initialization can be completed by driving for a long time. However, if initialization does not complete after driving for 1 hour or more, park the vehicle in a safe place for more than 20 minutes and please drive a vehicle once again with the engine switch ON.
Menu Navigation Path (12.3-inch Display):
Settings > Vehicle Settings > TPWS setting > Setting Pressure
When Initializing:
The Initialization Operation:
Alternative Driving Method:
Even if the vehicle is not driven at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, initialization can be completed by driving for a long time. However, if initialization does not complete after driving for 1 hour or more, park the vehicle in a safe place for approximately 20 minutes and please drive a vehicle once again with the engine switch ON.
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.
When replacing tires and wheels, the ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be initialized.
Here's what owners have learned from real-world experience with the TPMS system.
Dual Wheel Set Feature
The 4th Gen Tacoma can support 2 separate sets of wheels with TPMS sensors. This is particularly useful for owners with dedicated summer and winter wheel/tire sets. You can switch between wheel sets through the MID (Multi-Information Display) screen settings.
Auto-Relearn Capability
The 4th Gen Tacoma uses an auto-relearn system and does not require an OBD tool for relearns. When you rotate your tires or change wheel sets, simply initiate the relearn through the screen menu and drive. The truck handles the rest automatically.
Customizable Pressure Warning Thresholds
You can set the pressure threshold at which you want to receive warnings. The system walks you through setting different values for front and rear tires, which is useful if you run different pressures front-to-back.
Cold Tire Verification First
Before initiating any TPMS reset, verify your pressure with a quality digital gauge first. The recommended baseline is the door placard specification (typically 30-32 psi for the 4th Gen Tacoma depending on tire size). Getting this right prevents having to redo the initialization.
Not Driving Far Enough After Initialization
Many owners expect the system to calibrate within a few minutes. In reality, some users report needing to drive 10-15+ miles at 25-50 mph before the system fully registers and displays accurate pressures. Plan for a longer drive, not just a quick trip around the block.
Wrong Wheel Set Selection
When using the dual wheel set feature, the system may default back to Set 1 after certain events (key cycles, relearns). If your TPMS light comes on after switching wheel sets, check if the system reverted to the wrong set in settings. Manually selecting the correct set resolves the issue.
Incomplete Button Hold During Reset
The TPMS light should blink 3 times when initiating reset mode. If you release the button before this confirmation, the reset may not actually begin. Hold the button until you see all 3 blinks.
Assuming Aftermarket Sensors Work Automatically
If you have aftermarket TPMS sensors (such as Autel brand), they require external programming with a dedicated TPMS tool before the truck can recognize them. Dashboard relearning alone will not work for universal sensors that have not been pre-programmed for your specific vehicle.
Owner's Manual Menu Discrepancy
Multiple 4th Gen owners report that the TPMS section of the owner's manual does not exactly match the actual menu options on their trucks. Specifically, the manual may not clearly explain the Set 1/Set 2 wheel selection process that appears on screen. This is a documentation issue, not a problem with your truck.
Pressure Display Delay is Normal
After successful initialization, it may take several minutes or a short driving period before actual PSI values appear. Seeing "--" immediately after initialization is normal and not a sign of failure. The system is determining tire positions and gathering data.
Factory Default May Not Match Door Placard
Some 4th Gen Tacomas come from the factory with TPMS warning thresholds set to 35 psi when the door placard specifies around 30 psi. This can cause low pressure warnings in cold weather even when tires are at the correct pressure. You can adjust the warning threshold through the TPMS settings menu.
Q: Why do I need to wait 20 minutes before starting the procedure?
A: The 20-minute waiting period allows tire temperatures to stabilize (especially important after recent driving), the internal pressure readings to settle to cold inflation values, and accurate baseline pressure detection by the TPMS sensors.
Q: What does "--" mean on my display during initialization?
A: The dashes indicate the system is actively determining each tire's position and calibrating the sensors. This is normal and expected. Do not be alarmed if this persists for the duration of your calibration drive.
Q: Why do I need cold tires for initialization?
A: The TPMS system calibrates using the current tire pressure as a baseline. Tires heat up during driving and the air inside expands, increasing pressure. If you initialize with warm tires, the system will set an artificially high baseline. When the tires cool, the system will incorrectly think the pressure has dropped and trigger warnings.
Q: What is the difference between the two display procedures?
A: The 7-inch and 12.3-inch displays have slightly different menu structures. The 7-inch uses "TPWS" menu option while the 12.3-inch uses "TPWS setting" menu option. The underlying system is identical; only the navigation differs.
Q: When would I need to initialize the TPMS?
A: Common scenarios include seasonal tire swaps (switching between summer and winter wheel/tire sets), post-rotation (after dealer or DIY tire rotation), new tires (after purchasing and mounting new tires), and repair situations (after a tire has been removed for puncture repair).
This thread synthesizes the following pages from the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual:
Owner's Manual Pages:
Additional Sources:
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04041U) with supplementary information from the owner community. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 534, 537-539)
TPMS Reset, Tire Pressure Light, Sensor Calibration, TPWS Initialization
Understanding the TPMS System
Your Tacoma has a tire pressure warning system (TPWS) that monitors air pressure in each tire and alerts you before low pressure becomes a problem.
2-Type Warning System
The system uses two different warning levels:
- Normal Warning - "Adjust Pressure" displayed: The tire pressure warning light comes on and a buzzer sounds when the tire inflation pressure becomes low due to natural air leakage or outside temperature.
- Emergency Warning - "Immediately Check tire when Safe" displayed: The tire pressure warning light comes on and a buzzer sounds when the tire inflation pressure becomes low suddenly due to a blowout. However, the system may not be able to detect sudden tire ruptures (bursting, etc.).
Display Options
The tire pressure detected by the tire pressure warning system can be displayed on the multi-information display. Your Tacoma may have either a 7-inch display or a 12.3-inch display.
Safety Precautions
WARNING
Do not use tires with different load rating and/or speed symbol than what is specified on tire pressure label or in owner's manual.
Source: Owner's Manual Page 534
NOTICE - Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and tire valve caps
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.
Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not installed, water could enter the tire pressure warning valves, corrode the valves and the tire pressure warning valves could be bound.
When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified. The cap may become stuck.
Source: Owner's Manual Page 537
NOTICE - Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle's wheels and body.
Source: Owner's Manual Page 534
When TPMS Initialization is Required
You'll need to initialize the TPMS in these situations:
- When rotating the tires
- When changing the tires
- After registering the ID codes
- When changing between two registered wheel sets
Why initialization matters: When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure. This is the reference point the system uses to detect low pressure conditions.
Prerequisites for All Procedures
Tools Required:
- Accurate tire pressure gauge
- Air compressor or access to air (gas station, home compressor)
Time Estimate:
- Preparation: 5 minutes (pressure check/adjustment)
- Wait time: approximately 20 minutes or more
- Procedure: 2-3 minutes
- Completion drive: approximately 10 to 30 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner - no special tools or expertise required
Critical Requirements:
- Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off
- Wait for approximately 20 minutes or more before performing the procedure
- Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level
- Make sure the tires are cold before carrying out initialization or tire inflation pressure adjustment
Initialization Procedure: 7-inch Display
Step 1: Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off, wait for approximately 20 minutes or more, and then perform the procedure.
Step 2: Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level.
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Step 3: Turn the engine switch to ON.
Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Step 4: Press up/down of the meter control switch to select the settings icon.
Step 5: Press up/down to select "Vehicle Settings" and then press and hold the center button.
Step 6: Press up/down to select "TPWS" and then press the center button.
Step 7: Press up/down to select "Setting Pressure". Then press and hold the center button until the tire pressure warning light blinks 3 times.
Then a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. "--" will be displayed on the multi-information display for the inflation pressure of each tire while initialization is being performed.
Step 8: Drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
When initialization is complete, the inflation pressure of each tire will be displayed on the multi-information display.
Menu Navigation Path (7-inch Display):
Settings Icon > Vehicle Settings > TPWS > Setting Pressure
Initialization Procedure: 12.3-inch Display
Step 1: Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off, wait for approximately 20 minutes or more, and then perform the procedure.
Step 2: Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level.
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.
Step 3: Turn the engine switch to ON.
Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.
Step 4: Press and hold the center button to display the cursor on the content display area (center) of the multi-information display.
Step 5: Press up/down of the meter control switches to select "Settings" and then press the center button.
Step 6: Press up/down of the meter control switches, select "Vehicle Settings" and then press and hold the center button.
Step 7: Press up/down of the meter control switches, select "TPWS setting" and then press the center button.
Step 8: Press up/down of the meter control switches, select the "Setting Pressure". Then press and hold the center button.
Then a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. "--" will be displayed on the multi-information display for the inflation pressure of each tire while initialization is being performed.
Step 9: Drive straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
Even if the vehicle is not driven at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, initialization can be completed by driving for a long time. However, if initialization does not complete after driving for 1 hour or more, park the vehicle in a safe place for more than 20 minutes and please drive a vehicle once again with the engine switch ON.
Menu Navigation Path (12.3-inch Display):
Settings > Vehicle Settings > TPWS setting > Setting Pressure
Specifications
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time before procedure | approximately 20 minutes or more | Page 537 |
| Required driving speed | approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more | Pages 538, 539 |
| Drive duration | approximately 10 to 30 minutes | Pages 538, 539 |
| Confirmation signal | tire pressure warning light blinks 3 times | Page 538 |
| Display during initialization | "--" for each tire | Pages 538, 539 |
| Extended drive timeout | 1 hour or more | Pages 538, 539 |
Important Notes from the Manual
When Initializing:
- Initialization is performed while driving at a vehicle speed of approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more.
- Make sure to carry out initialization after adjusting the tire inflation pressure. Also, make sure the tires are cold before carrying out initialization or tire inflation pressure adjustment.
- The tire pressure warning system can be initialized by yourself, but depending on the driving conditions and driving environment, initialization may take some time to complete.
The Initialization Operation:
- If you have accidentally turned the engine switch off during initialization, it is not necessary to restart the initialization again as initialization will restart when the engine switch has been turned to ON for the next time.
- If you accidentally perform initialization when initialization is not necessary, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level when the tires are cold, and conduct initialization again.
- While the position of each tire is being determined and the inflation pressures are not being displayed on the multi-information display, if the inflation pressure of a tire drops, the tire pressure warning light will come on.
Alternative Driving Method:
Even if the vehicle is not driven at approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, initialization can be completed by driving for a long time. However, if initialization does not complete after driving for 1 hour or more, park the vehicle in a safe place for approximately 20 minutes and please drive a vehicle once again with the engine switch ON.
ID Code Registration
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.
When replacing tires and wheels, the ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be initialized.
Real-World Tips and Context
Here's what owners have learned from real-world experience with the TPMS system.
Pro Tips from the Community
Dual Wheel Set Feature
The 4th Gen Tacoma can support 2 separate sets of wheels with TPMS sensors. This is particularly useful for owners with dedicated summer and winter wheel/tire sets. You can switch between wheel sets through the MID (Multi-Information Display) screen settings.
Auto-Relearn Capability
The 4th Gen Tacoma uses an auto-relearn system and does not require an OBD tool for relearns. When you rotate your tires or change wheel sets, simply initiate the relearn through the screen menu and drive. The truck handles the rest automatically.
Customizable Pressure Warning Thresholds
You can set the pressure threshold at which you want to receive warnings. The system walks you through setting different values for front and rear tires, which is useful if you run different pressures front-to-back.
Cold Tire Verification First
Before initiating any TPMS reset, verify your pressure with a quality digital gauge first. The recommended baseline is the door placard specification (typically 30-32 psi for the 4th Gen Tacoma depending on tire size). Getting this right prevents having to redo the initialization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Driving Far Enough After Initialization
Many owners expect the system to calibrate within a few minutes. In reality, some users report needing to drive 10-15+ miles at 25-50 mph before the system fully registers and displays accurate pressures. Plan for a longer drive, not just a quick trip around the block.
Wrong Wheel Set Selection
When using the dual wheel set feature, the system may default back to Set 1 after certain events (key cycles, relearns). If your TPMS light comes on after switching wheel sets, check if the system reverted to the wrong set in settings. Manually selecting the correct set resolves the issue.
Incomplete Button Hold During Reset
The TPMS light should blink 3 times when initiating reset mode. If you release the button before this confirmation, the reset may not actually begin. Hold the button until you see all 3 blinks.
Assuming Aftermarket Sensors Work Automatically
If you have aftermarket TPMS sensors (such as Autel brand), they require external programming with a dedicated TPMS tool before the truck can recognize them. Dashboard relearning alone will not work for universal sensors that have not been pre-programmed for your specific vehicle.
Helpful Context
Owner's Manual Menu Discrepancy
Multiple 4th Gen owners report that the TPMS section of the owner's manual does not exactly match the actual menu options on their trucks. Specifically, the manual may not clearly explain the Set 1/Set 2 wheel selection process that appears on screen. This is a documentation issue, not a problem with your truck.
Pressure Display Delay is Normal
After successful initialization, it may take several minutes or a short driving period before actual PSI values appear. Seeing "--" immediately after initialization is normal and not a sign of failure. The system is determining tire positions and gathering data.
Factory Default May Not Match Door Placard
Some 4th Gen Tacomas come from the factory with TPMS warning thresholds set to 35 psi when the door placard specifies around 30 psi. This can cause low pressure warnings in cold weather even when tires are at the correct pressure. You can adjust the warning threshold through the TPMS settings menu.
Common Questions
Q: Why do I need to wait 20 minutes before starting the procedure?
A: The 20-minute waiting period allows tire temperatures to stabilize (especially important after recent driving), the internal pressure readings to settle to cold inflation values, and accurate baseline pressure detection by the TPMS sensors.
Q: What does "--" mean on my display during initialization?
A: The dashes indicate the system is actively determining each tire's position and calibrating the sensors. This is normal and expected. Do not be alarmed if this persists for the duration of your calibration drive.
Q: Why do I need cold tires for initialization?
A: The TPMS system calibrates using the current tire pressure as a baseline. Tires heat up during driving and the air inside expands, increasing pressure. If you initialize with warm tires, the system will set an artificially high baseline. When the tires cool, the system will incorrectly think the pressure has dropped and trigger warnings.
Q: What is the difference between the two display procedures?
A: The 7-inch and 12.3-inch displays have slightly different menu structures. The 7-inch uses "TPWS" menu option while the 12.3-inch uses "TPWS setting" menu option. The underlying system is identical; only the navigation differs.
Q: When would I need to initialize the TPMS?
A: Common scenarios include seasonal tire swaps (switching between summer and winter wheel/tire sets), post-rotation (after dealer or DIY tire rotation), new tires (after purchasing and mounting new tires), and repair situations (after a tire has been removed for puncture repair).
Manual Pages Reference
This thread synthesizes the following pages from the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual:
- Page 534: TPMS system overview and warning types
- Page 537: When initialization is required, prerequisites
- Pages 537-538: 7-inch display initialization procedure
- Pages 538-539: 12.3-inch display initialization procedure
- Page 539: Important notes and alternative methods
Source Attribution
Owner's Manual Pages:
- System overview: Page 534
- Initialization requirements: Page 537
- 7-inch display procedure: Pages 537-538
- 12.3-inch display procedure: Pages 538-539
- Important notes: Page 539
Additional Sources:
- Tacoma4G.com Forums
- 4GTaco.com Forums
- TacomaWorld.com
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual (OM04041U) with supplementary information from the owner community. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only.
