How to Reset the Tire Pressure Light on a Toyota RAV4

ByBrian Jones

The tire pressure light comes on when there’s something wrong with the tires. It’s a system designed to get your attention. There are times when you need to know how to reset the tire pressure light on a RAV4. 

In this guide, I cover the steps to get you back on the road. I will show you how to reset the TPMS and explain when these steps are necessary.

toyota rav4 tire

Preparation Before Resetting

At the first sign of that tire pressure light, you may be anxious to address it. However, two things must occur first. To start, you need to measure the tire pressure. If the pressure isn’t right, you must correct it before resetting the light.

Let’s look at both of these practices in depth.

1. Measure Your Tire Pressure

It’s possible to get the Toyota RAV4 tire pressure display on the app with some compatible models. This feature allows you to check the tire pressure.

Without the app, you must use a tire pressure gauge for the readings. Follow these steps.

  1. Use a tire pressure gauge
  2. Remove the valve cap from one tire
  3. Press the gauge onto the valve stem, but don’t allow any air to leak in the process, or the measurement will be incorrect.
  4. Remove the gauge and place the valve cap back in place
  5. View the reading

Perform these steps on all four tires to get the readings. If any readings aren’t right, move on to the next section.   

(Allstate)

2. Correct the Tire Pressure

To find the appropriate amount of air pressure for your RAV4 tires, check the label inside the driver’s side door. Most RAV4 models specify a tire pressure between 33 and 36 PSI. 

If the tires don’t have enough air, you want to add more. Use a portable tire inflator or air compressor to add more at home. Otherwise, you must visit a local service center or gas station to get air. In many cases, it may be free.

Here are steps on how to put air in the RAV4 tires.

  1. Unscrew the cap from the tire’s valve stem
  2. Place the cap in a secure location, so it doesn’t get lost
  3. Attach the air hose to the valve
  4. Push down until you hear air inflating the tire
  5. Hold it in place for a few seconds
  6. Use your tire pressure gauge to check the air
  7. If it remains low, continue filling
  8. Put the cap back in place once the pressure is correct
  9. Repeat this process for any other low tires

If the tires have too much air, they are over-inflated. Put your tire pressure gauge on the valve stem. Push the button that allows some air to come out. If your gauge doesn’t have this button, use a flathead screwdriver on the valve and push the pin in the middle to release some air.

Remember to check the tire pressure once again to ensure it is correct. 

(Dummies.com)

How To Reset

Once the pressures are right, the warning light should reset automatically. If it doesn’t, you may need to take a few more steps to correct the fault. Here are some directions based on the RAV4 model year.

2019-2023 Toyota RAV4

If you drive a newer RAV4, here are the steps to reset the TPMS. 

  1. Park the vehicle and turn off the engine for 20 minutes or more.
  2. Adjust the tire inflation to the correct pressure.
  3. Use the arrow keys on the steering wheel to select the “gear” icon on the multi-information display.
  4. Select “Vehicle Settings,” then press and hold OK.
  5. Select “TPWS,” then press OK.
  6. Select “Set Pressure,” then press and hold OK.

2013-2018 Toyota RAV4

The 2013 through 2018 Toyota RAV4 models use the same reset procedure.

  1. Park the vehicle and turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or off (vehicles with a smart key system).
  2. Adjust the tire inflation to the correct pressure.
  3. Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
  4. Press and hold the tire pressure warning reset switch until the tire pressure warning light blinks slowly 3 times. This button is below the steering wheel, towards the right-hand side.
  5. Wait for a few minutes, then turn the vehicle off.

2006-2012 Toyota RAV4

These earlier RAV4 models are equipped with the TPMS. However, the owner’s manual doesn’t provide instructions on how to reset the light.

If you have fixed the tire pressure, the light should reset automatically. If not, I recommend visiting your local Toyota dealer for more guidance. 

Reasons Why You’d Need to Reset

Why would you ever need to reset the tire pressure light on a RAV4? After all, the light resets itself after you adjust the tire pressure. 

For starters, it could take a few minutes for the light to disappear after you fill the tires. If you don’t want to wait, you can perform a reset.

Additionally, you may need to reset the TPMS in these situations:

  • After rotating the tires
  • When changing a tire
  • After you register an ID code for a new tire pressure warning valve and transmitter

Aside from these situations, a qualified Toyota technician should handle any other TPMS concerns. 

Frequently Asked Questions

You can reset the tire pressure light yourself once you have corrected the tire pressure in your tires. The tire pressure light should reset automatically, if not try to reset it manually. If that doesn’t work, take it to a mechanic to have it looked at it.

No tools or equipment is needed. The tire pressure light should automatically reset.

No, it should automatically reset but there are different ways to manually reset depending on the model year of your RAV4.

Conclusion

How important tire pressure is to your on-road safety can’t be overstated. That’s why you should always take the TPMS light seriously.

Once the tire pressure is corrected, it’s time to turn off those lights and return to enjoying the open road. With my helpful guide, you should better understand how to do that.

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