Hi All, I bought a Prius 2010 3rd gen from Japan, and I was wondering if it had the TPMS, because I can not find the TPMS button below the steering column. Thank you
Not sure about Japanese but one in US does. Easiest way to check check tire valves ones with TPMS look different from regular and have metal stem. Button is really hard to find you have to stick head under the dashboard and it is farther down and small
Thank you, I will check the valves. I have a feeling that it might not be there since its Japanese. But nevertheless I love my Prius
TPMS stems are metal threaded with ~15mm threaded tube looking nut on. If you have TPMS be careful when getting new tires. If mechanic doesn't know how to mount tire with TPMS sensor can be broken off easily. Happened to me. By the time sensor stopped working it was too late to take it back. And unfortunately Toyota is not self-learning, you need a tool to reprogram. Dealer wanted $135 for sensor + labor I ended up buying aftermarket sensor for $30 and tool for $150... Not cheap
Why are the sensors really needed in the first place? I think it is a BS sensor. Has it become difficult to check tire pressure once in awhile? I would think a better thing to over-sense in a vehicle would be a FART sensor. Just to warn others of the severity of the smell when entering a vehicle that Taco Bell was eaten for lunch. TomK
The sensors are needed because the number of idiots on the roads running on underinflated tires has reached critical mass. It's easier to improve the car than it is to improve the driver.
No mine does not have the TPMS...I wanted to see if the tire pressure was at the recommended PSI, because I tend to scrape the bottom and the front when turning into steep inclined driveways
The TPMS installed in North American Prii is a very lousy way to check this. It doesn't show individual tire pressures, and provides warning only when a tire pressure has fallen considerably below the recommended level. And on a used car, the threshold warning level may easily have been changed from the factory settings, up or down, and you won't know about that change. A common tire pressure gauge will provide a much better answer to this particular query, even here in the U.S. where we do have TPMS.
I don't mind TPMS, appreciate it's benefits. But, with each sensor rivalling the cost of an aftermarket rim, and neading proprietary electronics and a learning curve (or $'s at the dealership), I chose to not put them on my snows. And if and when the batteries die, too bad.
