TPM Battery charge measurement

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by gatorback, Jul 7, 2025 at 1:17 PM.

  1. gatorback

    gatorback New Member

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    Context 2010 Prius with 90K miles. TPM dashboard indicator is lit.

    As I understand it the TPM in the wheel has a battery. It is unknown the last time they were replaced. I have never had a car with TPM.

    I would like to know how to determine if the battery is the problem and how often they must be replaced. I am not sure what other helpful diagnostic questions should be asked and would appreciate any suggestions.
     
    #1 gatorback, Jul 7, 2025 at 1:17 PM
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    If the TPMS light on the dash comes on and blinks for 60 seconds and then stays on constantly after you start the car, then the battery in one or more of the sensors in the tire has a bad battery. You can also use a scanner to check for the trouble codes or to use live data to look at the tire pressure readings.

    The OEM sensors normally last 10 to 14 years. Cheaper aftermarket sensors normally last 5 to 7 years.
     
    #2 Brian1954, Jul 8, 2025 at 10:45 AM
    Last edited: Jul 8, 2025 at 11:38 AM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jul 8, 2025 at 11:25 AM
    Brian1954 likes this.
  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    My tpms light has stayed lit for years. My commie tax happy state won’t fail my car for not resolving the issue...yet.
     
    #4 Grit, Jul 8, 2025 at 11:12 PM
  5. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    The batteries are dead, and/or dying...
    It's a royal pain to replace the batteries. And when you get 4 sensors for about $30, not worth the effort.

    Likely any autostore or tire store has a reader that can read each sensor to tell you what the battery level is.

     
    #5 ASRDogman, Jul 9, 2025 at 8:26 AM
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