2018 PRius Prime TPMS Sensor

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by richard203, Aug 8, 2026 at 10:42 PM.

  1. richard203

    richard203 Member

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    Hi I was wondering do the prius prime have tpms sensor? when I change out my rims and tires i ask the shop to transfer the tpms to the new rim and they call me back and say theres no sensor on the old rim. When I got back my car no tpms light is on. o.0

    shop took a picture of it
    80793573442__DA201D04-6F03-4204-ABB8-51144500B29B.jpeg
     
    #1 richard203, Aug 8, 2026 at 10:42 PM
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2026 at 10:50 PM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Odds are good somebody previously disabled the car's tpms system. Or the tire shop broke one or more sensors.

    The owners manual suggests it could take 20 minutes to alarm if the sensors are not reporting after a startup. Tpms is required by law and Toyota uses sensors.

    Toyota oem 315mhz sensors look like this

    IMG_2378.jpeg

    There are aftermarket sensors for $40 a set on Amazon but the new ids have to be written into the Tpms ecu with a scanner or specialized Autel tpms tool.

    There are also configurable id Autel MX sensors which can be set to existing sensor ids. Those can be read from the tpms ecu.

    If you only need one its $28. Autel MX sensors require an Autel tpms tool like a TS408s or similar to configure the Mx sensor's id.

    IMG_2379.jpeg

    Autel Mx sensors have a quick connect button on the inside part and will break if pulled out. Regular oem and aftermarket sensors are one piece and use a retaining nut.

    Autel Mx sensors are often used by tire shops because they are universal 315mhz or 433 mhz and setup for various protocols.

    Disable tpms ecu with jumper
    (gen3 but gen4 may be the same)


    IMG_2381.jpeg
     
    #2 rjparker, Aug 8, 2026 at 11:09 PM
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2026 at 11:55 PM
  3. richard203

    richard203 Member

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    been driving for 1 whole day already, no tpms light on. how do I know if they disabled the tpms system? I thought tpms system cant be disabled.
     
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    See previous post's attachment
     
  5. richard203

    richard203 Member

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    thanks will check that hopefully the previous owner didn't do that. ><

    you know any good aftermarket tpms sensor for the prius prime? I know you say auteI sensor but I gotta buy the scanner. I got tech stream and dont wanna go oem route any aftermarket that works like oem or oe?
     
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    You search for Toyota tpms sensor for your car.

    An aftermarket set that sells well

    IMG_2388.jpeg
    IMG_2390.jpeg

    This one has a coupon reducing the set to $34. They have factory set ids which can be written to the tpms ecu with Techstream.

    But first you need to figure out your current situation. It is either tpms disabled or you have tpms sensors. I would check the tpms ecu with Techstream.

    prius tpms 2023-09-18.jpeg
     
    #6 rjparker, Aug 9, 2026 at 11:57 AM
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2026 at 2:44 PM
  7. richard203

    richard203 Member

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    ya i'll post an update if it got disabled or not. do you by chance know the denso part number for this car? I tried researching for the denso part number but no go
     
    #7 richard203, Aug 9, 2026 at 11:40 PM
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2026 at 12:17 AM
  8. Autoknown

    Autoknown New Member

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    Many systems disable the check if the ID is 0000000
     
  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I am pretty sure the Toyota system will reject ids of 000000 and still trigger the tpms light.

    It would certainly be worth checking to see what is in the data.

    However it seems gen4 does not have a simple jumper trick available due to the tpms ecu becoming a can bus module.

    Apparently there is a method to fake out the system:

    "Pipe Bomb" Method (No Vehicle Modifications)

    This is the preferred physical bypass method used by Prius owners who run aftermarket wheels or winter tires without sensors. It leaves the car's computer completely stock:

    • The Concept: Buy a cheap set of 4 programmable or compatible Toyota TPMS sensors.
    • The Build: Take a small piece of PVC pipe, cap both ends, install a standard tire valve stem, and place all 4 sensors loose inside the pipe.
    • The Execution: Pressurize the PVC pipe to 36 PSI (the standard front tire spec for your Prius Prime). Program these 4 sensor IDs into your car's computer, then toss the pressurized pipe into the trunk or spare tire well.
    • The Result: The car continuously reads the steady 36 PSI from the trunk, and the dashboard light stays off permanently.
     
    #9 rjparker, Aug 10, 2026 at 10:21 AM
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2026 at 11:10 AM
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  10. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    That looks like a steel rim; I though that ALL Primes came with aluminum rims and the chinchy plastic wheel covers. You must've bought that car used.
    When you turn-on the car; your TPMS lamp should light-up temporary; part of the power-up systems check (flat tire symbol in the middle of your warning symbol cluster).