If performing TPMS services, such as replacing one or more TPMS sensor ID’s or rotating tires, a TPMS relearn procedure must be performed using a basic TPMS activation tool or an advanced TPMS scan tool, depending on the vehicle’s TPMS system. A TPMS relearn, often called TPMS reset, will write the new TPMS sensor ID locations to the vehicle’s ECU, which will cure the TPMS MIL.

According to U.S. News and World Report, the top three selling vehicles in 2008 were:

• 2008 Ford F-150

• 2008 Chevy Silverado

• 2008 Toyota Camry

• 2008 Honda Accord

• 2008 Toyota Corolla

Each week, we will explore the diagnostics of the TPMS system of each vehicle, and teach you how to properly reset the system. This week, we will be going over the 2008 Toyota Camry.

Before performing a relearn procedure, it is important to make sure the TPMS sensors are installed properly, and tires are inflated to placard pressure.

Toyota Camry (2008-USA)

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS, sensors are installed in the wheel

Type of OE sensor:

• Pacific Clamp-in Fixed Angle Valve Toyota/Subaru, 42067-06011

Sensor Frequency:

• 315MHz

Aftermarket (Universal, Hybrid, Programmable, Configurable, One-to-One, OE-style) options for 315MHz TPMS sensor replacement:

• BWD/Standard OE
• BWD/Standard Qwik
• Continental (OE-Style)
• Dill
• Dynamic
• ECH/NAPA OE-Design
• ECH/NAPA Qwik
• EZ-sensor®
• IntelliSens
• Mobiletron
• Myers UPro
• REDI-Sensor
• Schrader (OE-style)
• Sears
• Steelman Select
• Alligator Sens.it
• Hamaton OE-R (OE-style)
• Hamaton U-Pro
• Orange Universal
• PDQ

All service kits and OE-type (one-to-one) TPMS sensor options for the Toyota Camry 2008 can be found in your VT56, VT55, and VT36 TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.

Type of Relearn procedure:

• OBD relearn, requires OBDII transfer

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• TPMS scan tool with OBDII module (VT56, VT55)
• TPMS activation tool (VT15, VT31, VT36) combined with a diagnostic scan tool that has TPMS transfer capabilities through the DLC
• TPMS activation tool (VT15, VT31, VT36) combined with the TPMS Quickset

OBD relearn:

• OBDII module is required
• Hold TPMS tool on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left tire tires (and spare if required)
• Apply OBDII module to DLC
• Turn ignition ON
• Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer the TPMS sensor data to the vehicle’s ECU
• Disconnect OBD module from the DLC
• Turn ignition OFF then ON
• Drive for at least 5 minutes at 12 mph or more

Troubleshooting tips

TPMS reset button, closed loop

Some Toyota models have a “SET” or “TPMS RESET” button, which is located below the steering wheel or under the glovebox.  When the button is pressed, the system tries to locate the sensor ID’s that are already stored. The “SET button” can be used when performing a tire rotation that has different tire pressures in the front and rear, changing or adjusting the tire pressure, or changing tire size, or when tires are replaced.

If the “SET” button is pushed after new sensor IDs are introduced and before a relearn is performed, the ECU must be unlocked in order for the relearn procedure to work correctly. Some advanced TPMS scan tools have the capability to unlock the ECU. If your TPMS scan tool has the “UNLOCK ECU” option, the relearn procedure can be properly performed.

Toyota TPMS vehicles manufactured in USA vs Japan

When selecting the Make, Model and Year of your vehicle, you will notice there are two options for the Year from 2006 to 2011. Toyota Camry’s, which were sold in the USA, were originally manufactured in USA or Japan. It is very important to select the correct selection of “2008 USA” or “2008 JAPAN” with the VT56, Quickset, or your diagnostic scan tool since there is a slight difference in the way the TPMS information is transferred to the vehicle’s ECU.

To find out whether the Toyota Camry you are working with was manufactured in Japan or USA, take a look at the vehicle’s VIN barcode, particularly the first character of the VIN.

• “1” indicates the vehicle was manufactured in the USA
• “J” indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Japan

Toyota TPMS vehicles with spare tire

Some Toyota Camry years since 2006 have the option to purchase the vehicle with a spare tire, which has a TPMS sensor. During the relearn procedure, you must also activate the spare tire TPMS sensor to reset the system properly and write all the TPMS ID’s to the vehicle’s ECU. If the spare tire is not activated, the TPMS light will still indicate a TPMS MIL. When selecting the Make Model and Year, you will be prompted to select 4 or 5 tires. To find out whether your Toyota Camry came manufactured with a spare tire, check for the following indications:

1. Does your vehicle come with a full size tire or donut? If there is a full size tire in trunk, then the tire must be fitted with a TPMS sensor, and must be filled to placard pressure.
2. If there is no tire in the trunk, you can usually tell if it came manufactured by the size of the trunk. If it looks as if a full tire can fit in the trunk, it most likely came manufactured with a spare tire. If not, then it may only require a donut, which does not require a TPMS sensor.

The order is as follows: Left front, Right Front, Right Rear, Left Rear, Spare Tire

Toyota TPMS DTC Codes: