After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems. 

The Toyota Highlander is installed with a direct TPMS system, which means there are TPMS sensors in the wheel. Direct TPMS has TPMS sensors installed in the wheel; if one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system). 

A TPMS relearn is recommended after a sensor replacement or tire rotation. When services are performed, such as a tire change or TPMS sensor replacement, in one or more tires of a Toyota Highlander, a TPMS relearn must be performed to transfer the sensor information to the vehicle’s ECU.

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS, sensors are installed in the wheel

Sensor Frequency:

• 315MHz

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• TPMS diagnostic 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.

The image says Toyota Tundra, however, the ECU unlock feature is available for the Highlander

TPMS DTC code information

Use the VT56 to retrieve Toyota TPMS DTC codes by selecting the “Service” icon. After selecting the Make, Model, and Year, select the DTC code icon. Use the OBDII module to retrieve the Toyota DTC TPMS information to diagnose and service the TPMS issues determined.