From 2014, the Toyota RAV4 is equipped with TPMS. This allows you to monitor the current pressure value in all wheel chambers. The system aims to improve driving safety. If there is a pressure drop in at least one wheel, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard and a specific beep will sound.
The RAV4 models feature a direct-type tyre pressure monitoring system. Special sensors incorporated in the wheel valves transmit an infrared signal on a 433MHz frequency. The vehicle's receiver decodes the code and transforms it into a numerical value which is displayed on the instrument panel or on the on-board computer screen.
Contents
Types of sensors
Principle of operation
Removal procedure. Replacement.
Replacement steps
Current settings
Outlook
Sensor types
There are three sensor nomenclatures available for the RAV4, depending on the year of manufacture of the vehicle:
42607-48020VK (PMV-C215) for 2019-2021 model year;
42607-02031 (30070) (PMV-C210) for model year 2013 to 2019;
Universal sensor for any model year.
The cost per sensor is 2000-3500 roubles. The nut, adapter and battery are included as standard, so there is no need to purchase additional equipment.
More expensive counterparts from General Motors, VDO, Mobiletron have part numbers 13348393, S180211003Z, TXS066 respectively.
Principle of operation
The sensor is a tensolitic sensor element. It reacts to pressure variations with an accuracy of 0,10-0,15 atmospheres. The signal is permanently transmitted to the receiver's antenna. After decoding by the control unit, the sensor value is displayed digitally on the screen of the on-board computer or the instrument panel. Bear in mind that the lower the voltage level of the sensor cell, the more often false alarms occur.
Experienced motorists try to replace the internal batteries of the entire sensor set when changing tyres during the season.
The system may start signalling a malfunction if there is no signal from even one transmitter. There are only two reasons for this:
replacement of the battery is necessary;
failure of the sensor element.
Also one of the disadvantages of TPMS is high sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation. The system often gives false faults when crossing high voltage lines or when driving past mobile phone towers.
Procedure for removal. Replacement.
In order to replace a defective sensor or move it to another wheel (e.g. the spare wheel), the following steps must be carried out one after the other
switch off ignition;
remove the wheel with the defective sensor
remove the tyre;
replace the sensor with a new one
fit the tyre;
inflate the wheel to the nominal pressure and mount on the car.
The sensor part is located inside the air chamber formed by the rim and tyre cords, so removing the tyre is mandatory. There is no other option.
Actions after replacement
Once the pressure sensor has been replaced, it must be prescribed. The process is carried out automatically if a certain algorithm is followed:
the ignition key is in the "on" position, but the engine does not start;
The "set" key, which switches the pressure monitoring mode, is briefly pressed three times. This activates the automatic sensor identification system;
Once all the sensors have been initialised (as indicated by the extinguished TPMS warning light), drive at a constant speed for 10-15 minutes. The system will then self-calibrate the sensors and adjust the operating signals.
It is best to drive on a straight, level road surface for the calibration. Potholes and bumps in the road surface will affect the volume of the air chamber and reduce the validity of the calibration results.
Current settings
TPMS adjustments must be made after each wheel or tyre change or after the battery is connected. If this operation is neglected, the system may not work properly, may cause distraction while driving and may even irritate the driver.
Typically, on the RAV4 with a setting button and DLC1 connector. Some buttons have a pictogram on the outside, some are available without one. The button is located at the bottom of the dashboard on the driver's side.
when the car is stationary, the ignition is switched on;
connect pins "TS" and "E1" of the above-mentioned connector;
press and hold the button until the LED on the dashboard flashes 3 times;
then wait for 1 minute.
Then the vehicle must be driven a certain distance in the same way as when replacing the sensors.
Outlook
Lately, Toyota has started to move away from the installation of such systems in newly manufactured vehicles. Its design and mode of operation are archaic. It is predicted that already in 2022, the new RAV4 will be equipped with a brand-new, intelligent control system. Tyre pressure will be measured by mathematically simulating the movement of the wheel, taking into account the surface of the road. This will enable information to be relayed to the driver with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
