maintenance
TPMS Sensor
for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
11
Steps
10
This procedure covers the replacement of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including wheel removal, sensor replacement, and system relearn.
Warnings
⚠Ensure vehicle is on level ground and properly supported on jack stands before working under the vehicle.
⚠Deflate tire completely before breaking the bead to prevent injury from sudden pressure release.
ℹ️TPMS sensors are fragile electronic components. Handle carefully and avoid dropping or striking the sensor.
ℹ️The TPMS system must be properly initialized after sensor replacement or the warning light will remain illuminated.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (50-200 Nm range)Essential
Lug wrench or 21mm socketEssential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
TPMS valve stem tool or valve core removal toolEssential
TPMS relearn tool or scan tool with TPMS function
Tire spoons or tire changing machineEssential
Bead breakerEssential
Rubber mallet
Tire lubricantEssential
Parts
- TPMS sensor assembly × 1 — OEM Toyota 42607-02090 or equivalent
- TPMS valve stem core × 1 — Use OEM specification
- TPMS valve stem nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
- TPMS grommet/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level, stable ground and engage parking brake
- Locate the wheel with the faulty TPMS sensor (check diagnostic trouble codes or use TPMS tool to identify which sensor has failed)
- Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground
- Ensure you have access to tire changing equipment or plan to take wheel/tire to a tire shop for sensor installation
Procedure
- 1Raise vehicle and remove wheelLift the vehicle at the appropriate jacking point nearest to the wheel requiring service. Once raised, place a jack stand under the vehicle frame for safety. Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel assembly. Store lug nuts in a clean container.
- 2Deflate tire and break beadRemove the valve stem core using the TPMS valve stem tool to completely deflate the tire. Once fully deflated, use a bead breaker or tire machine to break the tire bead away from the rim on both the inner and outer sidewalls. Work carefully around the area where the TPMS sensor is located (typically opposite the valve stem location on most wheels).
- 3Remove tire from wheelApply tire lubricant to both beads. Using tire spoons or a tire machine, carefully work the tire off the wheel rim. Start opposite the TPMS sensor location and work around the wheel. Be extremely careful not to damage the TPMS sensor during tire removal. Once the first bead is over, remove the second bead completely.
- 4Remove old TPMS sensorLocate the TPMS sensor mounted to the wheel rim. Remove the valve stem nut from the outside of the wheel. The sensor assembly is held in place by the valve stem passing through the wheel rim. Carefully pull the sensor and valve stem assembly through the wheel rim from the inside, removing the rubber grommet/seal as well. Inspect the valve stem hole in the rim for any damage or corrosion.
- 5Install new TPMS sensorInstall a new rubber grommet/seal onto the new TPMS sensor valve stem. From the inside of the wheel, insert the valve stem through the rim hole. Ensure the sensor body is positioned correctly (band strap should be positioned toward the center of the wheel). Thread the valve stem nut onto the stem from the outside and hand-tighten, then torque to secure the sensor. The sensor should sit flush against the inside of the rim with the grommet properly sealed.
- 6Reinstall tire onto wheelApply fresh tire lubricant to both tire beads. Position the tire onto the wheel, being careful not to pinch or damage the newly installed TPMS sensor. Using tire spoons or a tire machine, work the first bead over the wheel rim, starting opposite the sensor location. Once the first bead is seated, work the second bead over the rim. Ensure the TPMS sensor remains undamaged throughout this process.
- 7Inflate tire and seat beadsInstall a new valve core into the valve stem using the TPMS valve stem tool. Inflate the tire to seat both beads properly on the rim. You may hear audible pops as each bead seats. Once beads are seated, inflate to the vehicle's recommended tire pressure as shown on the door jamb placard (typically 35 PSI front and rear for Camry). Check for any air leaks around the valve stem and grommet area using soapy water.
- 8Balance wheel and reinstallBalance the wheel assembly on a tire balancing machine (recommended whenever tire is dismounted). Once balanced, position the wheel back onto the hub, ensuring the wheel is seated flush against the hub face. Hand-thread all lug nuts onto the studs.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
- 9Lower vehicle and perform final torqueLower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the vehicle weight is still supported by the jack. Torque the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in the star pattern.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
- 10Initialize TPMS systemThe TPMS system must be initialized for the new sensor. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off). Press and hold the TPMS reset button located below the steering column near the hood release until the TPMS warning light blinks three times (approximately 3 seconds), then release. Start the engine and drive the vehicle at 25 MPH or higher for 10-30 minutes to complete the automatic sensor ID registration. Alternatively, use a TPMS scan tool to manually register the new sensor ID to the vehicle's TPMS control module.
Reassembly
- Verify all lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
- Confirm tire pressure is set to vehicle specification on door jamb placard
- Ensure valve stem cap is installed on the valve stem
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify the TPMS warning light illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes after a few seconds
- Drive the vehicle for 10-30 minutes at speeds above 25 MPH to allow the TPMS system to recognize the new sensor
- Use a TPMS scan tool to verify the new sensor is transmitting data and is recognized by the vehicle's TPMS module
- Verify tire pressure is correct and stable with no leaks around the valve stem area
- Confirm TPMS warning light remains off after the initialization drive cycle