Back to 2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 TOYOTA RAV4

2.5L I4AWDCVTgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs415Labor593Torque3704Fluid9DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
maintenance

TPMS Sensor

for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
9
Steps
12

This procedure covers the replacement of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working under or around it.
Tire must be completely deflated before attempting to break bead or remove TPMS sensor.
ℹ️TPMS sensors are fragile and can be damaged by improper handling or overtightening.
ℹ️New TPMS sensors must be programmed to the vehicle using a compatible TPMS tool or through the dealership.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (100-200 Nm)Essential
19mm or 21mm socket (for lug nuts)Essential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
TPMS programming toolEssential
Valve core removal tool
Tire spoons or tire machine accessEssential
Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

  • TPMS sensor × 1 — 42607-0R020 or equivalent OEM
  • TPMS valve core × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • TPMS valve stem nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • TPMS grommet/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front, or front wheels if working on rear
  3. Verify which wheel has the faulty TPMS sensor using vehicle display or TPMS diagnostic tool
  4. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while wheel is still on ground
  5. Have TPMS programming tool ready and verify it is compatible with 2019-2024 RAV4

Procedure

  1. 1
    Raise and support vehicle
    Lift the vehicle using a floor jack at the appropriate jacking point nearest the wheel with the faulty sensor. Once raised, place a jack stand under the vehicle frame for safety. Remove the floor jack or leave as secondary support.
  2. 2
    Remove wheel
    Remove the loosened lug nuts completely and set aside. Remove the wheel from the hub and place it face-down on the ground or on a tire mat to protect the finish.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Deflate tire completely
    Remove the valve cap from the TPMS sensor. Use a valve core removal tool to completely remove the valve core from the sensor stem. Allow all air to escape from the tire. Keep the valve core in a clean location if reusing.
  4. 4
    Break tire bead
    Using tire spoons and proper technique, or a tire machine, break both beads of the tire away from the wheel rim. Work carefully around the area of the TPMS sensor to avoid damaging it during initial removal.
  5. 5
    Remove tire from wheel
    Dismount the tire from the wheel using tire spoons or a tire machine. The TPMS sensor is located at the valve stem position. Work carefully to avoid bending or damaging the sensor during tire removal.
  6. 6
    Remove old TPMS sensor
    From inside the wheel, remove the retaining nut securing the TPMS sensor to the wheel. The sensor is mounted through a hole in the wheel drop center. Carefully pull the sensor and grommet through the wheel from the outside. Note the orientation and seating position of the grommet for installation.
  7. 7
    Install new TPMS sensor
    Install the new grommet/seal onto the new TPMS sensor stem. Insert the sensor through the valve hole in the wheel from the outside, ensuring the grommet seats properly against the wheel. From the inside of the wheel, thread on the new valve stem nut and tighten by hand, then snug with a wrench. Do not overtighten as the sensor body is plastic and can crack.
  8. 8
    Reinstall tire on wheel
    Position the tire back onto the wheel, ensuring proper orientation if the tire is directional. Carefully work the tire beads back onto the wheel using tire spoons or a tire machine. Take care not to pinch or damage the new TPMS sensor during this process.
  9. 9
    Seat tire beads and inflate
    Install the valve core into the new TPMS sensor and tighten securely. Inflate the tire to seat both beads properly on the wheel rim. Once beads are seated, inflate to the pressure specified on the driver door jamb placard (typically 35-36 PSI for RAV4). Verify no leaks around the valve stem using soapy water if needed.
  10. 10
    Program TPMS sensor
    Using a compatible TPMS programming tool, follow the tool manufacturer's instructions to register the new TPMS sensor ID to the vehicle. This typically involves entering the sensor ID manually or using the tool's auto-learn function while the tool is held near the tire. Alternatively, drive the vehicle 10-15 minutes above 25 mph to allow automatic relearn if the vehicle supports this feature.
  11. 11
    Reinstall wheel
    Lift the wheel onto the hub, aligning the holes with the studs. Install all lug nuts by hand, threading them on completely. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to the specified torque.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Lower vehicle
    Remove the jack stand and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground using the floor jack. Once the vehicle weight is fully on the wheels, perform a final torque check on the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure proper seating.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall valve stem cap on the new TPMS sensor
  2. Store all tools and dispose of the old TPMS sensor properly if not returning for core charge

Verification

  • Start the vehicle and verify that the TPMS warning light on the dashboard is no longer illuminated after 10-20 seconds
  • Use the Multi-Information Display (MID) to check that all four tire pressures are reading correctly
  • If TPMS light remains on, re-initiate the TPMS learning procedure using the vehicle settings menu or TPMS tool
  • Test drive the vehicle for several minutes to confirm the system is functioning properly
  • Verify tire pressure is at manufacturer specification using a manual gauge

More procedures for this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →