Toyota RAV4 Vibration Tire Warning Light

frook2008

[u][i][b]BEFORE SEARCHING:[/b][/i][/u]

Girlfriend drives a RaV4. I put on some 31's from my ford. I used CNC'ed wheel spacers made SPECIFICALLY for the bolt hole pattern / size.

On way home she stated the steering wheel shook at about 60mph and there was a " exclamation point wanring light " on her dash.

I don't think it is the spacers as they seemed to "center" themselves when I tightened the lugnuts. This is due to there being no adjustment. It is made only for this pattern wheel. Maybe I need to go over front wheels again and make sure they are centered?

And somebody said the warning light is due to wheel being further away from hub or something. This can't be more then a reflash ut I don't know where / how / how much this is done.

[u][i][b]AFTER SEARCHING[/b][/i][/u]

" Exclamation Warning Light " - I found out this is about the new rims NOT having some tire pressure sensor. The computer doesn't recognize these new rims / tires so it gives off a "warning light". Nothing is wrong with car at all, just a confused ECU. My question is, while I know flashing the ECU is basically my only option, can I get a code reader form liek Pepboys and flash that wanring out of there?

Vibration - I think this is mostly due to improperly balanced tires. At low speed the car is straight and true with no vibrations according to her. I am going to realign the tires (even though it probably isn't the wheel spacers). I think i just need a front end alignment.

Any idea / suggestions / solutions on the above?

heyheyjude

frook, i don't even know if you (or anyone) will get this since it's months past your post. I bought a RAV4, '08 just 15 days ago and it still only has 102 miles on it. Today I got in it and heard a 'shrill, whirring' sound and then noticed the bright yellow exclamation point that looked to be in parentheses. Since mine is still so new, the gentleman at the Toyota dealership where I bought it, who is the one to call you with any questions you have about your new car, told me on my voice mail today that it meant my tire pressure was low OR that my spare didn't have enough air (as you know, it's on the outside back of rear door). He said I needed to get someone to fill each tire with air w/the same amount of pounds. I don't know what to think. Should a car that new be having tire pressure problems already? I signed a form confirming they had thoroughly checked the car out before I left the lot with it. That's really bothering me for some reason. Please respond if you don't mind (or someone). I gave them a really nice review on here, but there have been a couple of 'questionable' issues. Thanks so much for your post and explanation.

tidester

Just a thought - if you're having unusually cold weather where you are, that could account for reduced tire pressure. Tire pressure goes down about 1 psi for every 10 degree drop in temperature.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

minster54

Hey, heyheyjude. I bought a 2008 Rav4 in September. My light came on after two weeks only to find out I had only 20 pounds of pressure in each tire. I put the right amount of air in the tires. A week after that my car started vibration. I have been back to the deal twice, called the main toyota line, just to find out no one wants to do anything about it. I am going to a toyo tire dealer Tuesday to see what they say. I love my car just don't like the rough ride.

heyheyjude

tidester, i DO live in the mountains of NC and we absolutely had a major drop in temp. for about 3 days. I didn't know that about tires; I'm one of these women who doesn't know how things work, just wants them to....;-)
Thank you so much for the reply; that makes me feel better. Now if I could only figure out how to get the heat working without the air conditioning coming on!
I just hate that I bought a brand new car, am leaving town in 2 days and will have to find time to take the car and get the tires filled with air. But, your post makes sense and I thank you so much!

heyheyjude

minster54, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Do you live in a cold region, also? I'm sorry you're going through so much....It's ridiculous to pay so much for a new car to have trouble like that, isn't it? I haven't encountered any vibration yet, but you can bet I'll post it if I do! PLEASE let me know how your situation comes out. I'm glad to know you're contacting all these Toyota folks! Good luck!