Vehicle Info: Toyota Tacoma SR5 2019 ; 3.5L V6; Automatic Transmission ; Odometer: 27,300 miles ; Included Tow Hitch
Used Certified Vehicle bought at Toyota Dealership in Houston TX, HWY 59
Most recent code 3/19/2022: U0073
This TPMS light issue has been going on for months, however it didn't have the issue upon purchase, it showed up a few months later, I cannot remember when it started doing it, but I do have a list of events since purchase.
The LED fog light bulbs didn't work, we noticed weeks after purchase though, they we're probably installed by the previous owner as they we're not factory bulbs. Dealership wouldn't replace the bulbs for free because it had already been weeks since purchase.
So one of the big mistakes that might've caused this issue was that I purchased cheap compatible bulbs from RockAuto. The bulbs melted the fog light housings and the bulbs we're off hanging on the chassis on the inside, upon the melting perhaps there might've been some damage to a wire somewhere?
(Between this time frame, my left LED Headlight bulb went out, so I replaced it. The LED Bulbs we're there since purchase probably from the previous owner, they have been working fine since then.)
A few months later I purchased the Z Offroad aftermarket fog lights, they are just plug and play, and they work just fine, they light up without any issues. Unrelated but the dealership wouldn't do a diagnosis until I paid them $800 to replace the fog lights, so much for the factory warranty and the certified vehicle perks.
Things that I have done but haven't worked:
Resetting the tire pressure with the SET Button below the steering wheel, it doesn't fix anything the TPMS light just stays on.
I have been to multiple tire shops, all the tires are at the correct tire pressure including the spare one, the employees have tried fixing it but their scanner or devices tell them that the OBD2 isn't plugged in or it isnt plugged in correctly even though its clearly plugged in.
I have checked the fuse box, there are no blown fuses of the fog lights.
I have disconnected the battery by loosening the ground port only, but this was before my new Z Offroad Fog Lights, I haven't tried again since.
The truck wires to connect the fog lights are fine and don't look burned from the factory fog light assembly melting, however I only checked where it connects to the bulb, not further back because it is difficult to see and trace.
Notes: The TPMS light prevents the dashboard from lighting up when I turn on my headlights, the only thing that does change is the brightness of the small middle screen on the dashboard and the radio screen. The dashboard is supposed to light up too though, but it isn't, so I can't see my left RPM or right speedometer at night.
Sometimes after around 5 minutes of driving, my dash lights light up like a christmas tree, but not the dashboard itself, it gives me ABS Light, PCS Light, Traction Control Light, Headlight Malfunction light, Lane Departure Malfunction light( it hasnt worked since TPMS light, and it reacts weird in the cold weather with the PCS light. This one is more infuriating because the dash lights give me a warning on the middle digital speedometer, so then I literally can't see or know the speed I'm going.
There are a few RARE instances where the dashboard does light up, or it lights up randomly while im driving, it then looks normal for a few seconds but then the TPMS Light blinks and comes back or it just stays while the dashboard lights up, then it also sends me the other common dash lights. Furthermore, everything works, ABS, Traction Control. Its a fairly new truck, there has to be an electronic miscommunication somewhere that is outside of my capability to fix because I don't know what to do. The dealership is really unreliable, I will have to go back again while they try move around my factory warranty and charge me an absurd price.
If there is anyone that knows a good mechanic that can fix this in Houston, TX, PLEASE let me know, I'm looking forward to fix this because it's a safety hazard not being able to see the speed im going at night sometimes, and the dealership is again, unreliable.
I hope this was a decent explanation of my situation, I can try and make things clearer if anyone might know a solution for this and asks for further details.
Thank you
Is a scanner from Autozone or another mechanic able to communicate with your vehicle? Because that U0073 code might be related to your troubles -
https://www.obd-codes.com/u0073
Also, have you already load tested your battery (and alternator) to verify your electrical system is working normally?
For Houston mechanic referrals, please see -
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/mechanics/
@InThrustWeTrust
I got the code from my own personal BlueDriver OBD2 scanner.
Its complicated because I can scan the codes, but when the employees at the tire shops tried to fix it or remove the TPMS light with their devices, it told them the OBD2 wasn't plugged in correctly, perhaps the computer wouldn't let them bypass the system or something I lack knowlege here so these are blind thoughts.
I haven't actually thought of testing the battery, but that's a good call considering the vehicle is 3 years old, however I apologize for forgetting to mention this but I purchased the Tacoma in September of 2021 at 22,000 miles, so that thought never really occurred to me but I should check it out when I have time.
I currently haven't been to any actual mechanics because in my area they really rip people off and I am not falling for that.
I'd like to thank you for providing a referral link to Houston mechanics, Ill make sure to try and take it with Jamie at Texan Automotive as Scotty knows that he is a good mechanic. I will try to go Monday or Tuesday of March 28 or 29, 2022. Will come back here to update my situation!
Well the U0073 code might be preventing their scan tools from communicating with your vehicle. Before you purchased this vehicle, did you have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to check for any previous flood or collision/wreck damage? No worries and please do keep us updated with the diagnosis. All the best!
Update as of April 2, 2022: Last Wednesday I had spare time before going to work and went to see Jaime, he would've needed a day or two to find the issue because mine is really uncommon, but he suggested thoroughly that I go back to the dealership so the factory warranty can cover me. I went to the dealer today Saturday, I really had no choice considering multiple mechanics I checked with earlier in the week needed days to find the issue and I have to go to school and work with my truck soooo. That aside, it only took them an hour to just call me and tell me they're going to replace the ECU first as theres lost communication they said, I guess its something related with the code I got, they will replace ECU whenever they receive the part in a week, so ill have to go take it to the dealership in a week, its fine as this time they didn't try to dodge my certified used vehicle factory warranty and all that crap, so im paying nothing which I'm glad. Ill try to keep updating here, thank you all!
Excellent and fingers crossed, that fixes it. Thanks for posting back.
Well, more bad news, they replaced the ECU after 6 hours of waiting, it did not fix the stupid light, so im going back again this Friday April 15th, its been a hassle as its 30 minute drive, hopefully they find the problem and fix it.
Sounds like it could be a grounding/shorting issue. Did you check to make sure this tacoma didnt have flood damage? Lots of flood damaged vehicles floating around after the rough flooding everywhere last year. Check battery load and grounds first.