Hello,

I'm new around here so please excuse any faux pas. I'm also still rather new to my wonderful Lexus 300h. So what happened is that I got an error message saying to clean my rear sensor because it was blocked. Or something of that order. Now, I wasn't sure where the sensors were placed so I did my best to guess and saw nothing. I got the same warning another time and still I could find nothing dirty/blocking the sensors. Maybe the rain got it clean, haha?

So I took pictures of what shows up when I engage the rear video camera. Can you tell me if something is still wrong? I get the feeling at least one sensor is blocked, but I can't fully understand the graphic that appears. Any breakdown/explanation would be much appreciated!

Second issue, I have the standard tires for this model. And I foolishly put in air and lost the cap for the lest rear tire. So periodically, I lose pressure. Where can I buy a replacement? Maybe eBay? But I don't even know that that part is called. Thanks for any suggestions :-).

Carl

I think the icon on the right shows a blocked sensor?

What is "mute PKSA"?

 

1) not sure what to say other than what you have already done. if you're no longer getting alerts after it rains or you wash the car, it could just be that the sensors were dirty. If you're still getting issues, you should check with the dealership in case a wire is faulty or something. Sorry for the unhelpful comment.

2) The part is just called a tire pressure/valve cap. I'm pretty sure they're all a one size fits all but from a simple google search, these are the ones that I have: https://www.ebay.com/itm/16448665949...SABEgL8YPD_BwE

 

I doubt the lost cap is causing a loss in PSI - you might want to check for a leak. As far as the front sensors go, you'll see small circular dots up front on the bumper where your screen is showing the fault. Try cleaning them.

 

As Mike says, valve caps don't prevent loss of air in a tire. It sounds like you have a slow leak. This could be a nail or other object in your tire or it could be the valve itself. And any auto parts store will have valve caps. Might not match the other 3 but who's looking? GOOD LUCK and welcome to CL...

 

That's actually false and a common guy misconception. I used to think that for years, then years ago I discovered I was wrong. So I always help people with this misconception.

While the valve stem cap is not likely to be the source of most leaks, it can slow or stop or prevent a leak as sort of a backup seal should the valve core be deteriorated or otherwise compromised/degraded--which can happen if you're missing a valve stem cap. Valve stems should be replaced periodically (and are) due to degradation as well. Overall the valve stem cap is part of the overall package of seals that slow, stop, or otherwise prevent pressure loss.

A little courtesy (free) preciseknowledge from you guys from E46CT

 

I have some more tire knowledge as well that 95% of people don't think of, know, or care to even address..................................

 

Thank you everyone! This is most reassuring. And especially the link to the eBay store. I drove my previous car for 18 yrs, and upgrading to the Lexus is like flying a spaceship haha. There's so much to learn. But what a fun journey. I'm really glad to find this lovely forum and your helpful comments. Thanks again :-).

Carl

 

1. That's not an indicator of your sensors being blocked, that's actually FOV. If you clicked between the two options, your camera view changes. The filled out button goes to a wider angle view and the button next to it with the two blank areas means a more focused view. The view you see on your dashboard (the yellow line) shows how close you are to an object, not whether it's blocked or not. The rest of the greyed out lines means there's nothing sensed in the area. Finally that button you see on the bottom right corner of your screen are just parking guidelines that you can change to.

As for your parking sensors, if you look at your bumpers, you will see circles, those are your parking sensors.

2. Any standard valve cap will fit, you can pick them up from thee auto store. I just have a box of I think 30 I've used on multiple cars.

 

Love your knowledge and confidence but I would have no concerns driving around with NO valve caps and i suspect it would never cause an issue. Not questioning your claim Millions of drivers are doing this as we speak.

 

Yep they are. and many of them are losing more PSI than they otherwise would have to due degraded schraeder valves. Many are also running bald tires or dry rotted tires with no issues.

of course, it's never an issue until it's an issue.

i saw a lady in a civic next to me in basically a flat rear tire. must've had 10 PSI in it if that. just driving along like nothing is wrong. LOL

a buddy of mine was driving around in his IS without center caps. can you do it? sure, but i'm sure the bearings would be a bit happier with caps. so i bought him a new set of center caps for the stock wheels.

plus it's just plain silly to drive around with missing stuff.

 

I saw this in a parking lot a few months ago, guy really wanted to get his money's worth. If only this guy was as concerned as you the world would be a safer place

 

Those trucks are massive hazards as is. they weigh 5,000-7,000 lbs. they can't stop. can't turn. bald tires is icing on the cake. plus the pickup truck is almost always the univeral choice of someone drinking and driving. that and the nissan altima.