While driving, a warning light (exclamation inside circle with a jagged side) popped up on the dash. I thought I had a flat but all tires were fine. However, the air-pressures are not showing when i navigate to the tire-pressure screen.
Instead there is a message that says "Check Tire Pressure System."
What is the issue? Since the tires seem fine, is it safe to continue driving while the tire pressure system isn't functional?

 

You have lost a TPMS Sensor located in one of your wheel/tyre assembly. Take your car to Discount Tire and have them check it out. I recommend you replaced all four TPMS Sensors if one has gone bad, Vehicles with our age tend to have TPMS Sensor failures due to their internal, non-replaceable batteries.

 

Sounds logical. I get my tires at costco and i know they charged a little extra for tpms tire installs so maybe i will check with them first in case the sensors are covered under tire warranty...

 

The sensors are not covered under any tire warranty. They last between 7 and 10 years and usually 1 fails first. If you ever need tires on a vehicle over 7 years old, always get new TPMS at that time to save on the labor costs.

I had mine replaced at Costco a few years ago. Just the sensors and it cost less than $250. I made an appointment and they had to check if they had compatible sensors in stock. Make sure they program the new sensors. They will not self program in the Lexus. It only takes them a few more minutes to program them.

 

i suppose i will get them done but how important is this really...that said, not having that orange light on the dash is worth it :-)

 

Some just go with the black tape over the warning light as a cheap fix. You do not have a low tire air pressure warning system anymore if that is done.

 

to close the loop, i did end up getting the sensors at costco. They were prepared to just do the defective sensor but recommended getting them all replaced which i did. the exclamation on the dash is gone :-)

 

How much did Costco charge you if you don't mind me asking? I just had my set of tires replaced and of course, this message popped up right afterward. Car is 13 years old now so I am debating whether to replace the sensors (or not). Looks like I had to remove the tires from the rim again to install them.

 

$65 each installed and programmed