Servicing TPMS equipped vehicles profitably can be a challenge without the knowledge, the right parts and the right tools. In spite of all the training programs and technical articles on the subject, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about TPMS, and the confusion between vehicle relearn and sensor programming tops the list. Vehicle relearn and sensor programming are completely different procedures. The issue stems from the availability of aftermarket TPMS sensors that come as 'programmable', 'universal', or 'cloneable' sensor units. These sensors must be programmed with the proper protocol/application information for the vehicle before they can be installed in the tire, and then must be relearned to the vehicle. Unfortunately, some shops overlook the necessary relearn step mistakenly believing the sensor programming did the trick. This misconception can lead to service comebacks and customer complaints.
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Vehicle relearn is a standard TPMS service step
Every replacement TPMS sensor must be 'relearned' to the vehicle following the prescribed OE relearn procedure, regardless of whether it is an OE or aftermarket sensor. The relearn procedure ensures not only that the replacement TPMS sensor works properly, but also that the vehicle's complete TPMS system functions properly as well. With the exception of some models that may be relearned to the vehicle via a driving procedure, a TPMS scan tool is required to complete the vehicle relearn procedure.
Sensor programming is an extra TPMS service step
Some aftermarket sensors require special programming to meet the vehicle's application specifications prior to installation and relearn. These may include 'programmable', 'universal' or 'cloneable' sensors.
REDI-Sensor comes pre-programmed
Every replacement TPMS sensor must be 'relearned' to the vehicle following the prescribed OE relearn procedure, regardless of whether it is an OE or aftermarket sensor. The relearn procedure ensures not only that the replacement TPMS sensor works properly, but also that the vehicle's complete TPMS system functions properly as well. With the exception of some models that may be relearned to the vehicle via a driving procedure, a TPMS scan tool is required to complete the vehicle relearn procedure.
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GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevy, GMC, Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in , most vehicles use a TRW-, Schrader- or VDO-manufactured system that all share the same relearn procedures and behaviors, with only a few exceptions (like the Pontiac Vibe).
Shops should use a TPMS tool to reset the sensor positions after rotation. There is a method in the owner's manual to 'match' the sensors that involves deflating a tire for eight seconds.
To see if a code has been set on vehicles with or without a driver information center (DIC), turn the key on without starting the engine, and the TPMS light will blink for one minute and then stay on with a Service Tire Monitor System message. If that occurs, a TPMS system problem exists. On vehicles equipped with a DIC, a SERVICE TIRE MONITOR type message will also display. When the road tire is repaired and reinstalled in the original location, the TPMS indicator icon illumination and DIC message may remain displayed until the DTC is resolved and cleared.
The initial 'low tire' light is similar to the 'low fuel' indicator and adding air to the low tire will extinguish the light. If the driver re-inflates the low tire, they must drive a short distance for at least 30 seconds before the sensors recognize the increase in pressure and turn the light off again. If the deflation is rapid, it will give a more immediate signal by flashing a warning light.
A GM TPMS has pressure, temperature and acceleration sensors. The unit also has a radio transmitter, receiver and battery. Sensors have an estimated 10 year/150,000 mile battery life (GM's estimate). The antenna and receiver are the same as those used for the keyless-entry system. The antenna is typically sandwiched between the layers of glass in the front or rear glass, but some vehicles have a dedicated antenna mounted in various places.
The keyless-entry module communicates with the TPMS sensors and relays the information with the Body Control Module (BCM) on the CAN BUS. If the keyless-entry module or BCM is replaced, the sensors must be relearned. Same goes for the key fobs.
Each sensor has its own unique ID number. If a new sensor is fitted, the BCM must be reprogrammed with its unique ID and its position on the vehicle.
Each sensor takes a pressure measurement sample once every 30 seconds while in stationary mode. If the tire pressure increases or decreases by more than 1.2 psi from the last pressure measurement, another measurement will occur immediately to verify the change in pressure. If a pressure change has indeed occurred, the sensor transmits in learn mode.
Each sensor has an internal low frequency coil, and when the TPMS tool is used in activate mode, it produces a low frequency transmission that activates the sensor. The sensor responds to a low frequency activation by transmitting in learn mode. When the TPMS antenna receives a learn mode transmission while in TPMS learn mode, it will assign that sensor's ID number to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.
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