GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system uses radio and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. If your vehicle has this feature, sensors are mounted on each tire and wheel assembly, except the spare tire. The TPM sensors transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.

When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPM system will display the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message on the Driver Information Center (DIC); and at the same time illuminate the low tire pressure warning symbol. For additional information and details about the DIC operation and displays, see DIC Operation and Displays and DIC Warnings and Messages .


Object Number: 1198521  Size: A3

When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the vehicle's tire information placard. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as specified in the vehicle placard and owner's manual.

The Tire and Loading Information label (tire information placard) shows the size of your vehicle's original tires and the correct inflation pressure for your vehicle's tires when they are cold. See Inflation - Tire Pressure . For the location of the tire and loading information label, see Loading the Vehicle .

Your vehicle's TPM system can alert you about a low tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation and Tires .

Notice: Do not use a tire sealant if your vehicle has Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquid sealant can damage the tire pressure monitor sensors.

TPM Sensor Identification Codes

Each TPM sensor has a unique identification code. Any time you rotate your vehicle's tires or replace one or more of the TPM sensors, the identification codes will need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position. Each tire/wheel position is matched to a sensor, by increasing or decreasing the tire's air pressure. The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions in the following order: left front (LF); right front (RF); right rear (RR) and left rear (LR).

You will have one minute to match the first tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer than one minute, to match the first tire and wheel, or more than five minutes to match all four tire and wheel positions the matching process stops and you will need to start over.

The TPM sensor matching process is outlined below:

  1. Set the parking brake.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to RUN with the engine off.
  3. Turn the exterior lamp switch from the off position to the on position four times within three seconds. A double horn chirp will sound and the TPM low tire warning light will begin to flash. The double horn chirp and flashing TPM warning light indicate that the TPM matching process has started. The TPM warning light should continue flashing throughout the matching procedure. The SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message will be displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
  4. Start with the left (driver's side) front tire.
  5. Remove the valve cap from the valve cap stem. Activate the TPM sensor by increasing or decreasing the tire's air pressure for 10 seconds, then stop and listen for a single horn chirp. The single horn chirp should sound within 15 seconds, confirming that the sensor identification code has been matched to this tire and wheel position. If you do not hear the confirming single horn chirp, you will need to start over with step number one. To let air-pressure out of a tire you can use the pointy end of the valve cap, a pencil-style air pressure gage or a key.
  6. Proceed to the right (passenger's side) front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
  7. Proceed to the right (passenger's side) rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
  8. Proceed to the left (driver's side) rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
  9. After hearing the confirming horn chirp for the left rear tire, check to see if the TPM warning light is still flashing. If yes, turn the ignition switch to LOCK.
  10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label.
  11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems

The spare tire does not have a TPM sensor. If you replace one of the road tires with the spare, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message will be displayed on the DIC screen. This message should go off once you re-install the road tire containing the TPM sensor. The SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message is displayed when the TPM system is malfunctioning. One or more missing or inoperable TPM sensors will cause the service tire monitor message to be displayed. See your dealer for service.

Federal Communications Commission and Industry and Science Canada

The TPM system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry and Science Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.