GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tool Required

J 41760 Tire Pressure Sensor Activating Tool.

TPM Learn Mode Description

The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system uses the instrument panel cluster (IPC), dash integration module (DIM), remoter control door lock receiver (RCDLR), keyless entry transmitter, 4 radio frequency (RF) transmitting pressure sensors, and the serial data circuit to perform the TPM learn mode functions. The sensor learn procedure must be performed after every tire rotation, RCDLR replacement, or tire pressure sensor replacement. Once the TPM learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensor's unique identification (Id) codes can be learned into the RCDLRs memory. When a sensor's Id has been learned, the RCDLR sends a serial data message to the DIM to sound a horn chirp, this verifies the sensor has transmitted its Id and the RCDLR has received and learned it. The RCDLR must learn the sensor Ids in the proper order to determine sensor location. The first learned Id is assigned to the left front, the second to right front, the third to right rear, and the forth to left rear.

Sensor Function

Each sensor has an internal magnetic reed switch. When the J 41760 sensor activating tool is held close to a sensor, the reed switch closes, activating the sensor. The sensor respond to a magnetic activation by transmitting in learn mode. When the RCDLR receives a learn mode transmission, while in TPM learn mode, it will assign that sensor's Id to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.

TPM Learn Mode Cancellation

The RCDLR will cancel the learn mode if more than 1 minute has passed and no sensors have been learned, more than 5 minutes have passed for the entire procedure, vehicle battery voltage is less than 8 volts, all 4 sensors have been learned, or the ignition is turned OFF. If the learn mode is cancelled before any sensor Ids are learned, the RCDLR will remember all previously stored sensor Ids and their locations. As soon as the RCDLR learns the first sensor Id, all previously stored Ids are erased from the RCDLRs memory. Loss of, or low vehicle battery voltage will cause the sensor Ids to be erased from the RCDLR's memory.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Important: If the TPM learn mode cannot be enabled, ensure the TPM option is enabled in the RCDLR, refer to Scan Tool Output Controls .

  3. Simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitter's lock and unlock buttons until a horn chirp sounds, indicating the mode has been enabled.
  4. Important: If the horn chirp does not sound after 15 seconds, remove then replace the sensor activating tool over the valve stem.

  5. Starting with the left front tire, hold the J 41760 sensor activating tool over the left front valve stem until a horn chirp sounds.
  6. After the horn chirp sounds, proceed as in step 3 to the next sensors in the following order:
  7. • Right front
    • Right rear
    • Left rear
  8. After the left rear sensor Id is learned, a double horn chirp will sound, indicating all 4 sensor Ids have been learned.
  9. Turn OFF the ignition.