GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J-46079 Tire Pressure Monitor Diagnostic Tool

, or

J 41760 Tire Pressure Sensor Activating Tool

TPM Learn Mode Description

The tire pressure monitor (TPM) system uses the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR), body control module (BCM), keyless entry transmitter, 4 radio frequency transmitting pressure sensors, and the serial data circuit to perform the TPM learn mode functions. The sensor learn procedure must be performed after each tire rotation, RCDLR replacement, or tire pressure sensor replacement. Once the TPM learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensors unique identification (ID) codes can be learned into the RCDLR's memory. When the RCDLR receives a sensor's transmission, it sends a serial data message to the BCM to sound a horn chirp. This verifies the sensor has transmitted it's ID code 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 location, the second to right front, the third to right rear and the fourth to left rear.

Sensor Functions Using J-41760

Important: Model year 2005 and newer sensors do not have a magnetic reed switch. The J 41760 sensor activating tool may not activate a sensor that is a new replacement service part. If any of the sensors have been replaced with a new sensor that does not have a magnetic reed switch, the J-46079 diagnostic tool must be used instead.

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 responds 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.

Sensor Function Using J-46079

Each sensor has an internal low frequency (LF) coil. When the J-46079 TPM diagnostic tool is used in activate mode it produces an LF transmission that activates the sensor. The sensor responds to an LF 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 TPM learn mode if more than 1 minute passes and no sensors have been learned, or if more than 5 minutes pass for the entire procedure. If the learn mode is cancelled before any sensor IDs are learned, the RCDLR will remember all previously stored IDs and their locations. As soon as the RCDLR learns the first sensor ID, all previously stored IDs are erased from the RCDLR's memory.

Sensor Learn Procedure

  1. With the ignition switch, select the ACC mode.
  2. Simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitter's' lock and unlock buttons until a double horn chirp sounds, indicating the TPM learn mode has been enabled.
  3. Starting with the left front tire, hold the antenna of the J-46079 TPM tool against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location then press and release the Activate button and wait for a horn chirp, or hold the J 41760 sensor activating tool over the valve stem until a horn chirp sounds.
  4. After the horn chirp sounds, proceed as in step 3 for the next 3 sensors in the following order:
  5. 4.1. Right front
    4.2. Right rear
    4.3. Left rear
  6. After the left rear sensor is learned, a double horn chirp will sound indicating all sensor IDs have been learned.
  7. With the ignition switch, select the OFF mode to exit the TPM learn mode.