GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) receives a radio frequency (RF) transmission from each tire pressure sensor. Each sensor RF transmission contains its own unique identification (ID) code that must be learned into the RCDLR memory. Once all 4 IDs have been learned and vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph), the RCDLR continuously compares IDs in received transmission to its learned IDs to determine if all 4 sensors are present. If the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) detects a low tire pressure condition or a malfunction in the system, it will send a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting tire pressure monitor indicator illumination and to display a data message on the driver information center (DIC), if equipped.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Some aftermarket wheel valve stem holes are located further from the wheel rim than original equipment wheels. When using the TPM special tool to activate a sensor, ensure the tool antenna is no further than 15 cm (6 in) from the sensor and is aiming upward.
    • Aftermarket wheel value stem locations can cause a sensor to not function correctly.
    • A sensor may have been damaged due to a previous wheel/tire service or flat tire event.
    • The use of tire sealants can obstruct the sensor pressure sensing port and cause inaccurate tire pressure readings. If this condition is verified, remove the sealer from the tire and replace the sensor. Refer to Tire Pressure Indicator Sensor Replacement .
    • Occasionally sensor transmissions are not received by the RCDLR due to vehicle level RF interference from items such as but not limited to aftermarket ignition systems, DVD players, CB radios, or metallic type window tinting.
    • The sensor activation procedure may have to be repeated up to 3 times before determining a sensor is malfunctioning. In the event a particular sensor's information is displayed on the special tool upon activation but the horn does not chirp, it may be necessary to rotate the wheel valve stem to a different position due to the RF signal is being blocked by another component.
    • Occasionally sensors can become mislocated due to previous tire rotations where the sensor learn procedure was not performed or stray sensor transmissions have been received from other vehicles. Always learn the sensors to ensure the DTC set is for that actual physical corner of the vehicle. Refer to Tire Pressure Sensor Learn .

Reference Information

Description and Operation

Tire Pressure Monitor Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs
    •  Connector Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Data List

Special Tools Required

J-46079 Tire Pressure Monitor Diagnostic Tool

Circuit/System Verification

Important: 

   • When a TPM DTC is set, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon will flash for 1 minute after the IPC bulb check is completed and then remains illuminated. If equipped with a DIC, a SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM message will also be displayed.
   • Low tire pressure in one or more tires is indicated by a continuously illuminated tire pressure monitor indicator icon after the IPC bulb check is completed. If equipped with a DIC, a CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message will also be displayed.

Cycle the ignition from OFF to ON. After the instrument panel cluster (IPC) bulb check is complete, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon should not be illuminated.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Inflate all tires to the proper pressure and drive the vehicle over 40 km/h (25 MPH) for over 2 minutes. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label .
  2. Using the J-46079 , activate each tire pressure sensor and record each sensors tire pressure reading. Check the tire pressures with a known accurate hand held tire pressure gauge. Verify that the pressure readings from the special tool do not differ more than 27.6 kPa (4 psi) from the actual tire pressure readings.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the suspect tire pressure sensor.
  4. Using a scan tool, enable the TPM learn mode. Use the J-46079 in simulate mode to learn 4 simulated sensor transmissions into the RCDLR. Observe tire pressures in the scan tool data display. Verify the simulated tire pressures do not differ more than 27.6 kPa (4 psi) of the scan tool reading.
  5. If not within the specified range, replace the RCDLR.
  6. Using a scan tool, select instrument panel special functions Lamp Test. Command the instrument panel warning lamps OFF. Verify the tire pressure monitor indicator icon turns OFF.
  7. If the tire pressure monitor icon does not turn OFF, replace the IPC.
  8. Replace the RCDLR.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Tire Pressure Indicator Sensor Replacement
    •  Tire Pressure Sensor Learn
    •  Control Module References for IPC or RCDLR replacement, setup, and programming