The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts
the driver when a large change in tire pressure exists while the vehicle is
being driven. The TPM system uses the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM),
Antilock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensor inputs, class 2 serial
data circuit, Systems monitor, or the Driver Information Center (DIC) (if
equipped) to perform the system functions. The EBCM contains software to calculate
relative tire pressure differences. The software requires approximately 30 minutes
of straight line driving in three different speed ranges to complete the calibration
process to have full capability for detecting a tire pressure condition. The
speed ranges are as follows:
• | 64-113 km/h (40-70 mph) |
• | 113-145 km/h (70-90 mph) |
Each speed range has 2 modes of tire pressure detection.
The EBCM learns the tire pressure calibration for each speed range independently.
In Monitor Mode 1, the EBCM has only partially learned the tire pressure
calibration for the speed range and has limited detection capability for a
tire pressure conditions. In Monitor Mode 2, the EBCM has fully learned
the tire pressure calibration for the speed range and has full detection
capability for a tire pressure condition. Once the TPM system has fully learned
the tire pressure calibration the EBCM monitors the ABS wheel speed sensor
inputs, which will all be the same as the learned calibration if the tire
pressures stay the same. If the pressure increases or decreases in one tire
so to will that tires circumference and radius, which causes that wheel speed
sensor input to change. The EBCM recognizes this change in wheel speed as
a tire pressure condition. If the pressure in one tire becomes at least 69 kPa
(10 psi) higher or lower than the other three the EBCM turns on the
TIRE PRESS indicator on the systems monitor. On vehicles equipped with a DIC
the EBCM commands the DIC to display the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE waring message
via a class 2 serial data circuit. The DIC message nor the Systems
Monitor indicator appears if more than one tire pressure is high or low, or
if the system is not properly calibrated. The system does not alert the driver
to which tire pressure is high or low. If the tire pressures are at the specified
psi the TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL message is displayed when selected on the DIC.
To clear the TIRE PRESS indicator, or the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message, refer
to
Tire Pressure Monitor Procedure
.