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 tire pressure monitor receiver 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 tire pressure monitor receiver memory. Once all 4 IDs have been learned and vehicle speed is greater than 32 kph (20 mph), the tire pressure monitor receiver continuously compares IDs in received transmission to its learned IDs to determine if all 4 sensors are present. If the tire pressure monitor receiver 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 icon illumination.

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 tire pressure indicator receiver 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.
    • Occasionally, stray sensor transmissions can be received from other vehicles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Schematics

Description and Operation

Tire Pressure Monitor Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

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.

    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.

  1. Inflate all tires to the proper pressure with a known accurate tire pressure gage and drive the vehicle over 32 km/h (20 mph) for greater than 10 minutes. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label .
  2. With a scan tool, verify that the TP Sensor Pressure data parameters 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 appropriate tire pressure sensor and perform the Tire Pressure Sensor Learn procedure.
  4. Ignition ON, with the scan tool, command the instument panel cluster (IPC) tire pressure monitor icon ON. Verify the tire pressure monitor indicator icon turns ON.
  5. If the tire pressure monitor icon does not turn ON, replace the IPC.
  6. Perform the Tire Pressure Sensor Learn procedure. With a scan tool, verify that the TP Sensors data parameters display the following:
  7. • ID number for each sensor
    • Valid ID Status for each sensor
    • Accurate tire pressure ± 27.6 kPa (4 psi) for each tire
    • Normal Battery status for each sensor
    If any of the parameters are not as specified, replace the appropriate tire pressure sensor and perform the Tire Pressure Sensor Learn procedure.
  8. Perform the Reset ECU and replace the tire pressure indicator receiver.

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 and tire pressure indicator receiver replacement, setup, and programming