070316004D

Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
07-03-16-004D
January, 2022
INFORMATION
Subject:
TPM System Overview, Diagnosing Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) Concerns and
TPM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Brand:
Model:
Buick
GM
Passenger
Cars and
Light Duty
Trucks
Cadillac
Chevrolet
GMC
Model Year:
from
VIN:
to
2022 and Prior
from
to
—
—
Engine:
Transmission:
—
—
Attention:The information found in this bulletin
is designed to be a single source for the
majority of questions you may have about the
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) Systems found
on General Motors Vehicles. While
comprehensive, the bulletin is divided into
sections, so after reviewing the whole
document, you can reference just the section
you need when further questions arise. A copy
of this information may also be given to your
customer as the “FAQ's” section is written to
assist you in explaining the most common
misconceptions about the system in an easy to
understand way. This bulletin does not apply to
the Saturn Astra and does not apply to
vehicles in Canada that are not equipped with
Tire Pressure Monitoring.
This bulletin has been revised to add the 2013-2022 Model Years and update applicable
information throughout, including Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin
Number 07-03-16-004C.
Customer Concerns and Confusion
When a customer comments on a condition related to
tire pressure monitoring, it is very important to
distinguish between Check Tire Pressure / Low Tire
Pressure conditions and Service Tire Monitor system
issues. Understanding the difference between the two
distinct conditions will help you distinguish between
normal system operation (tire needs air) and a system
malfunction.
Copyright 2022 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
There are two important differences between a Check
Tire Pressure / Low Tire Pressure message/light and
a Service Tire Monitor message light:
• A Check Tire Pressure / Low Tire Pressure
message/light will stay on solid and no system
codes are set. The TPM system is operating as
designed. Correcting the tire pressure will resolve
the issue.
• A Service Tire Monitor message/light will blink
and system codes WILL set. There is a condition
that should be diagnosed and corrected.
Page 2
January, 2022
Bulletin No.: 07-03-16-004D
•
The tires may have been rotated, pressures
adjusted, and the new tire positions were NOT
re-learned into the vehicle. This can occur on
vehicles that have two different placard pressures
for front and rear tires.
• There may be a slow leak in one of the wheel and
tire assemblies (Valve Stem, Wheel Rim, or
Aluminum Wheel Porosity Leak). If this condition
is found, please refer to the latest version of the
following Service Bulletins:
• #05-03-10-003 – Low Tire Pressure, Leaking
Cast Aluminum Wheels (Repair with
Adhesive Sealant)
• #04-03-10-001 – Tire Puncture Repair
Procedures for all Cars and Light Duty
Trucks
Note: In order to prevent possible electrostatic
discharge damage to the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Sensor (TPMS), the technician should be statically
discharged before checking or filling tires.
Tire Pressure Light
1959331
Service Tire Monitor System (light blinks, then
stays on)
The Tire Pressure Light will blink for about one minute
and a Service Tire Monitor message will be displayed
when a system malfunction occurs. For example: If one
or more tire pressure sensors does not transmit
information for 18 minutes of driving, the TPM system
WILL set a code, display a message, and BLINK the
light for about a minute, after which the light will stay on
solid for the remainder of the ignition cycle. If the
system fault is intermittent, the message/light may also
be intermittent – on during some ignition cycles, off
during others.
Low Tire Pressure Warning (light stays on solid)
If the TPM system detects a tire pressure below the
threshold, the Check Tire Pressure message and the
Tire Pressure Light will come on and stay on. The
message and light may be intermittent in nature,
especially during cold weather.
Conditions That Will Cause the Low Tire Pressure
Warning Message/Light to Display:
• The tire may have picked up a road hazard and/or
have a slow leak.
• The tire pressure may not have been checked in
the past six months.
• The air pressure in a cold tire may be at the
pressure where the system is required to warn the
driver. However, that same tire will rise in
temperature and pressure as the customer drives,
causing the message and light to go out.
The Effect of Outside Temperatures on
Tire Pressures
Important: As a rule of thumb, tire pressure will
change about 7 kPa (1 psi) for every 6°C (10°F)
decrease in temperature – dropping when it gets colder
outside, rising when it gets warmer.
Tire pressure should be set to the specified placard
pressure at the lowest seasonal temperature the
vehicle will encounter during operation.
The correct action to avoid a Check Tire Pressure
message due to extreme temperature changes is to do
the following:
• Use an accurate, high quality tire pressure gauge.
• Re-learn the TPM sensors and adjust the tire
pressure to the placard values after every tire
rotation.
• Let the vehicle sit and adjust the tire pressure to
the specified value when the tire temperature is at
the lowest expected temperature.
• Never set the tire pressure below the placard
value regardless of tire temperature or ambient
temperature.
Important: On extremely cold days, if setting the
tire pressure when the vehicle has been indoors, it
may be necessary to compensate for the low
outside temperature by adding 21-27 kPa (3-4 psi)
more than the placard pressure. At some later time,
when convenient and when the tires are cold
(outdoors), the pressure should be re-checked and
adjusted to the placard pressures if necessary.
Bulletin No.: 07-03-16-004D
January, 2022
Using the TPM Tool
TPM Tool EL 52545
The EL 52545 TPM tool is a valuable aid in diagnosing
system faults with TPM systems. It is a software-driven
tool that REQUIRES periodic updates in order to work
on new model cars and trucks. Failure to update the
tool with the latest software version may result in
possible misdiagnosis.
TPM Tool EL 52545 User Tips
Page 3
TPM Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ’s)
The following are some of the most asked questions:
Q: What is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
A: The TPM system consists of four sensors (one in
each wheel), which transmit wireless (RF) signals to a
vehicle receiver (typically, the same receiver that
performs the keyless entry function), the Low Tire
telltale, and the Driver Information Center (if equipped).
Q: Do all Vehicles Have Tire Pressure Monitoring?
A: Starting with the 2008 MY, all GM vehicles sold in
the United States are equipped with tire pressure
monitoring, to meet the mandates of FMVSS 138.
Some vehicles built prior to the 2008 model year or sold
in Canada have tire pressure monitoring; check vehicle
build and RPO information to be sure.
Q: What does the Low Tire Telltale Look Like?
5949160
Diagnostic Tip: The placement of the TPM Tester's
antenna when activating a sensor is critical, especially
with the latest software update. When activating a
sensor, the antenna tip of the TPM Test EL 52545 must
be placed on the sidewall, perpendicular to the tire, and
close to the valve stem (see photo above). This will
assure proper activation of the sensor. If the antenna of
the TPM Tester is placed either on the valve stem or on
the wheel itself, the tool may not properly activate the
sensor, causing improper diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tip:
If you encounter a sensor that does not respond when
activated by the tool, try activating another sensor that
responded previously. This will help you determine if
the tool is able to activate the sensor or if you have a
problem with one particular sensor.
Diagnostic Tip:
When using the tool during a sensor learn procedure,
use the “Activate” soft key on the tool. Press the key for
one second then release and the tool will perform an LF
(low frequency – 125 kHz) activation cycle. You do not
have to hold the key until the vehicle
acknowledges. Holding the key will just reduce battery
life. The LF activation of the sensors wakes them up
and forces them to transmit their IDs immediately. This
allows a much shorter sensor learn procedure than
using the Delta P method.
1959331
A: The Low Tire telltale is a yellow telltale that looks like
an exclamation point inside of a horseshoe:
Q: When does the Low Tire Telltale Come On?
A: The Low Tire telltale MUST come on when a tire's
pressure drops to 75% of the Recommended Cold
Inflation pressure (the pressure value printed on the
vehicle placard - the yellow and white sticker in the
driver door opening.)
There are several events that may cause a Low Tire
warning:
• The tire may have picked up a road hazard and/or
have a slow leak.
• The tire pressure may not have been checked in
the past six months.
• The air pressure in a cold tire may be at the
pressure where the system is required to warn the
driver. However, that same tire will rise in
temperature and pressure as the customer drives,
causing the message and light to go out.
Page 4
•
•
January, 2022
On vehicles where a different placard pressure is
required between the front and the rear axles, the
tires may have been rotated, pressures adjusted,
and the new tire positions were NOT re-learned
into the vehicle.
There may be a slow leak in one of the wheel and
tire assemblies (Valve Stem, Wheel Rim, or
Aluminum Wheel Porosity Leak). If this condition
is found, please refer to the latest version of the
following service bulletins:
• #05-03-10-003 – Low Tire Pressure, Leaking
Cast Aluminum Wheels (Repair with
Adhesive Sealant)
• #04-03-10-001 – Tire Puncture Repair
Procedures for all Cars and Light Duty
Trucks
Q: What does the TPMS Malfunction Warning
Look Like?
A: The TPMS Malfunction indicator uses the same
telltale as the Low Tire warning. The telltale will flash for
the first 60 seconds of a KEY ON event, and then go on
solid.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a Low Tire
and a system malfunction?
A:
• A Low Tire telltale will be on solid immediately
after KEY ON, and will be accompanied by a
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message in the Driver
Information Center (if equipped).
• A system malfunction causes the telltale to flash
for the first 60 seconds of a KEY ON event, and
then go solid.
Tip:
These behaviors repeat at each KEY ON cycle. The
best way to diagnose the vehicle (if you're not sure
which warning is being displayed) is to KEY OFF and
KEY ON again while watching the telltale and DIC
messages.
Q: When are Diagnostic Trouble Codes Reported?
A: DTC's are reported ONLY when there is a system
malfunction (flashing telltale). When a Low Tire (solid
telltale) is displayed, that means that the system is
working exactly as it's designed to do - since there's no
malfunction, there is no need for a DTC.
Q: What service is needed if the Low Tire telltale
is on?
A: When a vehicle comes in with a Low Tire warning,
the tires should be checked for any leaks or damage
(from road hazards). After those have been repaired (or
if none are found), the tires should be inflated to the
pressure shown on the Vehicle Placard - the yellow and
white sticker in the driver door opening. It is not
necessary to relearn the sensors after correcting the
pressure.
Q: Can Tire Pressure Monitoring be turned off?
A: Tire Pressure Monitoring is now a mandated safety
system in the United States and cannot knowingly be
disabled by an OEM nor an aftermarket service
provider (49 USC 30101).
Bulletin No.: 07-03-16-004D
Q: Can the Tire Type and/or Placard Value be
changed, if aftermarket tires or wheels are
installed?
A: The Tire Type (P Metric, LT Load Range C/D/E) and
the Placard Value (Front Placard and Rear Placard,
individually) are stored in the receiver as calibrations
and CAN be revised at a GM Dealership with a GDS2.
(The RCDLR Setup screens allow this.) Since the
under-inflation threshold is calculated as a percentage
of the placard; correcting the placard values when
different tires are installed will bring the vehicle back
into compliance.
Q: What is Sensor Learning (Sensor Re-Learning,
Sensor Training, Sensor Matching)?
A: Each sensor has its own unique identification code
(ID) that is transmitted as part of its wireless signal. The
receiver stores and uses these IDs to determine which
sensors are installed on the vehicle, and in which
corner of the vehicle the sensor resides in (so that both
the pressure information provided in the Driver
Information Center and the diagnostics are correct).
Sensor Learning is the process that puts sensor ID
information into the receiver.
Q: When is Sensor Learning required?
A: Sensor Learning should be done when the vehicle's
tires are rotated (since sensor position on the vehicle
has changed) or when a sensor is replaced/a new
sensor is installed (since a new ID has been introduced
to the vehicle). Sensor Learning is not required when
simply correcting the tire pressure resolves the vehicle
problem.
Q: Why are dashes (" - - "), or a pressure value of
148 PSI (1020 kPa), sometimes displayed after a
battery disconnect?
A: These displays come up after a battery disconnect/
reconnect because the system is waiting for updated
pressure information to be sent from the tire pressure
sensors. As each sensor transmits its information, the
display is updated appropriately. Note that when
dashes or 148 PSI (1020 kPa) are displayed after a
battery disconnect/reconnect, the System Malfunction
warning is NOT displayed - because the system is still
working properly, and simply waiting for updated
information from the sensors. Driving the vehicle above
20 mph (32 km/h) for 2 minutes gets the sensors
talking, and restores the correct pressure values to the
display. It is also possible to restore the values by using
the EL 52545 TPM tool, using the "Activate" function at
each tire to activate the sensor (it is NOT necessary to
put the system into Learn mode, in this special case).
Q: Is there a sensor installed in the spare tire?
A: No - a sensor is not installed in the spare tire.
Q: Are all of the sensors the same?
A: All of the sensors are not the same. They are
supplied by different manufacturers, and send different
RF signals to the vehicle. SOME of the sensors are
interchangeable, though - while they may look different,
they DO send the same RF signal to the vehicle and
Bulletin No.: 07-03-16-004D
January, 2022
MAY be used in place of one another on a vehicle. See
the Sensor Information Guide for more details about
which parts are interchangeable.
Q: What size is the sensor nut?
A: The sensor uses an 12 mm hex nut for attachment.
Q: Will a tire pressure sensor fit in every wheel?
A: GM wheels (including Accessory Wheels available
from GM SPO) are designed to accommodate tire
pressure sensors. Many aftermarket wheels also
accommodate tire pressure sensors, but not all do. In
some, the valve stem hole is placed in such a way
(pointing straight into the middle of the wheel, for
example) that the motion detection components inside
the sensor will not work correctly.
Q: Can the valve core be replaced?
A: The valve core can and should be replaced if it is
removed from the sensor. Sensors with a rubber valve
stem may use a standard brass valve core for
replacement. Sensors with an aluminum valve stem
CANNOT use a brass core; instead, they require a
nickel-plated valve core to protect against the corrosion
that forms when dissimilar metals come in contact. See
the service parts guide for the correct GM part numbers
to order and use.
Q: Can the grommet (and washer) be replaced?
A: The grommet (and washer) can and should be
replaced if the sensor is removed from the wheel. The
rubber grommet provides the air seal in the valve stem
opening, and a new one should be used to ensure a
fresh seal after each service. See the service parts
guide for the correct GM part numbers to order and use.
Q: Can the rubber valve stem be replaced by itself?
A: The rubber valve stem is attached to the sensor
electronics by a TORX screw. The valve can and
should be replaced whenever the sensor is removed
from the wheel. See the service parts guide for the
correct GM part numbers to use.
Q: Can the sensor be cleaned with a sharp pin?
A: NEVER use a sharp object to clean the pressure
port of the sensor; it can be damaged and lead to part
failure. If the dirt/grime/obstruction cannot be removed
with a cloth, replace the sensor.
Q: How long will the sensor's battery work?
A: The sensor is designed to last for 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers).
Q: Are tire pressure sensors compatible with
aftermarket tire sealants?
A: Tire pressure sensors are not compatible with
commercially-available tire sealants. Tire sealant
materials can clog the pressure port of the sensor, and
lead to inaccurate pressure readings and improper Low
Tire warnings. Additionally, some sealant products use
materials that can degrade the protective potting
material that covers the sensor's electronics.
Page 5
Q: Are tire pressure sensors compatible with GM
Inflator Kits?
A: While tire pressure sensors are NOT compatible with
commercially-available sealants, they HAVE been
tested and ARE compatible with GM Inflator Kits and
the sealant that they use. After inflator kit use, the
sensor should be inspected for any damage, and
replaced/cleaned as needed.
Q: Are tire pressure sensors compatible with
nitrogen inflation?
A: Tire pressure sensors are compatible with nitrogen
inflation (normal air is already 78% nitrogen).
Q: How do changing outside temperatures affect
tire pressure?
A: All gases change pressure as their temperature
changes, and air or nitrogen are no exceptions. A good
rule of thumb is that tire pressure will change by about
1 psi (7 kPa) when temperature changes by 10° F (6°
C). Customers may experience this as temperatures
change from summer to fall and into winter - tire
pressures will drop as the outside temperature gets
colder. Customers may also experience this as
temperatures change between mid-day and overnight.
Q: How should tire pressures be set at PDI?
A: Tire pressure should be set to the specified placard
pressure at the lowest seasonal temperature the
vehicle will see during operation. The correct action to
avoid a CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message due to
extreme temperature changes is to: Use an accurate
high quality tire pressure gauge. Let the vehicle sit and
adjust tire pressure to the specified value when tire
temperature is at the lowest expected temperature.
Never set tire pressure below the placard value
regardless of tire temperature or ambient temperature
On extremely cold days, if setting tire pressure when
the vehicle has been indoors, it may be necessary to
compensate for the low external temperature by adding
3-4 psi (21-27 kPa) more than the placard pressure.
When convenient, at some later time, when the tires are
cold (outdoors), the pressure should be re-checked and
adjusted to placard if necessary.
Q: Where should the EL 52545 tool be positioned
when it is being used?
A: Tool User Tip: The placement of the TPM Tester’s
antenna when activating a sensor is critical, especially
with the latest software update. When activating a
sensor, the antenna tip of the TPM Test EL 52545 must
be placed on the sidewall, perpendicular to the tire, and
close to the valve stem. This will assure proper
activation of the sensor. If the antenna of the TPM
Tester is placed either on the valve stem or on the
wheel itself, the tool may not properly activate the
sensor, causing improper diagnosis.
Page 6
January, 2022
Warranty Information
GM is very concerned about customer safety and tire
performance. Any time a customer brings a GM vehicle
in for a tire or tire pressure monitoring concern, we
encourage our dealers to perform a complete check of
tire conditions, pressures, and the TPM system if
necessary. Under normal circumstances, the condition
of tires, TPM reprogramming during tire rotation, road
hazard repairs, and checking/maintaining tire pressure
are the responsibility of the vehicle owner. GM Dealers
Bulletin No.: 07-03-16-004D
should encourage customers to inspect/check and
maintain their tires and tire pressure on a regular
monthly basis.
The tires and the tire pressure monitoring system are
covered by the vehicle bumper to bumper warranty for
manufacturing defects. It is GM's responsibility to
perform repairs when a defect exists. If no defect
exists, the customer should be responsible for the tire/
system check.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
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