TPMS Reprogramming - How to get "Programming Mode"?

[xlrlist01]

I googled TPMS and here is the link and my comments.
[]I have checked a few sources and find NO reference to the sensors being 'charged' by driving. They have small batteries which fail sooner than expected. Certain scan tools can tell battery strength the following link says.
[]

later,
Gord.


I Googled an article that has excellent info.
Likely not enough room for it here but it specifically mentions Corvette and Cadillac applications.

Good Luck.
Tire Pressure Monitor System TPMS

Thanks for that correction, I had mis-read something years ago. The OEM battery in each TPM unit should last at least 10 years.

 

[PAK XLR8]

Final chapter to the TPMS Saga

Well, I thought I would let everyone know that after almost 6 weeks, I have resolved the TPMS situation, and have my new rims and tires all set up and programmed

I had to purchase a new Michelin Super Sport on eBay, because Michelin (and Tire Rack) had them on back order for weeks. There was a guy who had a one of on eBay, brand new, 265-35-20 for sale, to replace the one that lost pressure and damaged the sidewall (because I had no indication of a low pressure, before I noticed). Who would have thought that a brand new tire and rim would have an issue? There were no nails or obvious other causes to lose pressure. I made the installer who could not program the TPMS pay for the new tire, because I would not let them touch my rims again, without the plastic parts to protect the inner barrel from the "snakebite" damage they caused during the initial installation, until they got the parts - which delayed the installation of the new TPMS.

Here are some "lessons learned":

- The programming mode may only beep once, and may not show "programming mode" on the dashboard, when in programming mode (instead of the expected two beep)
- Even though I ordered the correct TPMS part number, and they were able to program outside the wheel, some may have trouble "seeing" the programing tool, once installed
- There are some programming tools that are superior to others (the shop upgraded to anther brand during this ordeal)
- Make sure the tire shop has the plastic duck head and rim clamp adaptors, before you let them mess with your brand new rims - else suffer the potential damage of the two prongs that hold the rim during tire installation (they will leave "snakebite" divets in the inner barrel in 4 locations, if you don't)

I am now happy with my aftermarket rims and tires (even though they have the "snakebite" marks on the inner barrel, which are not really noticeable, but could be a source of corrosion if you drive in rain (which I don't).

Hopefully, my lessons learned will help others in the future.

Also, if you do go with aftermarket rims and tires, be careful about going too wide on the rear tires. I went with 10" wide, 48 mm offset, 265-35-20 tires to avoid potential tire rub on the fenders. I had 275-35-20's on my previous XLR (47 mm offset) and had a bit of fender rub (with 10 inch wide rims). You can get away with 275-35-20's on the rear, if you are willing to raise the rears - high enough. I just preferred not to have the car that high, preferring to be lower in stance. They barely clear with a full compression.

I can post detailed pictures, if you are interested.

Lessons learned, after a long and dusty trail...

Paul

 

[SA315B]

I can't speak for all models & years but yesterday a GM tech told me that I needed the TPMS special tool to put my 2008 Platinum into program mode; it can not be done with the key fob. It will take two minutes or so to reset the sensors and some, if not most, service centers will do it no charge.