FYI : TPM Relearn procedure change 2011.5 model year to current

[ChevyTech77]

Guys, this piece of info has just been released from Engineering and I figured that it would certainly be handy to those of us DYI'ers who perform our own tire rotations and tpm sensor relearns.

 

Starting with late 2011 model year GM vehicles and all vehicles built after that point, the TPM sensor can only be activated for learn mode by using a TPMS tool. The pressure differential method , where you either increased or decreased the tire pressure by at least one psi, will no longer work to activate sensors on these vehicles. This change was implemented to reduce the amount of stray sensor signals being broadcast in the service environment. Since the TPM sensors can no longer be activated using the pressure differential method, customers wanting to rotate their own tires and perform their own TPM Relearn will be required to utilize a relearn tool. GM has designed and manufactured an inexpensive relearn tool, the EL-50448 specifically for this application. Owner manuals have been updated accordingly. To verify the relearn method to be used, refer to the Owner Manual - Tire Rotation - TPMS Sensor Matching Process. GM recommends the use of the following tools when performing TPM relearns: EL-50448, which is a new tool, and EL-46079 or J-46079, which is the existing tool. The new TPM Tool is also a great, economical tool for dealership oil change and tire rotation service use. Both tools can be used on all past and future model GM vehicles.

[RyanbabZ71]

Very good information, thanks for posting. Will the tool work on previous model years?

[ChevyTech77]

Very good information, thanks for posting. Will the tool work on previous model years?

 

Last sentence in my previous post.........

 

"Both tools can be used on all past and future model GM vehicles."

[MikeNH]

Hmmm... I wonder what the cost will be on that.

[ChevyTech77]

Last I looked? Under $40.

[waumo1]

I guess I am lucky that the air out method works on my 2011. I haven't investigated the build date.

Other manufacturers are going just the opposite direction as the TPMS on my Challenger and Jeep automatically relearns tire position when you drive and even learns new sensors when you swap summer and winter tire sets.

 

Also the statement "This change was implemented to reduce the amount of stray sensor signals being broadcast in the service environment."sounds like baloney to me to cover a revenue enhancement program of selling activation tools and service charges to those who don't buy the tool.

 

Uh-oh I just had a thought and I'm probably burned on this also. My AFTERMARKET sensors in the winter wheels for the truck worked with the air out method. I bet my OEM GM sensors will not.

[RyanbabZ71]

Very good information, thanks for posting. Will the tool work on previous model years?

 

Last sentence in my previous post.........

 

"Both tools can be used on all past and future model GM vehicles."

 

 

Yea sorry about that. That is what happens when you multi task (eat, work, and read gm-tc on your lunch break) you miss things

 

Last I looked? Under $40.

 

 

Found 2 places online

 

One $62 and the other $79.99

[ChevyTech77]

I guess I am lucky that the air out method works on my 2011. I haven't investigated the build date.

Other manufacturers are going just the opposite direction as the TPMS on my Challenger and Jeep automatically relearns tire position when you drive and even learns new sensors when you swap summer and winter tire sets.

 

Also the statement "This change was implemented to reduce the amount of stray sensor signals being broadcast in the service environment."sounds like baloney to me to cover a revenue enhancement program of selling activation tools and service charges to those who don't buy the tool.

 

Uh-oh I just had a thought and I'm probably burned on this also. My AFTERMARKET sensors in the winter wheels for the truck worked with the air out method. I bet my OEM GM sensors will not.

 

 

Until you are trying to relearn a set of tpm sensors after a service and some ding dong is mounting and airing up a set of new tires, two stalls down from you so then his set of tires learn to your vehicle, it's awsome.

 

Besides, it sounds like you have it all planned out for your next truck to be a Dodge. Congrats! LOL.

 

Very good information, thanks for posting. Will the tool work on previous model years?

 

Last sentence in my previous post.........

 

"Both tools can be used on all past and future model GM vehicles."

 

 

Yea sorry about that. That is what happens when you multi task (eat, work, and read gm-tc on your lunch break) you miss things

 

Last I looked? Under $40.

 

 

Found 2 places online

 

One $62 and the other $79.99

 

Glad I bought mine when I did then. $40 straight from the GM Tool Co.

 

Seriously though, most people are going to freak out about this when in all honesty, what's a tire rotation cost anymore (if you don't want to buy the tool)? My local dealer still charges $15. That's dirt cheap, imo.

[SparkySparks]

Last I looked? Under $40.

 

 

Found 2 places online

 

One $62 and the other $79.99

 

 

Yeah, $62 is the cheapest I could find also, let us know where you found it for under $40. I will say $62 is better then $600+ the other tools sell for but still more then I would be willing to pay.

[waumo1]

Besides, it sounds like you have it all planned out for your next truck to be a Dodge. Congrats! LOL.

 

 

 

 

Not necessarily but since it will be at least 12 years to another new one, who knows. Owned nothing but GMs for 40 years and they were always ahead of the pack on electronics/controls. Concerns me that doesn't seem to still be the case. Also on my 2011 GM cheaped out on a lot of little things they should not and that disappoints me. All in all, I like the new GMC. I didn't much care for the Dodge/RAM trucks and they don't make an Ext Cab LB so that ruled them out.

[jaredlucky16]

Hes not kidding relearning tires is a pain in the a** specially when there are 33 techs

[waumo1]

Hes not kidding relearning tires is a pain in the a** specially when there are 33 techs

 

GM should just go to the autolearn system the other manufacturers are using and everyone would be happy.

[ChevyTech77]

Hes not kidding relearning tires is a pain in the a** specially when there are 33 techs

 

GM should just go to the autolearn system the other manufacturers are using and everyone would be happy.

 

 

Yeah, diagnose that system. I worked at a GM/Dodge/Toyota dealer. They suck plus, Chrysler and Toyota pay less for warranty labor rates so double suck. And yes, they screwed up just as much as GM's system does.