Geez.....Lights are now flashing.

flyboyron · December 29, 2014

I took my Silverado in on Saturday to get its first smog check. (We have to do that here in Calif.)

I had them change the oil, rotate the tires, give it a good inspection and do the smog check.

When I left, I asked them specifically if they reset the computer for the tire monitoring system, because they didn't do it one time, and it kept telling me the wrong tire was low, so now I always ask.

I drove the truck home (15 miles) and then drove it to work this morning. (20 miles). As I got about 2 miles from work, the yellow question mark on the dash starts flashing and the display says something about tire monitor system service.

Are you supposed to service those?

I checked the tires as I continued to drive and the right rear tire has two dash lines where the pressure should be.

The tires don't look flat, but I guess this has to go back to the dealer now.

As many of you would say.....What did they do to my truck now?

Btuggle88 · December 29, 2014

1 of 2 things either they didn't program the sensor or the sensor went bad.

oldscsc · December 29, 2014

A solid TPMS light indicates a tire pressure either above or below the system's threshold.

A flashing TPMS light indicates a system malfunction, which could be a number of things. It could be a failed sensor, dead sensor battery, lack of communication between sensor and module etc.

A TPMS sensor that is not re-programmed to its new corner of the car will not cause a flashing TPMS light; the truck will simply not know a tire rotation has been performed and continue to display tire pressures in the incorrect locations.

Colossus · December 29, 2014

Have the sensors in the tires ever been replaced? They are battery operated and they will wear out. Generally you will get 3-6 years of life out of them. I have the sensors rebuilt everytime I get new tires.

Zebrafive · December 30, 2014

Have the sensors in the tires ever been replaced? They are battery operated and they will wear out. Generally you will get 3-6 years of life out of them. I have the sensors rebuilt everytime I get new tires.

Rebuilt? I thought a rebuild was just valve core and seal. For batteries, a replacement sensor? I did not think batteries could be replaced.

Colossus · January 1, 2015

Depends on what type of sensor it is. Rebuild kits for some will mean a completely new sensor, while for others will mean new rubber, batteries, and a few other little things. They just charge it as a TPMS rebuild kit. Some of the sensors are so weak that they break just by dismounting old tires and trying out put on new tires. Some sensors are built into the valve stems while others are actually inside attached to the inside of the tire or rim. The technology continues to get better and GM's TPMS is rumored to be one of the better ones out there, just like their OLM (Oil life monitor)

The Zip · January 1, 2015

I'm with zebrafive on this one. Everytime I've needed a TPMS rebuild, it was just as he stated and didn't include a battery.

Flyboyron - take the truck to a tire shop versus the dealer (dealer will cost you more time/money) and have them look at the tire. Most cases the tire shop will check and/or program the TPMS for free. If the TPMS can't be programmed, the battery is dead. Sensors usually are 10 times the cost of a rebuild (vehicle dependent), but if you decide on a new sensor have the tire shop install it. If it doesn't work, you don't pay labor or cost.

BTW, some owner manuals tell you how to reprogram your TPMS? If yours does, try that first.