TPMS Questions

mikeyk101 · January 23

Outside temps were around -8⁰. I started driving my 2016 Silverado but checked the DIC to see what the tire pressures were. All showed 34 or 35psi. Last time I filled them, it was around 40⁰ and I usually run my tires right around 40psi. After driving, they always go back up so I wasn't worried. A few minutes later, I checked again and all had gone up to 36-37 except the right rear and it was showing 34 still. About 10 mins into the drive, I got a Tire Monitoring warning on the DIC and now the yellow tire warming light popped up on the face of the speedometer. I pulled up the TPMS screen on the DIC and it showed -- for the right rear tire. I pulled over and admit I didn't check the actual pressure because it was too cold but looked the same as all the rest. I decided to keep going. About 10 miles later after pulling off on my exit, I had a red light so I tried turning truck off and restarting. The Tire Monitoring message came back on the DIC and now the yellow tire light flashed a couple times. As I started driving again, maybe a mile later, the yellow light went off and a check of the DIC showed that the right rear was now showing pressure and matched up with the other 3.

So I'm assuming there may have been some moisture in the tire and with the cold temps, caused the problem. But I know that my TPMS sensors are now over 10 years old and have seen a couple tire changes. How long should I normally expect the batteries on these to last? I have also seen advertised at my regular tire place that they can rebuild the sensors but never paid attention to what exactly is done. Does this normally include new batteries? Or would having the sensor rebuilt solve this issue? Or do I need to actually think about replacing all the sensors?

mikeyk101 · January 24

Ok, looks like I found my answer. These TPMS sensors are supposed to be good for about 5-7 years so by lasting 10, I got a 3 year bonus. And the batteries are not meant to be replaced. There are diy options if you are creative enough but that means dismounting the tires and hoping I can do it. Probably not worth it. Based on my options code, I need the 315mhz ones and the part # is 13540601. A check at one discount online part store shows them at $53.34 a piece. That's slightly cheaper than the aftermarket ones available at Discount Tire.

A check on eBay and I am finding sets of 4 OEM sensors for between $36 and $40 using a 100 mile radius so I should be able to get them fairly quick. Even better than the single price from online parts stores. Photos show pics with OEM labels but a little worried about getting scammed. I know that there are quite a few counterfeit parts being sold at low prices such as NGK spark plugs. Are counterfeit OEM TPMS sensors a thing or am I just being overly cautious?

Edited January 24 by mikeyk101

ftwhite · January 24

I got mine replaced with new tires about 5years in. Discount tire. Two failed within a year, and they replaced for free. I assume aftermarket ones. Just my story, no opinion on the right path. I have to assume OEM are better quality.

JimCost2014 · January 24

Mine died after 7 years, waiting to replace my tires, then do a set of factory sensors at the same time. While I wait, saw these and gave them a shot. They work just fine, but are pretty ugly because they are kind of big, but work just as good as the OEM, and you can replace the batteries.

newdude · January 24

2 hours ago, mikeyk101 said:

Ok, looks like I found my answer. These TPMS sensors are supposed to be good for about 5-7 years so by lasting 10, I got a 3 year bonus. And the batteries are not meant to be replaced. There are diy options if you are creative enough but that means dismounting the tires and hoping I can do it. Probably not worth it. Based on my options code, I need the 315mhz ones and the part # is 13540601. A check at one discount online part store shows them at $53.34 a piece. That's slightly cheaper than the aftermarket ones available at Discount Tire.

A check on eBay and I am finding sets of 4 OEM sensors for between $36 and $40 using a 100 mile radius so I should be able to get them fairly quick. Even better than the single price from online parts stores. Photos show pics with OEM labels but a little worried about getting scammed. I know that there are quite a few counterfeit parts being sold at low prices such as NGK spark plugs. Are counterfeit OEM TPMS sensors a thing or am I just being overly cautious?

Counterfeits? Sure do exist.

Are these what you were looking at? 4PCS Original OEM TPMS 13540601 Tire Pressure Sensor for Buick Truck Fast Ship | eBay

Because those are totally counterfeit.

Now look at the actual GM 13540601:

Notice the drastic difference in the GM logo and the font of it.

That said. If you want the actual OE sensor but at a cheaper price, sat $30 each, they are made by Schrader. Crossing 13540601 on the Schrader site comes up with Schrader's # 29049

Amazon.com: Schrader TPMS Solutions 29049 314.9MHz Snap-in TPMS Sensor : Automotive

Amazon.com: Schrader TPMS Sensor - (314.9 MHz) Snap-in Gen6 Edison GM TFA : Automotive

Edited January 24 by newdude

mikeyk101 · January 24

I didn't necessarily see those ones but there were several within 100 miles of me that I saw.

Thank you for posting an OEM photo of one to compare to. And thanks for the heads up on the Schrader. That is probably the safer way to go.

Just to add, looks like if I buy 4 of the first Schrader you linked to, it's an extra 5% off! Bonus!

Edited January 24 by mikeyk101

mikeyk101 · January 24

Well I ordered the Schrader ones from Amazon. I got the 5% off for ordering 4 plus I had over $15 in rewards points to make it even sweeter. Thank you @newdudefor pointing me in that direction. I should have them middle of next week.

mikeyk101 · January 24

3 hours ago, JimCost2014 said:

Mine died after 7 years, waiting to replace my tires, then do a set of factory sensors at the same time. While I wait, saw these and gave them a shot. They work just fine, but are pretty ugly because they are kind of big, but work just as good as the OEM, and you can replace the batteries.

I am using similar ones on both my toy hauler and my cargo trailer. They also monitor the temperature along with the pressure. Those are Tire Minder and work quite well but I have to use a special receiver that I mount to the windshield to monitor them. On my Honda trike I am using FOBO sensors but I have to use an app on my phone for that. That also monitors the temperature but gives me the battery level too which is nice. And the big advantage on the Tire Minder and the FOBO sensors are that the batteries are easily replaceable. But both systems are like you say, big, ugly caps that replace the valve caps like yours.

On my Silverado, one of the big pluses was that the sensors are internal and not visible. I can then just look on the DIC to see the pressure of each tire when I want and don't need a separate receiver or app to do it. One thing that I find lacking that I see on yours is that it also shows the temperature as well. I wish the OEM style sensors offered that information.

newdude · January 24

7 hours ago, mikeyk101 said:

Well I ordered the Schrader ones from Amazon. I got the 5% off for ordering 4 plus I had over $15 in rewards points to make it even sweeter. Thank you @newdudefor pointing me in that direction. I should have them middle of next week.

Good deal.

Just as more frame of reference for everyone who reads this thread....

Counterfeit packaging vs. actual GM packaging on these TPMS:

Counterfeits on eBay:

An actual GM packaging for 13540601 that I took right now:

If you look at the ones listed on eBay for example, most all of the listings are using the same 5-10 photos. All the packages have the same Julian dates on them too. So those top two photos I posted, the date is "22203" on both. Year 2022, 203rd day. Different photos from those listings, same exact dates.

Here's a listing for 13540601 in counterfeit ACDelco packaging - 4 Pack- Genuine OEM GM TPMS Tire Pressure Sensor for GMC Trucks & Vans 13540601 | eBay

The Julian date on the package is "16075" Year 2016, 75th day.

P/N 13540601 did not exist yet in 2016!!! In 2016, GM was still on p/n 13598772, which that number went into effect September 2015. 13540601 replaced 13598772 February 1st 2023. How is that possible? Counterfeit. To the unknowing, it looks legit.

Edited January 24 by newdude

mikeyk101 · January 24

Excellent info. And you saved me and hopefully others from making a mistake.

CamGTP · January 24

I've bought both the real and fake ones online before, was a pretty much what I could get and how fast I needed them. Been lucky so far in both cases. They all program to the vehicles fine and they've lasted several years already.

Ianf · January 25

I only buy aftermarket off Amazon. They have always lasted me the life of the tire. The cost is about $45 CAD a set as opposed to $45+ CAD each for genuine parts. Even the aftermarket Autel multisensors here are $38CAD and need to be programmed before use. Even if one goes out I just pull into the shop and get that one changed out for $15. With needing two sets of tires (winter an summer) aftermarket was the way to go for me as the sensors out last my tires and i just put a new set in when i replace my tires.

KARNUT · January 25

My wife’s 2011 Genesis sedan just started failing. Just one wheel so far. The 16 Odyssey and 2010 Ridgeline are still functioning. I will get all hers replaced with new tires probably at the dealer. If the prices are reasonable. Discount tire said 60$ per wheel. Just one of the nannies I don’t freak out about. The wife’s car yea I’ll probably replace.

Atlas · January 25

I know dealers have a reputation, but for anyone still shopping for OE sensors, sometimes it's worth checking what a dealer can do via an online site like GM parts dot com, or one of the big dealer websites. And, sometimes a few extra bucks is worth eliminating the need to parse counterfeit or very old stock from genuine parts online.

In my experience 10 years is a good run for OE TPMS so you're doing good to replace them all.

KARNUT · January 25

5 minutes ago, Atlas said:

I know dealers have a reputation, but for anyone still shopping for OE sensors, sometimes it's worth checking what a dealer can do via an online site like GM parts dot com, or one of the big dealer websites. And, sometimes a few extra bucks is worth eliminating the need to parse counterfeit or very old stock from genuine parts online.

In my experience 10 years is a good run for OE TPMS so you're doing good to replace them all.

I’ve never had those fail. My dealer or discount tire, the only place I buy tires from ever mentioned replacing those. My wife’s 2011 Genesis recently lost one. They are original.