New rims and TPM

milehitdi · September 9, 2005

I have a 2004 Tahoe LS and am looking at getting some new rims. I'd like to keep the factory wheels for winter and have another set for summer. My question is can I just buy another set of TPM sensors for the summer tires and then be able to switch between the two sets. Or do the TPMs each have some unique code that needs to be programmed in by the dealer each time I change rims.

GM-Tech · September 9, 2005

You can buy a separate set of sensor, but any time a sensor is changed or even if it changes position (like when you rotate the tires) you need to "relearn" the system.

We have an electronic gizmo that forces the sensors to transmit their ID during a relearn, but it's something you can easily do yourself using the "manual" method. Here's the procedure. It describes both the use of the tool and the manual method.

Don't do what many do the first time around and not set the parking brake thinking it's just GM being overly cautious. The system won't go into learn mode if the parking brake is not set.

Also note that if you have steering wheel controls and attempt to display the pressures after a learn, they'll all be 0 psi until you drive the vehicle and the DIC updates.

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Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Apply the parking brake.

Turn the exterior lamp switch from OFF to parking lamps 4 times within 4 seconds. A double horn chirp will sound and the low tire pressure indicator will begin to flash indicating the TPM learn mode has been enabled.

Caution: Over inflating tires may cause personal injury or damage to the tires and wheels. When increasing tire pressure do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure as noted on the tire sidewall.

Important: If a horn chirp does not sound after 35 seconds for any of the 4 sensors, turn the ignition OFF to exit the learn mode and repeat the procedure from step 1.

Starting with the left front tire, hold the antenna of the J-46079 against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location then press and release the activate button and wait for a horn chirp, or increase/decrease the tire pressure for 8-10 seconds, or until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp may occur before the 8-10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached, or up to 30 seconds after the 8-10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached.

After the horn chirp has sounded, proceed as above for the next 3 sensors in the following order:

Right front

Right rear

Left rear

After all sensors have been learned, exit the learn mode by turning OFF the ignition.

After the learn mode has been exited, adjust all tire pressures to the recommended kPa/psi.