GM TPMS

TPMS GM Fault Diagnosis

TPMS replacement is called for when the TPMS fails due to mechanical or electrical failure, broken accelerometer, low TPMS battery power or blocked pressure port. One of the most common causes of failure is inappropriate handling during wheel or tire removal or servicing. The TPMS is an electronic component fitted as part of a heavyweight mechanical process.

Before attempting to replace a GM TPMS we advise the use of one our Bartec TPMS tools to establish the need for replacement and the nature of the fault. This may support a warranty claim but will also ensure that the dealer or tire shop is covered for liability claims. The legal position is that as soon as the dealer breaks down the wheel then he becomes liable and cannot allow the car to be driven away from his shop with the TPMS warning light still on. Many dealers have found that customers will not accept the costs for repair and may attribute any breakage to the dealer if there is no audit trail.

Bartec tools offer the capability to carry out a TPMS audit of the car and then show the customer the audit results from the screen or download them to a PC and print the audit results to show to the customer so that a cost can be agreed and the go ahead given before work commences. It is important to have a tool which can distinguish the correct TPMS in order to avoid picking up the transmission of other TPMS sensors, key fobs etc. It is important to limit your liability for any problems which occur.

The TPMS tool should be able to decode the transmission from the sensor and display the data. This will enable the technician to establish if the sensor has failed or is not fitted, whether the pressure port on the sensor is blocked, where the part is running at too high a temperature and other diagnostic information which might be included in the specific sensor (e.g. if there is a low battery condition on the TPMS). The direct TPMS will be attached to the back of the tire valve.

TPMS GM Service Guide

The Bartec 'Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide' contains comprehensive information on the mechanical and electrical procedure for TPMS replacement for all makes/models/year types going back to the year of their introduction including:

• TPMS Service Requirements
• Special tools reference guide

Model articles referencing all makes/models/years and including:

• Description and operation of vehicle TPMS system
• Warning indicator reset procedure
• System Retrain/Relearn procedure
• Dismounting/mounting cautions & Notes
• Tire Pressure Sensor Replacement procedure
• Wheel Nut torques
• Tire Pressure Sensor Nut torques

Please browse our website for more information about Bartec USA LLC and our range of GM TPMS Tools and our professional support for GM Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors, then call toll free (866) 407-TPMS and speak to one of our team or e-mail us on sales@bartecusa.com.

Chrysler TPMS Tool Training

Bartec are world leaders in the implementation of TPMS systems for the wheel and tire assembly plant and the car plant with over 70 installations worldwide.

As a result of this activity the company also leads the aftermarket with the most comprehensive range of TPMS dealer tools for the dealer, the tire shop and even the end user.

The market desperately needs information and training on TPMS, diagnosing faults and repairing/replacing, TPMS tools and support. Bartec has sought to answer some of the many questions by putting together a series of training videos which can be viewed by visiting www.bartecusa.com

GM TPMS Replacement

If a sensor proves faulty or is damaged then it will need to be replaced. This requires a new sensor to be fitted and the BCM to be reprogrammed with its unique ID and its position on the vehicle. The procedures for all vehicles including GM vehicles are illustrated in the Bartec 'Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide' which shows service requirements, reset procedures, dismounting/mounting instructions, torque specifications etc for all makes/models and years. The relearning process will also be required in the event of wheel rotation. In principle the static relearn process requires the car to be put into learn mode followed by activating each TPMS in turn (LF, RF, RR, LR) enabling each of the TPMS unique ID numbers to be loaded into the BCM. Each time a code has been successfully loaded the horn acknowledges. The system will cancel the warning light if two minutes pass and no further ID's are learned or if the system has been in learn mode for more than five minutes.

The technician should always: refer to manufacturer's specifications for proper torque requirements when replacing nuts and valve cores; use new grommets, nuts, plastic or nickel-plated valve caps and electro-less, nickel-plated valve cores when performing any tire service; never use a brass valve core or un-plated brass cap with an aluminium TPMS sensor stem. Contact between dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion, which can lead to loss of air pressure.

Note: The technician should avoid the use of any liquid or tire sealant injected into tires equipped with TPMS as this may block the pressure port and cause malfunction. If evidence of the use of tire sealant is noted upon dismounting the tire, it is highly recommended that the TPMS are replaced. It is also very important to remove all residual sealant from the inside of the tire and rim surfaces prior to re-installing the tire.

Following reprogramming of the BCM a further audit of the car is recommended to produce evidence of the work carried out.

GM TPMS Tool Training

Bartec are world leaders in the implementation of TPMS systems for the wheel and tire assembly plant and the car plant with over 70 installations worldwide.

As a result of this activity the company also leads the aftermarket with the most comprehensive range of TPMS dealer tools for the dealer, the tire shop and even the end user.

The market desperately needs information and training on TPMS, diagnosing faults and repairing/replacing, TPMS tools and support. Bartec has sought to answer some of the many questions by putting together a series of training videos which can be viewed by visiting www.bartecusa.com

Contact Your TPMS Tool Dealer

Customers have told us our help desk guys are the best because of their wealth of information and experience; that they care about helping; and that they try that bit harder to sort out problems.

When you buy a Tech600Pro TPMS tool you gain access to the Bartec TPMS technical support for advice on replacement of TPMS and the use of TPMS tools on all vehicles not just GM.

The team has a wealth of experience with TPMS. These guys have worked in the car plants and also in the aftermarket solving the problems you are addressing.