Featured TPMS Tip: General Motors/Chevrolet Colorado and Canyon, 2006-12

Tire Pressure in Cold weather specificationsMitchell 1 provides TPMS information to Modern Tire Dealer, an award-winning publication that writes editorial content geared to independent tire dealers. We’re sharing this content in our blog, with a link to the Modern Tire Dealer website where you can read the article in full. The TPMS information in this article may also be accessed in the reset procedures tab in our ProDemand® auto repair information software, along with other important reset procedure data for the selected vehicle.

 


SUBJECT VEHICLES: 2006-2012 GM/Chevy Colorado and Canyon.

RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes.

SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? No.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) notifies the driver when a significant loss of tire pressure occurs in any of the four tires. The system uses the powertrain control module (PCM), body control module (BCM), instrument panel cluster (IPC), driver information center ( DIC), a radio frequency (RF) transmitting pressure sensor in each wheel/tire assembly, and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions.

When the vehicle is stationary the sensor’s internal roll switches are open, which puts the sensors into stationary mode. In this mode the sensors transmit once every 60 minutes to minimize sensor battery consumption. As vehicle speed increases, centrifugal force closes the sensor’s internal roll switches causing the sensors to go into drive mode. In this mode the sensors transmit once every 60 seconds. The BCM receives and translates the data contained in each sensor’s RF transmission into sensor presence, sensor mode, and tire pressure.

NOTE: The sensors pressure accuracy from -10 to +70 degrees Celsius is ±7 kPa. The BCM has the ability to detect malfunctions within the TPMS.

TPMS warning indicators

When the TPMS detects a significant loss of tire pressure, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message is displayed on the DIC and the low tire pressure indicator is displayed on the IPC. Both the message and indicator can be cleared by adjusting the tires to their recommended pressures. The TPMS warns the driver when a significant loss of tire pressure occurs in any of the four tires, and allows the driver to display the individual tire pressures and their locations on the DIC while the vehicle is being driven. Any malfunction detected will cause the DIC to display the SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message.

Reset procedures

NOTE: When the wheels have been rotated, or a tire pressure sensor has been replaced, retrain the tire pressure sensor.

NOTE: Once the TPMS learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensors’ unique identification (ID) codes can be learned into the BCM memory. When a sensor ID has been learned, the BCM sounds a horn chirp. This verifies the sensor has transmitted the ID and the BCM has received and learned it. The BCM must learn the sensor IDs in the proper order to determine correct sensor location. The first learned ID is assigned to the left front, the second to right front, the third to right rear and the fourth to the left rear.

NOTE: Sensor functions using a scan tool — Each sensor has an internal low frequency (LF) coil. When the tool is used in activate mode it produces an LF transmission that activates the sensor. The sensor responds to an LF activation by transmitting in learn mode.

When the BCM receives a learn mode transmission while in the TPMS learn mode, it will assign that sensor ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.

NOTE: Sensor functions using pressure increase/decrease method — Each sensor takes a pressure measurement sample once every 30 seconds while in stationary mode. If the tire pressure increases or decreases by more than 8.3 kPa (1.2 psi) from the last pressure measurement, another measurement will occur immediately to verify the change in pressure. If a pressure change has indeed occurred, the sensor transmits in re-measure mode. When the BCM receives a re-measure mode transmission while in TPMS learn mode, it will assign that sensor ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.

NOTE: Learn mode cancellation — The learn mode will cancel if the ignition is cycled to OFF or if more than two minutes has elapsed for any sensor that has not been learned. If the learn mode is cancelled before the first sensor is learned, the original sensor IDs will be maintained. If the learn mode is canceled for any reason after the first sensor is learned, all IDs are erased from the BCM memory and if equipped, the DIC will display dashes for tire pressures.

WARNING: Stray signals from other TPMS-equipped vehicles just driving by can be inadvertently learned. If any random horn chirps are heard from the vehicle while performing the learn procedure, most likely a stray sensor has been learned and the procedure will need to be cancelled and repeated. Under these circumstances, performing the TPMS learn procedure away from other vehicles would be highly recommended.

NOTE: In the event a particular sensor activation does not cause the horn to chirp, it may be necessary to rotate the wheel valve stem to a different position due to the sensor signal is being blocked by another component. Before proceeding with the steps below, verify the following:

  • No other sensor learn procedure is being performed simultaneously within close proximity.
  • Tire pressures are not being adjusted on another TPMS-equipped vehicle within close proximity.
  • Park brake and head lamp switch input parameters are functioning correctly.