January 31, 2011
An avalanche of service
There are three ways to learn vehicle's new sensors
By: Information provided by Mitchell 1
Figure 1
SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2007-10 GM Avalanche.
SENSOR IN TIRE? Yes (located in each tire/wheel assembly).
RESET PROCEDURE? Yes (whenever a tire pressure sensor has been replaced).
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes (in certain cases, a TPM Sensor Activation Tool J-46079 may be used).
The 2007-10 Avalanche’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) displays tire pressures and tire locations on the vehicle’s Driver Information Center (DIC), one of the system’s many components. Other components include a Powertrain Control Module, Instrument Panel Cluster, Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR), a radio frequency transmitting pressure sensor in each tire/wheel assembly and a serial data circuit.
When the vehicle is stationary, the sensors go into stationary mode, in which they transmit once every 60 minutes. As the Avalanche’s speed increases to 20 mph, the sensors go into drive mode, in which they transmit once every 60 seconds.
When the TPMS detects a significantly under-inflated tire, a ‘CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” message displays on the DIC.
Sensor swap
In order to service the Avalanche’s TPMS, you must first demount the tire from the wheel. Follow these steps:
1. Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. Remove the tire/wheel assembly from the vehicle.
2. Demount the tire from the wheel following the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions.
There are two kinds of sensors that can be used on the Avalanche’s TPMS: a clamp-in sensor and a snap-in sensor. To service the clamp-in sensor:
1. Remove the tire pressure sensor nut.
2. Remove the sensor from the wheel hole.
3. Remove the sensor grommet from the valve stem.
4. Clean any dirt or debris from the grommet sealing areas.
5. Insert the sensor in the wheel hole with the air passage facing away from the wheel.
6. Install the sensor nut. Position the sensor body parallel to the inside wheel surface.
7. Tighten the nut to 62 in.-lbs.
8. Install the tire on the wheel, and then install the assembly back on the vehicle.
Follow these steps to service the snap-in sensor:
1. Remove the TORX screw from the sensor and pull it straight off the pressure sensor valve stem (see Figure 1).
2. Remove the valve stem by pulling it through the rim.
3. Assemble the sensor to the valve stem and install the new TORX screw.
4. Apply tire soap to the rubber portion of the valve stem.
5. Pull the valve stem through in a direction parallel to the valve hole on the rim.
6. Install the tire on the wheel, and then install the assembly back onto the vehicle.
Now you’re ready to initiate the new sensor’s relearn process.
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