July 29, 2011
Take special care of caps, valves on Buick Allure sensors
Sensors must be taken out of 'OFF' mode prior to following reset procedures
By: Information provided by Mitchell 1
Figure 1
SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2006-09 Buick Allure
SENSOR IN TIRE? No, sensors are mounted in the wheels.
RESET PROCEDURE? Yes. Directions follow.
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes, a scan tool.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in 2006-09 Buick Allures displays individual tire pressures and their locations on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when there is a significant loss of tire pressure. The system uses the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Body Control Module (BCM), the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), the DIC, the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR), a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitting pressure sensor in each wheel/tire assembly, and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions.
The RCDLR receives and translates the data contained in each sensor RF transmission into sensor presence, sensor mode and tire pressure. The RCDLR then sends the tire pressure and tire location data to the DIC via the serial data circuit, where they are displayed. The sensors continuously compare their current pressure sample with their last pressure sample and will transmit in re-measure mode whenever a 1.6 psi change in tire pressure has occurred.
When the system detects a significant loss of tire pressure, the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message displays on the DIC and the low tire pressure indictor is displayed on the IPC.
To remove and old sensor, 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 while paying attention to the following to avoid damaging the tire pressure sensor:
a. Place the sensor’s cap and valve on a dry, clean surface after removal. The cap is aluminum and the valve is nickel-plated to prevent corrosion. DO NOT substitute a cap or valve made of any other material.
b. Position the bead breaking fixture 90 degrees from the valve stem when separating the tire bead from the wheel.
c. Position the mounting/demounting head so the tire iron (or pry bar) can be inserted slightly clockwise of the sensor body when prying the tire bead up and over the mounting/demounting head.
d. Using a tire machine, rotate the tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring the tire bead to the outside of the wheel rim.
e. Repeat items for the inner bead.
3. Remove the tire pressure sensor nut (see Figure 1).
4. Remove the sensor from the wheel hole.
5. Remove the sensor grommet from the valve stem.
To install a new sensor, follow these steps.
1. Clean any dirt or debris from the grommet sealing areas. Install grommet on the sensor valve stem.
2. Insert the sensor in the wheel hole with the air passage facing away from the wheel.
3. Install the sensor nut, and position the sensor body parallel to the inside wheel surface while tightening the nut to 62 in.-lbs. (7 Nm). NOTE: A service replacement tire pressure sensor is shipped in OFF mode.
In this mode, the sensor’s unique identification code cannot be learned into the RCDLR’s memory. The sensor must be taken out of OFF mode by spinning the tire/wheel assembly above 20 mph for at least 10 seconds in order to close the sensor’s internal roll switch.
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