SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
SENSOR IN TIRE? Yes (in each tire and wheel assembly).
RESET PROCEDURE? Yes (whenever the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver or a sensor has been replaced, or when tires have been rotated).
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Optional (TPMS Sensor Activation Tool J-46079).
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse displays both individual tire pressures and their locations on the vehicle’s Driver Information Center (DIC). The system uses several components: an Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), DIC, Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) and a radio frequency transmitting pressure sensor in each tire and wheel assembly.
When the vehicle is stationary, the sensors go into stationary mode. Here they will transmit data once every 60 minutes. When the vehicle starts moving, the sensors enter drive mode and transmit data every 60 seconds.
The RCDLR receives data and sends it to the DIC. When the TPMS detects loss of air, a “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” message appears on the DIC and a low pressure warning indicator is displayed on the IPC.
Look before you leap
Before you can swap out the old sensor for a new one, you must demount the tire from the rim using the proper procedures. Make sure you place the sensor’s cap and valve on a dry, clean surface after removal.
1. Remove the tire sensor nut and remove the sensor from the wheel hole.
2. Remove the sensor grommet from the valve stem.
3. Clean any dirt and debris from the grommet sealing areas.
4. Install the grommet on the sensor valve stem.
5. Insert the sensor in the wheel hole with the air passage facing away from the hole.
6. Install the sensor nut and position the sensor body parallel to the inside wheel surface. Tighten the nut to 62 in.-lbs.
7. Install the tire back onto the wheel.
Remember that replacement sensors are shipped in the OFF mode. In this mode, the sensor’s unique identification code cannot be learned in the RCDLR’s memory. The sensor must be taken out of OFF mode by spinning the tire and wheel assembly above 20 mph for at least 10 seconds.
Now you’re ready for the sensor learn process.
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Learn procedure
The sensor learn procedure must be performed any time the RCDLR has been replaced, a sensor has been replaced or tires have been rotated. Once the learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensor’s ID codes can be learned into the RCDLR’s memory.
When an ID has been learned, a horn chirp sounds. This verifies that the ID has indeed been learned. The RCDLR must learn the sensor IDs in the proper order to determine correct sensor location. The first ID is assigned to the left front, the second to the right front, the third to the right rear and the fourth to the left rear.
Before you begin to learn the sensor, make sure no other TPMS sensor learn procedure is being performed and that no tire pressure levels are being adjusted on another TPMS-equipped vehicle.
A TPMS Sensor Activation Tool (J-46079) may be used in place of increasing/decreasing pressures to activate the sensor. To use this tool, place the activator antenna against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location, then press and release the ACTIVATE button.
Here are the learn steps if you choose not to use the scan tool:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position and apply the parking brake.
2. Simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitter’s lock and unlock buttons until a horn chirp sounds.
3. Starting with the left front tire, increase or decrease the pressure for five to eight seconds or until a horn chirp sounds. The chirp may occur before the five to eight-second time period has been reached or up to 30 seconds after the five to eight-second period has been reached.
4. After the horn chip has sounded, proceed as in step three for the next three sensors in this order: right front, right rear and left rear.
5. After the left rear sensor has been learned, a double horn chirp will sound. This indicates that all four sensor IDs have been learned.
Turn the ignition to OFF.
6. Adjust all four of the vehicle’s tires to recommended specification.
Here’s the learn procedure if you decide to use the scan tool:
1. Connect the scan tool and turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Apply the parking brake.
2. Using the tool, select “SPECIAL FUNCTIONS.”
3. Select “SENSOR LEARN MODE ENABLE” and press the ENTER key.
4. Press the ON soft key. A horn chirp will sound, indicating the learn mode is on.
5. Follow steps three through six in the previously listed non-tool learn procedure.
If you’re using the activation tool and find that the vehicle is having trouble entering the relearn mode, check the batteries in the tool. Low batteries may allow some functions to work, but not let the vehicle perform the learn function. When the internal battery is fully charged, the indicator is “full.” When the battery has been depleted, the indicator shows “empty.” ■
Information for this column comes from Mitchell 1’s ”Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles through 2009. Headquartered in Poway, Calif., Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for more than 80 years. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com.
