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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4. Before installing the tire on the wheel, note the following items to avoid tire pressure sensor damage upon tire mounting:
a. Position the mounting/demounting head 180 degrees from the valve stem.
b. Position the bead transition area 45 degrees counterclockwise of the valve stem.
c. Using a tire machine, rotate the tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring the tire bead to the inside of the wheel rim.
d. Repeat items for the outer bead.
5. Install the tire on the wheel. Install the tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle.
Now you are ready for the reset procedures. Retrain the tire pressure sensor, as follows.
1. Turn on the ignition with the engine off.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Initiate the TPMS Learn Mode using one of the following procedures:
a. Using a scan tool, initiate the TPMS Learn Mode. A double horn chirp will sound, indicating the Learn Mode has been enabled. The left-front turn signal will also be illuminated.
b. On vehicles equipped with keyless entry, simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitter’s lock and unlock buttons until a double horn chirp sounds, indicating the Learn Mode has been enabled. The left-front turn signal will also be illuminated.
c. On vehicles not equipped with keyless entry, press and release the driver information center INFO button until the RELEARN TIRE POSITIONS message appears on the DIC display. Press and hold the SET/RESET button until a double horn chirp sounds, and the DIC displays a TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message indicating the Learn Mode has been enabled. The left-front turn signal will also be illuminated. WARNING: Overinflating the tires may cause personal injury or damage to the tires and wheels. When increasing tire pressure do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure as noted on the tire sidewall.
4. Starting with the left-front tire, learn the tire pressure using one of the following methods:
a. Method 1: Hold the antenna of the tool against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location, then press and release the activate button and wait for a horn chirp.
b. Method 2: Increase/decrease the tire pressure for eight to 10 seconds, then wait for a horn chirp.
The horn chirp may occur before or up to 30 seconds after the eight to 10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached.
5. After the horn chirp has sounded, repeat step 4 for the remaining three sensors in the following order: right-front, right-rear, left-rear.
6. After the left-rear sensor has been learned, a horn chirp will sound, indicating all sensors have been learned.
7. Turn off the ignition to exit the learn mode.
8. After the learn mode has been exited, adjust all tires to the recommended pressures.
Information for this column comes from Mitchell 1’s ”Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles through 2008. 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.
