2009
Important: Always take outside temperature and tire temperature into consideration to properly
set tire pressures. For example, on colder days (20°F/-7°C), if setting the tire pressure when the
vehicle has been indoors (60°F/16°C) or the tires are warm from being driven, it will be necessary
to compensate for the low outside temperature by adding 21-27 kPa (3-4 psi) more than the
placard pressure. At some later time, when the vehicle has been parked outside for a while, the
tires will cool off and the pressures will drop back into the placard range.
Important: Recently, nitrogen gas (for use in inflating tires) has become available to the general
consumer through some retailers. The use of nitrogen gas to inflate tires is a technology used in
automobile racing. Tires inflated with nitrogen gas may exhibit less of a pressure change in
response to outside temperature changes. Nitrogen gas inflation is compatible with GM TPM
sensors. For additional information, refer to Corporate Service Bulletin 05-03-10-020B.
Important: All Models (Except the Pontiac Vibe): Do not perform a TPM relearn at PDI, the system
has already been set at the Assembly Plant. Do not perform a TPM relearn after adding air to tires.
The low tire light is similar to the low fuel indicator and adding something (fuel, air) to the vehicle
makes that light turn back off again. Note that because of system behavior, some vehicles must be
driven a short distance before the sensors recognize the increase in pressure and turns the light off
again.
Pontiac Vibe Only: Do not use the TPMS reset button to turn off the light. The system will update
and light will turn off when all tire pressures have been adjusted followed by short distance drive.
Important: All Models (except the Pontiac Vibe): Each tire monitor sensor is learned to a specific
vehicle corner. When performing a TPM relearn (only after a tire rotation or replacement of a TPM
sensor or module), always use the Tech 2® to initiate the J 46079 relearn process. Tech 2®-
initiated relearns lock out other vehicle TPM signals that may be broadcasting in the area. Only
signals initiated by the J 46079 tool will be accepted. This method avoids storing false TPM I.D.s
and will prevent customers from returning with dashes (--) displayed in tire pressure readouts
and/or a flashing tire pressure monitor (TPM) light. Checking the four TPM I.D.s with the Tech 2®
prior to and following relearn to verify they are the same can prevent invalid I.D. learns.
Pontiac Vibe Only: Tire Monitor Sensors are not learned to a specific vehicle corner. Do not perform
a TPM Reset after tire rotation. The TPMS Reset button must only be used during pre-delivery
inspection by the dealer to initialize the system (after all tire pressures have been adjusted
properly) or when a Tire Pressure Monitor System component is replaced. The J 46079 tool does
not work on Vibe TPM sensors. A TPMS relearn on Vibe must be performed with a Tech 2® to set
the TPMS Module in learn mode. The TPMS sensor IDs are entered through the Tech 2®. Refer to
SI for further Vibe TPMS information.
Labor Operation and Repair Order/Warranty System Claim
Required Documentation
Important: The ONLY time labor operation E0716 or E0722 should be used is to diagnose for a
system issue. That should ONLY occur if, at key ON, without starting the engine, the Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM) light blinks for one minute and then stays on solid with a Service Tire Monitor
System message (on vehicles equipped with a DIC). If that occurs, a TPM system problem exists
and the system will have set a DTC. If one of these labor operations is used, the following Repair
updated), check to see if DIC displays are the same readings as the tire pressure gauge used
(adjust as necessary).
• Only perform a TPM sensor re-learn after a tire rotation or system part replacements and use
the Tech 2® to initiate the relearn whenever possible to avoid invalid sensor I.D. learns.
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Order and Warranty System documentation are required:
If the above information is not documented on the Repair Order and Warranty System, the claim
may be rejected. If the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) generates a request, this repair order
documentation must be sent back.
Customer TPMS Information
Dear GM Customer:
Customer care is at the top of our priority list at GM. We value our customers and want to make
certain of a great ownership experience. To assist you in better understanding your vehicle, please
make note of the following information relative to tire air pressure and the vehicle system that
monitors air pressure performance.
Tire air pressure is a maintenance item in which the owner is responsible. Your vehicle is equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) designed to provide you with adequate information
to maintain proper tire air pressure. Proper tire air pressure is important to optimize safety, fuel
economy, vehicle performance, and tire wear.
Changes in weather, including warm or cold outdoor temperatures, can cause air in your tires to
expand or contract. Should this occur, your vehicle’s TPMS may give you a low tire signal/alert
along with the following message: Check Tire Pressure/Low Tire Pressure/Add Air To Tire.
• Document the customer complaint on the Repair Order.
• Document the TPMS DTC that has set on the Repair Order.
• Enter the TPMS DTC in the Warranty System (WINS) in the Failure Code/DTC field on the
claim submission (refer to the Claims Processing Manual, Section IV, Warranty Claim Data,
Page 6, Item G).
Your GM Dealer has determined that the TPMS on your vehicle is working properly. The light will
turn off upon adding the proper amount of air to the tires (per the Tire & Loading Information label
in the driver’s door opening) followed by driving the vehicle a short distance. The low tire light is
similar to the low fuel indicator and adding fuel or air to the vehicle will turn off the light.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why does my vehicle have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
A: Starting with the 2008 model year, all vehicles sold in the United States are equipped with tire
pressure monitoring in order to meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 138 issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some GM vehicles built
prior to the 2008 model year or sold in Canada may also have a tire pressure monitoring system;
check vehicle build option information to be sure.
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Q: How does the Tire Pressure Monitoring System operate?
TPM Indicator Light
A: The system is designed to monitor tire air pressure and notify the driver when the tire pressure
in any tire becomes too low. The system will turn on a yellow lighted graphic. If the air pressure
remains low, each time the vehicle is restarted, the light will reappear, some vehicles may also
display the following message: Check Tire Pressure/Low Tire Pressure/Add Air To Tire.
Q: What if my tire pressure light comes on and stays on solid with a Check Tire Pressure/Low Tire
Pressure/Add Air to Tire message?
A: Simply add the proper amount of air to your tires. Refer to the Tire & Loading Information label
in the driver door opening for the recommended tire pressures. Once the tires are properly filled
with air, drive the vehicle and the message/light will go off.
Q: How would I know if the Tire Pressure Monitoring System was not working properly?
A: Each time the vehicle is started, the system’s yellow light will appear. It will "blink" for one
minute, then remain on solid. Some vehicles may also display the following message: Service Tire
Monitor System. If this happens, visit a GM dealer for service.
For more information, refer to the Owner Manual or go to
www.CheckMyTires.org.