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Like many cars in the United States, the GMC Sierra has many safety features to make driving safer. One of these is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS. It sends a signal from each tire to the central computer and indicates if any of the tires have lost pressure. But sometimes there can be problems. So, let's find out how to reset Sierra's TPMS.
How to Reset a Tire Pressure Sensor on a GMC Sierra?
To reset the tire pressure sensor, aGMC Serra, you must start with the vehicle turned off. Turn the key to the "ON" position, but do not start the car. Locate the TPMS Reset button (your manual will tell you where it is) and hold it down until the TIRE PRESSURE light flashes three times. Then start the car and wait 20 minutes for the light to reset.There are other reasons why the light may flicker and we will discuss them in this article.
Tire pressure sensors measure the pressure in the tires. They are small devices that are attached to the steering wheel and constantly feed the vehicle's computer with data. When a tire loses pressure, the sensor sends a signal to the driver, causing the TPMS light to come on. Most of the time, the TPMS light goes off when you inflate your tires. If it appears again, there is a leak somewhere.
But if you inflated your tires and the light didn't go out, you may need to reset the sensor. Because TPMS literally operate under constant pressure, they may not respond quickly to changes. In such cases, it may be necessary to perform this procedure.
You may not know it, but the US introduced mandatory pressure sensors in all vehicles in 2007. Tires are an essential part of safe driving. If they are not in ideal conditions, serious accidents or death can occur.
But it's hard for pilots to know if they're flat. After a series of accidents and lawsuits in the 1980s and 1990s, the government implemented the TREAD Act. so from thereGMC Sierrashas TPMS and every other vehicle sold in the US
We haveexplains how to resetTPMS, but let's examine the procedure in detail and discuss other essentials.
Step by step process to reset a tire pressure sensor on GMC Sierra
If there is a problem with the tire pressure or TPMS, the display will show "TIRE PRESSURE" or "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE". In this case, you can do the following.
To reset the tire pressure sensor monitor, you must first inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. Yes, that sounds logical, but it's the first and easiest step to fixing any warning lights that might be showing up on your dashboard.
After inflating the tires, take your Sierra for a spin. Ideally, it should take about 10 minutes at 80 km/h or more. Why this speed and for so long? The TPMS needs time to adjust to the pressure.
ANDair in a tirein motion has a different density (during warm-up) than a tire at rest. As the vehicle moves, the air molecules begin to stabilize and equalize the pressure across the tire wall, providing a more accurate reading.
If you did this correctly, the TPMS light should go out the next time you start your car. However, if this is not the case, you may need to perform the following procedure.
With the truck turned off, turn the key or starter switch to the "ON" position without starting the car. Locate the TPMS button and press it until the "TIRE PRESSURE" light flashes three times. Start Sierra and wait 20 minutes, which should reset the TPMS and lights.
If these steps don't work, a possible solution is to inflate yourTires 3 PSI over recommended pressure. Then,deflate your tirescomplete. This drastic difference in pressure helps reset the TPMS. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and check that the “TIRES PRESSURE” light goes out. Do this with the car turned off.
The last step is to disconnect the battery and honk the horn for three seconds. Yes it's right. honk
We'll explain why this step works later in this article. For now, remember that the horn drains a lot of battery power, so honking the horn will drain the excess charge from the system. Reconnect the battery, start the car and check that the "TIRE PRESSURE" light goes out.
If none of these steps work or you are unable to reset the TPMS, consult a certified professional. They go through a "relearning process".
These technicians go through the entire process step by step and check for possible errors and error codes. It should be a quick process and not too expensive.
How the GMC Sierra tire pressure sensor works
Imagine a large, thin strip of metal fitting neatly over the edge. It responds to the pressure created by the air above it and is calibrated for a certain ideal pressure.
The strip feels less pressure when there is a leak. Then it sends a signal to the computer.
In addition, it is connected to the filling valve. Therefore, also measure if there is a leak in this area. A faulty valve can activate the "TIRE PRESSURE" light.
GMC Sierras have TPMS and all other vehicles sold in the US haveexplains how to resetTPMS, but let's examine the procedure in detail and discuss other essentials. Step by step process to reset a tire pressure sensorGMC SerraIf there is a problem with the tire pressure or TPMS, the display will show "TIRE PRESSURE" or "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE". In this case, you can do the following. To reset the tire pressure sensor monitor, you must first inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. Yes, that sounds logical, but it's the first and easiest step to fixing any warning lights that might be showing up on your dashboard. After inflating the tires, take your Sierra for a spin. Ideally, it should take about 10 minutes at 80 km/h or more. Why this speed and for so long? The TPMS needs time to adjust to the pressure. Heair in a tirein motion has a different density (during warm-up) than a tire at rest. As the vehicle moves, the air molecules begin to stabilize and equalize the pressure across the tire wall, providing a more accurate reading. If you did this correctly, the TPMS light should go out the next time you start your car. However, if this is not the case, you may need to perform the following procedure. With the truck turned off, turn the key or starter switch to the "ON" position without starting the car. Locate the TPMS button and press it until the "TIRE PRESSURE" light flashes three times. Start Sierra and wait 20 minutes, which should reset the TPMS and lights. If these steps don't work, a possible solution is to inflate yourTires 3 PSI over recommended pressure. Then,deflate your tirescomplete. This drastic difference in pressure helps reset the TPMS. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and check that the “TIRES PRESSURE” light goes out. Do this with the car turned off. The last step is to disconnect the battery and honk the horn for three seconds. Yes it's right. honk We'll explain why this step works later in this article. For now, remember that the horn drains a lot of battery power, so honking the horn will drain the excess charge from the system. Reconnect the battery, start the car and check that the "TIRE PRESSURE" light goes out. If none of these steps work or you are unable to reset the TPMS, consult a certified professional. They go through a "relearning process". These technicians go through the entire process step by step and check for possible errors and error codes. It should be a quick process and not too expensive. Like the GMCtire sawHow the Pressure Sensor Works Imagine a large, thin strip of metal that fits snugly over the rim. It responds to the pressure created by the air above it and is calibrated for a certain ideal pressure. The strip feels less pressure when there is a leak. Then it sends a signal to the computer. In addition, it is connected to the filling valve. Therefore, also measure if there is a leak in this area. A faulty valve can activate the "TIRE PRESSURE" light. As the TPMS requires power, it uses the vehicle's battery as its power source. But you don't use it permanently. In fact, most TPMS use power every ten to twenty minutes to avoid draining the battery. Due to this outage, you will find that most restart operations require timeouts. Not only do they allow the TPMS to regulate, they also have the power to generate a signal. TPMS is reliable; It should be, but it only works in a certain temperature range and extreme conditions can lead to failure. So let's discuss some of the reasons why TPMS has problems. Why does a tire sensor fail?GMC SerraTPMS works in temperatures between -10 and 70 degrees Celsius. Sure, that sounds extreme, but those who live in northern regions can be exposed to these temperatures for months. Low (or high) temperatures make the sensor metal harder, making it less sensitive to pressure changes. So if you live in the North, don't be surprised if you find that TPMS causes problems in the harshest of winters. Another possible reason for failure is battery deterioration, as the TPMS uses it directly as an energy source. An erratic power supply can damage components inside the TPMS. Aerosol tire inflator can save money on the go. But the chemicals in it can do a lot of damage to TPMS. As the device is very sensitive, excess chemicals and glue can interfere with the signal. The average lifespan of a TPMS is around five years, which is also the average lifespan of a tire. As such, it is not uncommon to experience TPMS issues during these intervals. Also contact a certified replacement tire dealer. Improper handling can permanently damage the TPMS. A TPMS is not expensive, ranging from $25 to $60. You can buy them online and ship them anywhere, but exchanging them requires technical knowledge. So these are some of the reasons why TPMS can fail. But what can you do to make them work as long as possible? Let's find out in the next section. Some of the precautions we took in the previous section with TPMSAs do not use aerosol tire inflators. They have adhesives and chemicals that damage the TPMS. Even after inflating a tire, changing it is almost a nightmare. Ask a tire technician. Although less common, try to avoid brass valve cores. Always use nickel plated valve cores as they do not chemically react with the aluminum in the sensors. Over time, brass inserts degrade and can even fuse with the TPMS. After removing a rubber seal, replace it with a new one. Most likely, the old one has lost its elasticity. Finally, do not over-torque the valve or sensor. These are delicate devices that break easily. final thoughtsGMC SerraIt has been equipped with a TPMS since 2007. It is a valuable tool that will help you to control your tire pressure. It sends an alert when the pressure drops, allowing any issues that could make driving unsafe to be resolved. It can last an average of five years and is generally reliable. But like all devices, there can be problems. The most common is the "TIRE PRESSURE" light on the dashboard. This means that one or more tires have lost pressure. The first step in removing this warning light is to inflate the tires. If that doesn't work, there are many simple methods to reset the TPMS and turn off the warning light. If this light comes on, follow these steps. But as always, if you don't feel qualified, take your car to a certified technician to have it checked. ”class="wp-image-23495″/>As the TPMS requires power, it uses the vehicle's battery as its power source. But you don't use it permanently. In fact, most TPMS use power every ten to twenty minutes to avoid draining the battery.
Due to this outage, you will find that most restart operations require timeouts. Not only do they allow the TPMS to regulate, they also have the power to generate a signal.
TPMS is reliable; It should be, but it only works in a certain temperature range and extreme conditions can lead to failure. So let's discuss some of the reasons why TPMS has problems.
Why does a tire sensor fail?
ANDGMC SerraTPMS works in temperatures between -10 and 70 degrees Celsius. Sure, that sounds extreme, but those who live in northern regions can be exposed to these temperatures for months.
Low (or high) temperatures make the sensor metal harder, making it less sensitive to pressure changes. So if you live in the North, don't be surprised if you find that TPMS causes problems in the harshest of winters.
Another possible reason for failure is battery deterioration, as the TPMS uses it directly as an energy source. An erratic power supply can damage components inside the TPMS.
Aerosol tire inflator can save money on the go. But the chemicals in it can do a lot of damage to TPMS. As the device is very sensitive, excess chemicals and glue can interfere with the signal.
The average lifespan of a TPMS is around five years, which is also the average lifespan of a tire. As such, it is not uncommon to experience TPMS issues during these intervals. Also contact a certified replacement tire dealer. Improper handling can permanently damage the TPMS.
A TPMS is not expensive, ranging from $25 to $60. You can buy them online and ship them anywhere, but exchanging them requires technical knowledge.
So these are some of the reasons why TPMS can fail. But what can you do to make them work as long as possible? Let's find out in the next section.
Some TPMS Precautions
As we said in the previous section, do not use aerosol tire fillers. They have adhesives and chemicals that damage the TPMS. Even after inflating a tire, changing it is almost a nightmare. Ask a tire technician.
Although less common, try to avoid brass valve cores. Always use nickel plated valve cores as they do not chemically react with the aluminum in the sensors. Over time, brass inserts degrade and can even fuse with the TPMS.
After removing a rubber seal, replace it with a new one. Most likely, the old one has lost its elasticity.
Finally, do not over-torque the valve or sensor. These are delicate devices that break easily.
final thoughts
ANDGMC SerraIt has been equipped with a TPMS since 2007. It is a valuable tool that will help you to control your tire pressure. It sends an alert when the pressure drops, allowing any issues that could make driving unsafe to be resolved.
It can last an average of five years and is generally reliable. But like all devices, there can be problems. The most common is the "TIRE PRESSURE" light on the dashboard. This means that one or more tires have lost pressure.
The first step in removing this warning light is to inflate the tires. If that doesn't work, there are many simple methods to reset the TPMS and turn off the warning light.
If this light comes on, follow these steps. But as always, if you don't feel qualified, take your car to a certified technician to have it checked.