Tire Pressure Sensors

[Bubba1235]

My Buick Lucern (CXL) has tire pressure sensors and in this heat wave I am suddenly getting the warning light on the dash to check the inflation pressure. The onboard display is telling me three of the four tires are low however when checked manually they are all right at 32 PSI.

The car has 95K ish on it and I'm wondering is these sensors "go bad"? Is there a battery in the sensor that must be changed? If the sensor has to be replaced whats a reasonable cost from my local tire guy?

 

[Tempelton]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

Yes the sensors can go bad. Not sure on pricing to replace, I do know they can be kinda pricey. So much so that Wally world isn't really into them. Sometimes temperature and pressure changes can effect the sensor as well. I would try adding a couple pounds per tire and then drive a few miles and see is the sensors reset themselves.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

Did you go through the reset procedure in the manual for the indicator light? Sometimes the computer forgets!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

sensors go bad due to moisture and condensation from using compressed air (hence the push for nitrogen filling). the batteries also go bad, however are encapsulated in epoxy. there are videos on youtube for digging out the epoxy and replacing the batteries. a new set of sensors is about $250

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

One remote chance - aftermarket HID headlights can really screw with some TPMS sensors.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

I found this for a 2008 Lucerne

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter's lock and unlock buttons at the same time for approximately five seconds. The horn sounds twice to signal the receiver is in relearn mode and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on the DIC screen.
4. Start with the driver side [FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]front [/FONT][FONT=inherit !important]tire[/FONT][/FONT].
5. Remove the valve cap from the valve cap stem. Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing or decreasing the tire's air pressure for five seconds, or until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp, which may take up to 30 seconds to sound, confirms that the sensor identification code has been matched to this [FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]tire [/FONT][FONT=inherit !important]and[/FONT][FONT=inherit !important]wheel[/FONT][/FONT] position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side [FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important]rear [/FONT][FONT=inherit !important]tire[/FONT][/FONT], and repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to indicate the sensor identification code has been matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS sensor matching process is no longer active. The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the DIC display screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.

And also found this

There is a red reset button on the fuse box in the dash of your car. Not under the hood. You press it for 4 or five seconds and it should reset.


Maybe one will work??

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

*&^@#+ new fangled gadgets anyway...

No bull. The tire pressure sensor lobby must have gotten in bed with the branch of government that forces unecessary expensive crap on us. We all got along fine with a simple gauge for a hundred years. Last set of tires I replaced for my car had to have the TPS's replaced, can't remember for sure but the extra gouge fee was maybe $10 or so per tire. On top of the other add ons like valve stems, balancing, disposal fees, just because you won't notice it on the receipt fees, taxes, and finally the tires themselves. Funny how an $80 tire costs $120

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

No bull. The tire pressure sensor lobby must have gotten in bed with the branch of government that forces unecessary expensive crap on us. We all got along fine with a simple gauge for a hundred years. Last set of tires I replaced for my car had to have the TPS's replaced, can't remember for sure but the extra gouge fee was maybe $10 or so per tire. On top of the other add ons like valve stems, balancing, disposal fees, just because you won't notice it on the receipt fees, taxes, and finally the tires themselves. Funny how an $80 tire costs $120

Well no. Just because that TPS has not directly saved your life .....you think it is a waste! I spent 20 yr in the Army and had some huge vehicle fleets assigned to me and checking tire pressure was pounded into me so I did the same to my men. I am willing to bet right now if you go and check all of your tires including the trailers and your neighbors on either side of you ......you will find a low one or more and some very low. The tps does not substitute for proper checking but does warn when they are low. I still check mine and have tps.

Low tire pressure increases hydroplaning severely!

I also worked in a few car dealerships and it was the same story.

I used to think air bags combined with seat belts were stupid until they saved many people I know..

Yes tires have gone way up in price in the last 2 years beyond our control.

You can have your side of the argument with the tps and I have mine. We may agree to disagree.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Tire Pressure Sensors

I am willing to bet right now if you go and check all of your tires including the trailers ......you will find a low one or more and some very low.

I would take that bet, however not if you include my neighbors - LOL. I have tire gauges in all my vehicles and I know how to use them. usually verify TP when I get fuel.

that being stated, Bubba, parts geek has sensors for $33 each. http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...or+2010+2009&gclid=CODq8p3JxbECFWaFQAodvFEAfQ