copyfact

I have a 1995 Corvette coupe with a low tire pressure warning system (LTPWS). My left rear tire pressure sensor was damaged by a San Francisco Big O tire dealer when he fixed a flat on it. I tried to work with them to avoid buying a new sensor assembly at $300, but after fixing the broken stainless steel strap and remounting the sensor, the LTPWS low/flat tire pressure still comes on, although I increased the tire pressure to 39 psi.

Following the 1995 Corvette Service manual, I reset the LTPWS module memory by grounding terminal 6 to 5 at the DLC connector but the fault returns when driving the car. Querying the CCM yields a code 33 Low tire DTC, but not a code 34 Wheel sensor DTC for the left rear tire.

I believe I'll need to replace the sensor assembly and try to get Big O to pay for some or all of the costs.

My questions are: 1) Do the later generations of tire pressure sensors work on the 1995 system and are they attached to the wheel with a less damage prone system, like part of the valve stem?; 2) does anyone have a contact for getting a good used sensor assembly?; and 3) Does contacting someone at GM Corvette tech help, if there is one, help?

Perfusion

Sorry to hear about your damange....all excellent questions you have. Hopefully, someone will chime in with the info you need. FWIW, I use "America's Tire Co." (in CA) aka "Discount Tire" in other parts of the U.S. I've always had top notch customer service with them...

cash's90

I bought a LTPWS sensor assembly from Taber Corvette Parts for $125.00. I have a 1990 so yours my vary.
1-877-349-2838.

copyfact

Thanks for your feedback. Sorry for my delay responding to you.

I wrote to Big O Tire corporate HQ for their advice and haven't yet heard from them. I think I'll wind up going the full retail route with a local Chevy dealer and then suing the Big O franchisee for reimbursement.

copyfact

Thanks for your feedback. Sorry for my delay responding to you.

I wrote to Big O Tire corporate HQ for their advice and haven't yet heard from them. I think I'll wind up going the full retail route with a local Chevy dealer and then suing the Big O franchisee for reimbursement.

Perfusion

Make sure you speak to an attorney first before you decide to go the Chevy dealer route. Often times, a thoughtfully written letter by your attorney, submitted to Big O on his letterhead, will be enough to get them to "see things your way." Small claims court would be a mess, anyway, and you still might not ever see your new sensor...

Red Tornado

copyfact, contact these guys: http://www.superchevyperformance.com/ and talk to Chris May in parts. With a Corvette Forum discount (you must mention you're a Forum member) you'll pay about $120 for a new LTPWS sensor.

Then you can go from there. $120 is much easier to stomach than $300. Good luck.

froggy47

Costco busted one of mine (just the band) and bought a new one & put it on. I think they are somewhat delicate (go figure?) and yours may be history.

If the tire dealer won't make it right, I'd just get it fixed, document your effort to have the tire company fix it, and sue in small claims (if you have the time & feel it's worth it for the $$$).

My experience with small claims is pretty positive when you are in the right.

I don't think you can swap sensors from year to year, pretty year specific so far as I know.

copyfact

Thanks for the referral. I ordered the part from them at $207.56 plus shipping. Chris said the $120 price wasn't accurate anymore.