I am new to the forum and Corvettes. I have had my torch red '96 coupe for two months now. When I got new tires, the shop broke two of the pressure sensors. They replaced them - twice - I don't know where they got them, since the Corvette dealer said they had been discontinued. They looked new - and I am still getting a SERVICE LTPWS message. Is there any way to test the individual sensors? How can I resolve my problem? I love my Corvette!! :confused:

 

I feel for you, what a nightmare. Am not an expert, but will fill you in what I know. The sensors are color coded and are intended to have a different one at each corner. The system is interrmittant, it checks for a signal from the sensors periodically. You get the light when all four sensors are not found. It sounds like the replacements are not right. I'm not sure if there is only one trouble code set, or if there are four codes, which would identify which ones are the problem. I would check operation like this. Make sure all four tires are over 30 psi. Then one at a time, lower pressure to 25 and go for a drive. A working sensor will notify of low pressure after a while. Do the ones that weren't changed first, so you see the distance you have to drive before the system check. This will determine which ones are or are not working. Personally, I would give up on the shop that ruined them. Before I had work done on my tires, I found a dealer with experience with this system right here on the forum. Suggest you post in the geographic section for your area. Someone will point you in the direction of someone who can help. Also, there was a post about two weeks ago by a member with a full set of '96 sensors for sale at a good price. Check the C4 parts for sale archives. A lot of owners have given up on the LTPWS because it sets the service light off a lot. But I like it and think it's worth the trouble. But like you found out the hard way, you have to be real careful where you have tire service work done. Good luck.

PS: welcome to the forum.


[Modified by lspalding, 7:59 PM 5/2/2002]

 

If you pull the codes, the codes identify which wheel sensors are at fault.

 

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll give it a try. I am assuming you can still get a low tire message with the service light on. Do you know if the sensors have batteries in them?

 

I had this same problem and one of the other fine fourm members gave me this advise (below)

In the end I have opted to ignore this error..

..
I've had that problem with my '96 when I've run a mix of wheels with and without the transmitters (mix of race and street tires).
It will set the Service LTPWS light, and then you have to clear it. Here is the proceedure for the '96. I believe that the '94 is the same;
you will have to check with someone else to verify.
Ground terminal 6 to 5 at the DLC connector with the ignition in the On position, this will enable the reciever/control module to display any stored
DTC(s) by flashing the "Service LTPWS" light in the DIC. The "Service LTPWS" light will flash in a logical sequence to depict a two digit DTC
associated with each low tire or fault condition stored in the diagnostic memory. Each DTC will displayed will consist of a number of flashes
representing the first digit, followed by a short pause, followed by a number of flashes for the second digit followed by a long pause indicating
the end of the DTC. All DTCs stored in memory will be displayed three times before proceeding to the next DTC. DTC 12 will always preceed
any DTCs stored in memory and will be continuously display if no DTCs are present. To exit this mode, remove the jumper (likely a paperclip)
from the two terminals.

To clear any LTPWS DTCs: With the ignition on, ground terminal 6 to 5 at the DLC 3 times within 10 seconds. It will confirm this by turning on the
"Low/Flat Tire" and "Service LTPWS" lights in the DIC on solild until the key is turned off.

DTC
--------
12 This is normal.
23 Low tire at "orange" sensor (Factory Location : Right Rear)
24 Wheel sensor problem, "orange" sensor (Factory Location : Right Rear)
33 Low tire at "yellow" sensor (Factory Location : Left Rear)
34 Wheel sensor problem, "yellow" sensor (Factory Location : Left Rear)
43 Low tire at "green" sensor (Factory Location : Left Front)
44 Wheel sensor problem, "green" sensor (Factory Location : Left Front)
53 Low tire at "blue" sensor (Factory Location : Right Front)
54 Wheel sensor problem, "blue" sensor (Factory Location : Right Front)
99 Possible receiver fault.

Acronym Reference
--------------------
DLC - Diagnostic Link Connector
DTC - Diagnostic Trouble Code
DIC - Driver Information Center (Above climate control with all the lights)
LTPWS - Low Tire Pressure Warning System

 

No batteries. There's a part inside that vibrates as a result of the motion of the wheel to create current/or frequency. Not sure of the electronic part of it.