Would anybody know if the newer tire pressure sensors 2001-2004 would be programmable on a 98-99????:o

 

NO, you need series I sensors.

 

It is not a "programming" issue .... the 1997 -2000 TPMS transmit the data on a different radio frequency than the 2001-2004 sensors use. Your car's RFA (the radio receiver that "listens" for signals) is set for the frequency of both your tire sensors and your key fobs.

 

Thanks Guys!! Worth asking!!

 

Has anyone tried to put the 01-04 radio receiver in a 97-00?

 

Since that same receiver is also used by the key FOBs, I think you would potentially be creating even more incompatibility problems.

 

Since I have a 2001 it is a non-issue for me, but from my research in the Service Manuals .... it certainly looks like it should work. It appears thet the only differences between the two receivers are ....

1) the radio frequency they receive on

2) the rate at which they send updates to the IPC on tire pressures ....
the early RFA sends "updates" on a "regular" basis, the later RFA basically only sends an update when the data has changed. It appears the IPC doesn't track when it gets updates, so should make no difference at all ...

 

Are the pin-outs and plug connectors exactly the same? Does the later model receiver have the same dimensions and mount in the same clip-in manner as the earlier ones, or would you have to lash up something for mounting (tie wraps, etc)?

 

Pin outs are identical (even the wire colors haven't changed) ... the external dimensions are identical ..... mounts exactly the same way .... like I said above .... the ONLY difference I can see is the frequency received, and the method it uses to update the IPC.

I'm certain it's an easy swap .... when Chevy changed the receiver frequency ... why add to the cost and change other stuff like the external mounting ???? The change to the IPC updating was a software change (no manufacturing cost) and was PROBABLY done to lessen the traffic on the data bus .... I doubt they had anything programmed in the IPC that looked for the RFA on a certain schedule .... I even offered a few months ago to contribute a few bucks to a fund if someone wanted to try this.

Yeah, you'd need both new keyfobs and TPMS, but over time I think you'd save quite a bit with the lowered cost of replacing the TPMS when the batteries die.

 

Cool. Thanks for the research. You are exactly right though about the ROI. Isn't worth it.

 

With the cost of the earlier FOBs and TPS I'm surprised no one has tried this.

 

I am too .....

 

I'm checking to see if its my RFA or FOB thats out

If its the RFA its covered under my extended warranty

I wonder if the stealership would be able to order me the RFA from a 01+
Then I could try it out -- my TPS will need to be replaced fairly soon I fear.. so having to spend less would be awesome

How hard is this part to get to? I haven't looked it up since i have very little interest in wrenching on this car when things are covered under warranty

HMM.. wonder if i could find a totaled C5 at a junk yard that the electronics work on (cheap way to try it out)

 

The replacement of the RFA is a VERY time consuming process ....

* Carefully remove the "carpeting" (insulator) that is the left side of your trunk area

* The RFA is the box mounted high up ... it has a "pole" coming out of its forward and rear ends ... those are the antenna. GENTLY pull the RFA toward the right side of the vehicle ... that will "unlock" the left side ... the right side has two tabs that hold it in the mount (Look at the "mounting" on the one you are about to install ... that'll help you understand how it is "clipped" in).

* Take the RFA out only far enough to reach in and disconnect the single wiring connection ... THAT'S IT !!!!

Installation is the reverse. Whole thing is probably 5 minutes the first time you do it, less than a minute if you have to do it again.

Dealer can order either type of RFA, just be sure they have the TPMS and fobs in stock to match also .... the Fobs can be ordered as a #1, a #2, or a "blank" fob ... the numbers are for the "memory system" that can learn up to 3 different driver preferences.

And yes, a junkyard RFA could be a GREAT way to test this out .... even if you don't get the "matching" fobs and TPMS ... if the 2001 (or later) can generate the error messages to the DIC that show it is not receiving the TPMS signals would be pretty much the proof that this will work.

Once you have the correct TPMS ... don't forget to program them to the RFA.