Computer says I have a flat tire
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Camarillo CA
Computer says I have a flat tire
I have tried retraining the tires and no use. Every time i drive my code reads " left rear tire flat" Then when I hit 55 mph, the active handling
is disconnected. Should i wait until I need new tires and change the tire sensor? Any suggestions? By the way, I have a 01 C5 vert.
is disconnected. Should i wait until I need new tires and change the tire sensor? Any suggestions? By the way, I have a 01 C5 vert.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 0
From: sterling ct
i had a similar problem...there is a way to use a magnet (gm sells a round one for 10-12 bucks) and by following instructions can reset the sensor in the tire. i am certain that someone will chime in with the instructions.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
The right front sensor on my '01 died over the winter. It would not retrain either.
A new sensor, from Gene Culley at www.gmpartshouse.com, was under $40. I paid a tire installer $10 to dismount the tire and replace it.
I wouldn't wait for needing new tires to replace it.
A new sensor, from Gene Culley at www.gmpartshouse.com, was under $40. I paid a tire installer $10 to dismount the tire and replace it.
I wouldn't wait for needing new tires to replace it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
The answer depends on whether or not you want to keep driving it the way it is until you change tires. My guess is that it will not fix itself.
I would go ahead and fix the problem.
If one sensor has a dead battery, then the others may not be far behind in failing. You might want to replace them all the next time you change tires.
I would go ahead and fix the problem.
If one sensor has a dead battery, then the others may not be far behind in failing. You might want to replace them all the next time you change tires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
Likes: 7
From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
The right front sensor on my '01 died over the winter. It would not retrain either.
A new sensor, from Gene Culley at www.gmpartshouse.com, was under $40. I paid a tire installer $10 to dismount the tire and replace it.
I wouldn't wait for needing new tires to replace it.
A new sensor, from Gene Culley at www.gmpartshouse.com, was under $40. I paid a tire installer $10 to dismount the tire and replace it.
I wouldn't wait for needing new tires to replace it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I have tried retraining the tires and no use. Every time i drive my code reads " left rear tire flat" Then when I hit 55 mph, the active handling
is disconnected. Should i wait until I need new tires and change the tire sensor? Any suggestions? By the way, I have a 01 C5 vert.
is disconnected. Should i wait until I need new tires and change the tire sensor? Any suggestions? By the way, I have a 01 C5 vert.
You do not get a flat tire message unless the sensor is actually reading a low tire pressure and transmitting that reading to the car's tire pressure system. If you have run flat tires on the car you will not be able to see if the tire is flat unless you actually check the tire pressure with a gauge. If somebody worked on the car and moved the tires around the sensor could be in the wrong location and you need to check the other tires to see if they have a low pressure.
Another possibility is somebody has damaged the sensor so it isn't reading the correct pressure.
By the way the message you are getting just says Reduced Handling it doesn't say the Active Handling is disengaged.
XX TIRE FLAT - MAXIMUM SPEED 55 MPH - REDUCED HANDLING
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; May 1, 2009 at 01:01 PM.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
He marked the tire before dismounting it, and then mounted it back where it originally was on the wheel. No re-balance was needed that way.
This guy even wears cotton gloves when he handles my wheels!
Good answers above, I would change out the sensor, but to each his own.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 753
Likes: 2
From: Denville NJ
One other thing you can try, is to let air out of the tire a bit, or even overinflate it for a while. Then adjust to the proper pressure and see if that helps. Of course, check the starting pressure with a good gauge. I had a flat once and it took some jockying around to get the sensor to work right again...just a thought.
