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As far as I know,,,,,,,,, there are NOT any devices that can ACTIVATE a C5 TPS other than a MAGNET.
Do your FOBs work? Read your DTCs and see if you have any BCM or RFA DTCs Make sure to include the H or C suffix!!
This device they used had a forked end on it that they held up against the wheel around the valve stem while the DIC was in learning mode so, it probably had a magnet in it. Maybe, an electromagnet.
I only have one FOB and it works. The tire pressure display is still showing the old tire pressures and hasn't changed since I started running the new tires.
I'll get right on reading the DTC's as soon as I can. Haven't read them in awhile but haven't noticed a CE light either.
I, also, found a site that listed 116 TSB's for my 'vette. Four of them had to do with TPMS but none of those were about the wheels.
Some aftermarket sensors learn by letting out or adding about 10 psi of air, try that. Also, the person changing the tire can ruin the sensor with a pry bar if they are careless.
This device they used had a forked end on it that they held up against the wheel around the valve stem while the DIC was in learning mode so, it probably had a magnet in it. Maybe, an electromagnet.
I only have one FOB and it works. The tire pressure display is still showing the old tire pressures and hasn't changed since I started running the new tires.
I'll get right on reading the DTC's as soon as I can. Haven't read them in awhile but haven't noticed a CE light either.
I, also, found a site that listed 116 TSB's for my 'vette. Four of them had to do with TPMS but none of those were about the wheels.
Thanks,
Sonny
TSBs are Technical Service Bulletins and just tell the tech about service issues and are NOT recalls.
The only thing that sets a service engine light ( CEL ) are PCM and EMISSION related issues.. The TPM codes will not trip the CEL.
While I was on the OE Wheels site that I ordered them from, I noticed they had an "install" tab on the order page for the TPMS and it stated...
1. Turn ignition switch to ON position (engine off)
2. Press and hold unlock and lock buttons on the keyless entry transmitter; until horn sounds and then LF turn signal will become illuminated.
3. Starting with LF tire increase/decrease, tire pressure until horn sounds.
4. After horn sounds proceed as in step 5 for the next 3 sensors in the following order RF RR LR After completing LR tire horn will sound twice.
5. Turn ignition to OFF position to exit vehicle learn mode. Adjust all tires to pressure listed on the placard.
Well, I thought I'd try this but nothing happened while holding the buttons on my transmitter.
My gut feeling is that they sold you the WRONG sensors!!!
That programming procedure you copied from the seller's sensor "install" tab is the EXACT procedure used on later model year GM cars and trucks, and NOT for your 2004 Corvette.
My 2010 Silverado TPMS sensors, for example, are programmed with the procedure you found on that install tab, and they are definitely different sensors than those used on 2001-2004 Corvettes.
My gut feeling is that they sold you the WRONG sensors!!!
That programming procedure you copied from the seller's sensor "install" tab is the EXACT procedure used on later model year GM cars and trucks, and NOT for your 2004 Corvette.
My 2010 Silverado TPMS sensors, for example, are programmed with the procedure you found on that install tab, and they are definitely different sensors than those used on 2001-2004 Corvettes.
If only there was a way to prove that, I'd get my money back and get the correct ones somewhere else.
Call the vendor and tell them they don't work. If they don't want to work with you, file a dispute with the credit card company that you bought them with to get the charges reversed. As I've said before, with regard to troubleshooting, I've always believed in the "what's changed" point of view. If your TPMS worked before these new sensors, and they don't now, then the sensors are probably the issue. You've tried every avenue, but they won't learn!
"Why do you beat your head against the wall--because it feels so good when you stop?"
Geeze, call the company and return them. If they won't take them back then call your CC company and dispute the charges. Get the right ones.
Thanks for the words of inspiration but, you're not talking to a teenager here. I know the drill, I was just hoping for some concrete evidence that they're actually the problem before breaking down my new tires again.
Luckily, I still have my old wheels and tires standing by but, these ride SO much better they're addicting and, to go back to the old ones would be a shock to the system!
I was just hoping for some concrete evidence that they're actually the problem before breaking down my new tires again.
If you are looking for absolute proof, break only one tire down and remove the sensor. I would try the LF, since that's the first one in the programming sequence.
With the LF sensor in your HAND, start the programming sequence. Any type of magnet will easily trigger it, to communicate with the RF receiver in the car, when the sensor is OUT of the wheel.
Also, by trying trying it OUTSIDE of the wheel, you will eliminate the possibility of your wheels causing the trouble, and know for sure.
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Originally Posted by K-Spaz
If you get another set, you may consider programming them before you take them to a tire shop. You can just sit in the drivers seat and make sure they're good to go before paying to have them installed. That's what I did. All 4 were ready to go before I took them in. Then, just reprogram them after installation to get the right ones recognized at the proper 4 corners of the car.
Why not just get a sensor that DOES work, and try it. BEFORE breaking the tires down, then resolve it. You could even go to a friend or dealer with another Vette, park close, and program your car those sensors. It'll be enough to see that the rest of your system is working. From there, purchase the right ones, and be done with this.
So take one of them, stand it beside the car and see if it programs....
Good idea. I took all of the old tires and wheels and rolled them up beside the car. Put it in learn mode...
LF-honk
RF-honk
RR-no honk
LR-honk
Well, I really don't know how old the TPMS in the old wheels are but, they WERE working before I took them off so I don't know the reason the RR played with me but, I think that tells me the receiver is OK.
I have an e-mail in to the supplier I bought them from so, I'll give 'em a chance to answer that way, then it's phone call.
Might just pony up for a set of Schraders in the meantime and deal with the bad ones at my leisure.
I just got frustrated because I have a cluttered history in the last year with items I've ordered online not working when they get to me and am tired of dealing with returns. I'd surely buy locally if there was an availability of the stuff I want.
Luckily, I still have my old wheels and tires standing by...
Sonny
Maybe not a teenager, but.....
You have the old tires so troubleshooting couldn't be any easier. You just roll the old tires up close to the car and try programming them. That'll tell you pretty quickly if it's a sensor or car issue. Yet, you had to be told to try this....
In the first response I said try a bigger magnet or the sensors are no good. Guess what? You tried a bigger magnet without luck, so the sensors are no good.
Last edited by lionelhutz; Nov 29, 2012 at 05:54 PM.
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Maybe your battery in the RR is getting low, or is dead now. Doesn't owe anyone anything if its 10+ years old. Sometimes they take a few tries to work. If it doesn't chirp in 3 seconds, it's probably not going to and you can just start moving the magnet around. Obviously, the closer you can get the magnet the better. And, the angle may matter too.
Glad to hear you've got it narrowed down. They'll replace them and you'll be on your way. When you see a blank DIC, you'll be glad you spent the time on this.
Hope it helps out. They also have a donut shaped learning magnet too-p/n 20143-IIRC $25. Handy to have. BTW, from what I've read, the only difference between GM Schraders and ones from Schrader itself, are the color of the case (and a lot cheaper price).
Last edited by PhilsFRC; Nov 29, 2012 at 06:16 PM.