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Hi, I wonder if someone can help me with a TPMS issue I have. I have owned my 1999 built (2001 registered) corvette for nearly 13 years now. With only 34,500 miles it is fantastic original condition. I obviously only use it on fine dry days (fairly rare it seems currently over here in the UK), hense the low mileage. After its winter hibernation this year (around 3 months), I took it out to clean it and found a 'check guages' message on the hud. It showed a fault with the TPMS with only one of the 4 tyres showing a value. The other 3 just displaying a blank (no XX). I assumed they would need teaching.......but not being able to find a suitable magnet to use...as yet I have been unable to reset the values. However, after taking the car out for its yearly MOT test the other day the TPMS started working correctly....on all 4 tyres.
Yesterday being a lovely sunny day (best day of the year), I again got the Corvette out to have a run out. Once again on start up the TPMS system showing blanks for 3 of the 4 tyres. After around 5 minutes drive the TPMS corrected itself with all 4 working correctly. Am I right to assume that the TPMS are probably at the point of needing changing (not easy over here as I would most likely have to have a set sent over from the States), or is there another explanation.
Secondly, due to its low use I do struggle each year to get it through its annual MOT test due to slightly high Lambda sensor readings. Has anyone used a cleaning agent in their fuel to help bring their emmisions down. I have been checking out a product called Cataclean, and just wondered if anyone has had positive results.
A rare sight on British roads.😊
It could very well be that you have a weak battery but not the one you're thinking of. What is the health of your car's battery? The car's battery may be getting to a point that it is losing the pressure readings. Are you losing any other settings?
The TPMS is designed to go into sleep mode when stationary for a period of time. As I understand it, the car remembers the pressure last transmitted. Driving the car wakes up the TPMS and they start transmitting again.
I personally would check the main battery's health and wait until a TPMS actually fails unless they are required to pass inspection. You can drive without them working while you wait for the replacements to arrive.
The TPMS batteries are only good for 8-10 years. Are your's original?
While this is true, many have surpassed the "time limit" due to not driving their cars much. What I find interesting is the OP's car loses the pressure reading during down time. When the car is driven, the sensors wake up and everything is normal again until the next shut down.
It could very well be that you have a weak battery but not the one you're thinking of. What is the health of your car's battery? The car's battery may be getting to a point that it is losing the pressure readings. Are you losing any other settings?
The TPMS is designed to go into sleep mode when stationary for a period of time. As I understand it, the car remembers the pressure last transmitted. Driving the car wakes up the TPMS and they start transmitting again.
I personally would check the main battery's health and wait until a TPMS actually fails unless they are required to pass inspection. You can drive without them working while you wait for the replacements to arrive.
Hi, just checked back.....and the battery is 5.5 years old. I do periodically trickle charge the battery....just in case. When I changed the battery back in 2012 I replaced it with a 'like for like' Federal battery.
Each TPMS sensor has an internal battery, good for approximately 10 years. I had them go on my other Chevy this past summer. First, they started acting up and not reporting. Then they would come back on. They also reported erratic pressures. Eventually, they didn't report at all and I replaced them.
I think what you are starting to see is the sensors are starting to go and it's just a matter of time until they don't report at all. I bought mine from Tirerack, who had a very good price on them. I looked them up for a 1999, and they are $70 each. Just not sure if Tirerack will ship overseas. These are Schrader, not GM. However, I believe Schrader is the OEM supplier. Here's the link.
Each TPMS sensor has an internal battery, good for approximately 10 years. I had them go on my other Chevy this past summer. First, they started acting up and not reporting. Then they would come back on. They also reported erratic pressures. Eventually, they didn't report at all and I replaced them.
I think what you are starting to see is the sensors are starting to go and it's just a matter of time until they don't report at all. I bought mine from Tirerack, who had a very good price on them. I looked them up for a 1999, and they are $70 each. Just not sure if Tirerack will ship overseas. These are Schrader, not GM. However, I believe Schrader is the OEM supplier. Here's the link.
Hi, thanks for this. I am due to replace the rear tyres at some point this year ( the rear ones are the originals and are still in excellent condition...but obviously nearing the point where they will need replacing). I will probably look at changing the sensors then. Cheers.
Across the pond.
