I'm going to get some Bridgestone Potenza tires, pretty similar to the F1s and Michelin Pilots. Anything that I need to know about the pressure sensors? Can they still be used in these tires? Thanks.

 

Changing the brand of tires has no effect on the air pressure sensors.

 

.......for most tires, but not for all. There are one or two brands that have a special amount of steel inside that influences the TPS. If I remember right, there is a TSB on this issue.

Michelin Pilot Sports will work fine, do not know about the Bridgestones.

Frederik

Found the TSB:
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin
Number: 00-03-10-005
Subject: Info - Wheel Pressure Sensors Unable to be Reprogrammed after Tire Replacement
Model Year: 1997-2001

Some dealers may find it difficult to reprogram the wheel mounted air pressure sensors on vehicles which have replacement tires installed. If this is the case, verify the brand and model of the tires. One tire that is known to cause this condition is the Goodyear® Eagle™ F-1. The Goodyear® Eagle™ F-1 uses a unique "all-steel" case construction. The sidewall reinforcement, as well as the tread belts, are made from a woven steel strand material. The presence of this material may cause degradation of the signals generated by the wheel mounted sensors. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement tires must have Goodyear® Eagle™ F-1 GS EMT molded into the sidewall of the tire. If the tire does not have the GS designation, it is an all steel construction Goodyear® Eagle™ F-1 tire.

This type of interference may not be limited to the Goodyear® Eagle™ F-1 tire. As other manufacturers produce replacements for the Corvette, the individual peculiarities of those tires cannot be predicted. Using OEM replacement tires as identified above is the customer's best assurance of trouble free performance.

What to Advise the Customer
If an inspection of the wheel mounted sensor reveals no visible damage caused by improper installation of the tires, you should recommend that the customer install OEM tires to correct this condition. Further point out to the customer that the current aftermarket tires do not afford the run-flat feature of the original equipment tires. As the Corvette is not fitted with a spare tire, this could be a serious inconvenience to the customer.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

Hope this helps

[Modified by C5 Frederik, 3:33 PM 2/10/2003]


[Modified by C5 Frederik, 3:46 PM 2/10/2003]