Hi everyone. I recently purchased an RFA conversion kit from VETTENUTS (see here). The goal is to upgrade my 2000 base coupe to the late-model (2001-2004) RFA unit, fob, and TPMS.

Before starting this project I did my research on this forums regarding this upgrade. It's my understanding that this should be a straightforward swap. As simple as unplug the old RFA, re-pin to the new connector, and then everything works after pairing as needed. I had also read some anecdotes claiming that if the RFA is from a Z06, TPMS system will be disabled and the BCM will need to be programmed using a TECH II to "activate" TPMS.

Please correct me if any of my understandings above are incorrect.

Trouble started when I brought new TPMS with a set of wheels and tires to a tire shop for install. Shortly after I dropped everything off, the tire shop called and told me TPMS don't work. They could not be communicated using the TPMS scanner their techs use.

If this is true, and the TPMS are bad, this is not a good look on VETTENUTS. The RFA swap kit I purchased cost me just under $350, of which about $120 could be tied to the TPMS sensors. I called VETTENUTS after getting off the call with the tire shop, and the representative took my information and said "my manager will call you back when he has time." No response yet...

If this is a "skill issue" with the tire shop, obviously a bad look on the tire shop. But, at the end of the day I went back to confirm how they verified the TPMS were bad. I captured a video of them using their scanner to select a 2001 corvette and the scanner failed to communicate with the TPMS. So, are the TPMS sensors different between each year 2001 through 2004?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, the bigger, second-half of this post. I removed the original RFA, rewired (the pins did not seem to fit the new connector) the harness to the "new" 2001-2004 RFA unit from VETTENUTS, and gave it a shot.

I was able to successfully pair the "new" fob included in the kit from VETTENUTS.

I was NOT able to do anything with TPMS.

Previously, my 2000 coupe could read out TPMS on the DIC via the "Gages" button. Even if the original TPMS had not yet "awoken," the DIC would still display "FR ___ LR___," and such.

Now, after the RFA swap, I've got nothing. DIC flips through to Battery Voltage, then blank, then back to the top of the list. No TPMS option at all.

Furthermore, in the programming menu under "Options," I no longer have the option to pair TPMS to the car. All that is available is "FOB TRAINING."

So, is this normal for this upgrade? Have we ALWAYS needed to reprogram the new RFA's with a TECH II? Has VETTENUTS sold me an RFA out of a Z06 and I need to now purchase a TECH II to activate TPMS in the BCM?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You'll have to excuse my lengthy post. Frankly, I'm tired of not being able to place trust in just about anything or anyone, and would greatly appreciate any wisdom that can be shared to help me navigate what my best next steps are. Thanks!

 

This is very easy to solve, and I have many suggestions...... but..... the fact that you are quick to throw a known trusted supplier that has been serving the C5 community under the bus is really crappy.........just because you do not know what you are doing. The whole tone and tenor of this post lame.

 

I'm comfortable with admitting I've done something wrong or admitting ignorance in this. And that's why I've come to this forum seeking the help of people who know better. It sounds like you know better, yourself, and I'd love to learn from you or others sharing your expertise.

 

For those following up and tracing this thread later on...

I just got off the phone with VETTENUTS. We've got a troubleshooting plan in place, which is great.
The team member who called me informed me that they must have sent me a Z06 RFA unit. This was determined by the symptoms I outlined earlier in the thread with having no TPMS readout on the DIC after swapping RFA's. VETTENUTS said they should've indicated it as such, and they are shipping me a different RFA unit out of a late-model C5 to see if I can get one out of a base model with the TPMS function.

Regarding the TPMS sensors, this, too, can be troubleshooted after I receive the second RFA unit. VETTENUTS suggested that the pairing of the TPMS sensors be done by hand before installing them to wheels using a magnet and the "Tire Training" in the DIC. This is something I couldn't troubleshoot on my own because I didn't have an RFA compatible with the RFA units. As far as the tire shop goes, VETTENUTS said they haven't had a lot of luck with the hand scanners the techs will use, and suggests it's easier to do with the sensors in hand as described in other threads.

I should receive the second RFA unit on 10/01/2025 and I'll send out my updates after swapping them out and verifying everything is good!

 

nvrmnd....you did what I was going to post.

 

@lucky131969 Kindly, kick rocks Your comment was unhelpful and derogatory in intent. It looks like I knew exactly what I was doing all along. You've aced the roll of the obligatory commentor who offers nothing to help and only casts judgement. That goes a long way for the "C5 community," and it's a long way in the wrong direction. To use your own vocabulary, that is pretty "lame."

 

Yeah...not all comments on the forum are helpful, so there's that....and the "judgement" was spot on. You went into your thread irritated stating.... "I'm tired of not being able to place trust in just about anything or anyone". ....and you know what? , I get it. Working on older cars sucks when part availability, quality, and honesty are in short supply.....if available at all. Think a C5 is tough?....try finding quality parts for a C2 Rip off artists around every corner. In general, the customer service in any industry is almost nonexistent. It is what it is. ......but there are a few good ones left...and Vettenuts is one of the good ones.

The first step is to contact the supplier and try to work it out. If that path has been explored, and they blow you off, scam you, ghost you, etc......then roast away.

 

For anyone tracing this thread for results:

10/01/2025: Received a second RFA unit from VETTENUTS. Same condition as the first -- no longer have any TPMS functionality in the DIC. Called VETTENUTS, representative was the same as I spoke to on 09/29/2025 and told me they didn't confirm if it was the correct one or not before sending it to me because they didn't have a way to do so at the time. VETTENUTS is going to grab another RFA unit that they have, plug it into "a buddy's 2003," and use their TECH II to program the TPMS function "on" for the unit. After that is confirmed, they will ship the third RFA unit to me, and I will ship the first two back to them.

I have to travel for work and won't be available to have this sorted for at least another two weeks. When I have an update to share, I'll do so.

 

The z06 part number is different on the case. You should be able to tell what you've gotten from that. One of the youtube upgrade installs has it. My non-z06 01+ rfa has not programmed new fobs either on my 00.

 

FYI, the RFA module is the same for the Z06, Coupe and Convertible. Using a Tech2 you can turn on or off the TPMS function in the RFA. I have done this with a couple of units.The programing option for this is under the Chassis menu in the Tech2, dont remember the exact screens to go through.

Gary

 

For anyone following up in the future, I finally have another update.

VETTENUTS shipped me a 3rd and final 2001-2004 RFA, which was received 10/14/2025. Like RFA #2, this one did not have a housing and needed to be swapped into the housing from RFA #1 (not a big deal, only one Phillips-head screw holds the housing together). Swapped RFA #3 into the housing, plugged the unit into the factory harness, and reconnected the battery for the car. This time, the fob paired correctly, the DIC displayed tire pressures in the DIC, and the car was able to relearn the new tire pressure sensors (the pressure sensors which were included in the RFA #1 shipment).

To pair the tire pressure sensors to the vehicle, I labeled each one with what tire it would be installed in, and sat them on the ground beside the car. I for each step of the relearn process, I used a magnetic jack pad I had which was circular with a hole in the center.

The last step of this project is to buy some double-sided tape to replace the seal originally holding the RFA housing trim in place.

As for my experience working with VETTENUTS on this, I have mixed feelings. When I finally got in touch with someone on their team who was ready to help me, they were supportive of helping correct this. But, this was a 30-day-long headache that really could have been avoided if their inventory was better organized or if, as their website claims, they actually tested each product before reselling used parts. RFA #1 was shipped without confirmation that it was the correct model, and VETTENUTS confirmed this. RFA #2 was shipped, again, without confirmation, and VETTENUTS confirmed again that they shipped the part without testing it. After RFA #2, the team member I spoke with said that he would make sure the TPMS was activated in the RFA using their TECH II. RFA #3 was shipped after I asked if it could be delivered by 10/10/2025, but I did not receive a tracking number for the order. I had to reach out on my own, again, to ask for the tracking number.

Thankfully, everything worked up after RFA #3 was received. Personally, I'll be trying to avoid the need to work with them again. But, if I have to, I'll go into it understanding that there will probably be a need for some level of "trust but verify..." to put it kindly. Their team is helpful and knowledgeable. But the way they ran their business during my experience showed a large opportunity for improvement, and I'm not eager to risk a similar headache in the future.

 

I've also had one Helluva time contacting Marc. I texted him, several times, emailed him at least once, and called him several times, but always had to leave a voice message. I finally got him to answer the phone, and told him what I needed. He said he was on his way to the shop at that time and would call me when he got there. He never did. So I texted him again, and called him again, and left more voice messages. Nothing. Earlier this summer, I bought a good working alternator from him for a good price. So now I have a spare. But he forgot to charge me! So I called and texted him about it, and he finally sent a text thanking me for my honesty. I've had a great customer relationship with him thru the years, but I have no idea what is going on there now. The last time I experienced this after being a good customer at another, different business, I found out they were in the process of being bought out. IDK if Marc may be selling the business, or what might be happening. But you're not alone in the communication breakdown......

 

Lucky, is the TPMS option something that can ONLY be done with a Tech II or clone? Modern scanners don't have the ability?

 

Not sure. I have only used a Tech2 for this. I'm sure there are scanners that can.