Help/advice needed with "low tire pressure" warning.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 63
Likes: 26
From: Johnstown, Pa
Help/advice needed with "low tire pressure" warning.
I hope someone can help me with this. I checked the archives and found nothing.
Background:
Bought my 2009 in December, and it has been stored in garage. I decided to replace stock wheels with aftermarket zr1's with new tires. Earlier this month, I noticed it showing "low tire pressure LF tire" with tire icon (not blinking) on. I was not too concerned as in a week's time I was having state inspection done and new tires/wheels mounted.
My mechanic mentioned it and said they could not get the tire pressure warning removed. He thought it was odd that it showed with each tire (old and new) it remained on. I drove yesterday for 20 miles, hoping it would re-set, it did not.
Went to local tire store. They checked air pressure in all four tires, all good. He could not re-set it, but told me my sensors were all good.
Next step for me will probably be a visit to GM dealership.
Any ideas? I would be grateful for any assistance.
Please have a good holiday weekend and thank you to all who have served.
flip
Background:
Bought my 2009 in December, and it has been stored in garage. I decided to replace stock wheels with aftermarket zr1's with new tires. Earlier this month, I noticed it showing "low tire pressure LF tire" with tire icon (not blinking) on. I was not too concerned as in a week's time I was having state inspection done and new tires/wheels mounted.
My mechanic mentioned it and said they could not get the tire pressure warning removed. He thought it was odd that it showed with each tire (old and new) it remained on. I drove yesterday for 20 miles, hoping it would re-set, it did not.
Went to local tire store. They checked air pressure in all four tires, all good. He could not re-set it, but told me my sensors were all good.
Next step for me will probably be a visit to GM dealership.
Any ideas? I would be grateful for any assistance.
Please have a good holiday weekend and thank you to all who have served.
flip
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 611
From: DFW Texas
Need a little more information, such as how old are the TPMS sensors in your tires? Having just purchased last December you probably do not know, but changing the 1 sensor that indicates the fault may be a good start. Also, the LF is the first sensor to be set when entering the TPMS relearn mode and them move clockwise to the RF, RR, LR to finish. Do you know if the tire shop could get the system into relearn mode and did the system accept all the sensor resets with the final double-horn beep? If yes, and resetting the sensors did not fix the problem, you could try swapping the front tires & try again. Otherwise, you should consider purchasing 4 new sensors & install them in the new wheel/tires and go from there.
Hope you figure it out.
GD
Hope you figure it out.
GD
Last edited by gdmoore01; May 29, 2021 at 11:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 63
Likes: 26
From: Johnstown, Pa
The tpms sensors are brand new. Bought with tires and matched to the car. The stem caps are black plastic (old style). The stem caps on the original wheels were metal. Does that matter?
The tire shop put a "gizmo", don't know what they are called, under the steering column then went to his computer to reset the tpms. He was unsuccessful and said the computer was not communicating with the tpms.
I have thought of buying the tpms reset tool but I assumed the tire shop could do this better than me.
flip
The tire shop put a "gizmo", don't know what they are called, under the steering column then went to his computer to reset the tpms. He was unsuccessful and said the computer was not communicating with the tpms.
I have thought of buying the tpms reset tool but I assumed the tire shop could do this better than me.
flip
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 611
From: DFW Texas
The "gizmo" is not how the C6 is put into TPMS learn-mode. Did each tire sensor he tried to reset result in a horn-beep? If not, he did nothing for you. You can put the car into TPMS learn-mode yourself. See if this works. Once the TPMS system enters the relearn mode, you need a sensor reset tool to move from tire to tire to reset each sensor & the system to "learn" the tire position. Can be purchased inexpensively from Amazon. Also, some information below from the owners manual:
RELEARN PROCEDURE FOR
Chevrolet Corvette
1. Hold the bottom of the start button (not the top) into Accessory position until the green light comes on again and the dash lights up.
2. Press and hold unlock and lock buttons on the keyless entry transmitter until horn sounds.
3. Starting with LF tire use the relearn tool to reset the sensor until horn sounds.
4. After horn sounds proceed as in step 3 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 tire placard.
Some of the conditions
that can cause the TPMS light to come
on are:
. The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or not
completed successfully. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off after
successfully completing the
sensor matching process.
. One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
your dealer for service.
. Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires on page 10‑68.
. Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
GD
RELEARN PROCEDURE FOR
Chevrolet Corvette
1. Hold the bottom of the start button (not the top) into Accessory position until the green light comes on again and the dash lights up.
2. Press and hold unlock and lock buttons on the keyless entry transmitter until horn sounds.
3. Starting with LF tire use the relearn tool to reset the sensor until horn sounds.
4. After horn sounds proceed as in step 3 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 tire placard.
Some of the conditions
that can cause the TPMS light to come
on are:
. The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or not
completed successfully. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off after
successfully completing the
sensor matching process.
. One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
your dealer for service.
. Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires on page 10‑68.
. Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
GD
Last edited by gdmoore01; May 29, 2021 at 11:59 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,910
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
The tpms reset tool is avail on Amazon for $8 last time I purchased one.
I had a bad set of new ac delco sensors I purchased of Amazon that wouldn't sink. Unsure if the batteries were just run-down or the part # was mislabeled.
The tire store mounted Schrader tpms they had on-hand and everything was fine.
Btw, the origional tpms batteries have a seven year lifespan IIRC.
I had a bad set of new ac delco sensors I purchased of Amazon that wouldn't sink. Unsure if the batteries were just run-down or the part # was mislabeled.
The tire store mounted Schrader tpms they had on-hand and everything was fine.
Btw, the origional tpms batteries have a seven year lifespan IIRC.
Last edited by DSOMC6; May 29, 2021 at 11:55 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 63
Likes: 26
From: Johnstown, Pa
I will order the tool and follow the posted directions. Thank you.
I read these directions before, but when passing the tire store yesterday, I assumed they could do the fix better than me. No they did not check each tire and get a beep.
Thanks for the suggestions and feedback.
flip
I read these directions before, but when passing the tire store yesterday, I assumed they could do the fix better than me. No they did not check each tire and get a beep.
Thanks for the suggestions and feedback.
flip
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 174
From: Auburn Al
Originally Posted by DSOMC6
The tpms reset tool is avail on Amazon for $8 last time I purchased one.
I had a bad set of new ac delco sensors I purchased of Amazon that wouldn't sink. Unsure if the batteries were just run-down or the part # was mislabeled.
The tire store mounted Schrader tpms they had on-hand and everything was fine.
Btw, the origional tpms batteries have a seven year lifespan IIRC.
I had a bad set of new ac delco sensors I purchased of Amazon that wouldn't sink. Unsure if the batteries were just run-down or the part # was mislabeled.
The tire store mounted Schrader tpms they had on-hand and everything was fine.
Btw, the origional tpms batteries have a seven year lifespan IIRC.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
Being old, 
I'm a bit confused after reading this thread.
Two or three times in the past couple months, the warning for my RR has come up, but went away automatically as quickly as it came on. I checked the tire each time and it was always where it should be.
This afternoon it came on and stayed on all the way home (about 20 miles). Again, tire pressure was where it should be when I checked it. I just now went out and started the car, tire warning is still there.
I assumed the battery in the sensor was dead but now I'm not sure. I have an '07 that I bought in 2014 and they had installed brand new Michelins. Whether they replaced the sensors or not, I do not know. The car had 23k miles on it then.
Should I try resetting it before I do anything else?
I'm a bit confused after reading this thread.Two or three times in the past couple months, the warning for my RR has come up, but went away automatically as quickly as it came on. I checked the tire each time and it was always where it should be.
This afternoon it came on and stayed on all the way home (about 20 miles). Again, tire pressure was where it should be when I checked it. I just now went out and started the car, tire warning is still there.
I assumed the battery in the sensor was dead but now I'm not sure. I have an '07 that I bought in 2014 and they had installed brand new Michelins. Whether they replaced the sensors or not, I do not know. The car had 23k miles on it then.
Should I try resetting it before I do anything else?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 221
From: Minot ND
Being old, I'm a bit confused after reading this thread.
Two or three times in the past couple months, the warning for my RR has come up, but went away automatically as quickly as it came on. I checked the tire each time and it was always where it should be.
This afternoon it came on and stayed on all the way home (about 20 miles). Again, tire pressure was where it should be when I checked it. I just now went out and started the car, tire warning is still there.
I assumed the battery in the sensor was dead but now I'm not sure. I have an '07 that I bought in 2014 and they had installed brand new Michelins. Whether they replaced the sensors or not, I do not know. The car had 23k miles on it then.
Should I try resetting it before I do anything else?
I'm a bit confused after reading this thread.Two or three times in the past couple months, the warning for my RR has come up, but went away automatically as quickly as it came on. I checked the tire each time and it was always where it should be.
This afternoon it came on and stayed on all the way home (about 20 miles). Again, tire pressure was where it should be when I checked it. I just now went out and started the car, tire warning is still there.
I assumed the battery in the sensor was dead but now I'm not sure. I have an '07 that I bought in 2014 and they had installed brand new Michelins. Whether they replaced the sensors or not, I do not know. The car had 23k miles on it then.
Should I try resetting it before I do anything else?
Last edited by ttx350z; Aug 24, 2021 at 09:13 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
Yes I was. Someone selling tires and sensors saying they’re “new” doesn’t make it so. There have been many instances of sensors sitting on shelves for years and sold as new. They might be a new sale but not new production. The batteries have a shelf life and that’s why they have date codes on each one. Not saying that’s exactly what’s happening but it is a possibility.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
Made a 40+ mile round trip today, three start-stop cycles, first time I've driven it since I posted. Tire light did not come on.
I'm torn as to what to do. It will need new tires next year sometime. Do I have all sensors replaced now? Or wait until I need new tires and do them then?
Decision decisions.
I'm torn as to what to do. It will need new tires next year sometime. Do I have all sensors replaced now? Or wait until I need new tires and do them then?
Decision decisions.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Made a 40+ mile round trip today, three start-stop cycles, first time I've driven it since I posted. Tire light did not come on.
I'm torn as to what to do. It will need new tires next year sometime. Do I have all sensors replaced now? Or wait until I need new tires and do them then?
Decision decisions.
I'm torn as to what to do. It will need new tires next year sometime. Do I have all sensors replaced now? Or wait until I need new tires and do them then?
Decision decisions.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
Pretty clear the RR sensor is dying. The dilemma is in my previous post.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 554
From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
Another twist on this.
The problem did not happen again, however my car would not start on Friday October 1. See my previous thread.
The no-start ended up being the keyless entry module died. I had read somewhere that the TP system was also controlled by that module. I asked the service guy at the dealer about that and he wasn't sure. But he asked one of the mechanics and sure enough, it does.
We agreed that my previous tire pressure warning was probably because the keyless module was on its way out. So that's something to keep in mind for anyone else who has a TPMS problem.
The problem did not happen again, however my car would not start on Friday October 1. See my previous thread.
The no-start ended up being the keyless entry module died. I had read somewhere that the TP system was also controlled by that module. I asked the service guy at the dealer about that and he wasn't sure. But he asked one of the mechanics and sure enough, it does.
We agreed that my previous tire pressure warning was probably because the keyless module was on its way out. So that's something to keep in mind for anyone else who has a TPMS problem.
