SUBJECT VEHICLES: 2007-2016 GM/Cadillac Escalade.
RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes.
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? A TPMS sensor activation tool (J-46079) may be used in place of increasing/decreasing pressures to enable the sensor.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on 2007 to 2016 GM/Cadillac Escalade Series system uses the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR), body control module (BCM), four radio frequency (RF) transmitting pressure sensors, and the serial data circuit to perform the sensor learn mode functions.
The sensor learn procedure must be performed any time the RCDLR is replaced, a sensor is replaced, or after the vehicle’s tires have been rotated. Once the learn mode has been enabled, each of the sensor’s unique identification (ID) codes can be learned into the RCDLR’s memory. When a sensor’s ID has been learned, the RCDLR sends a serial data message to the BCM to sound a horn chirp. This verifies the sensor has transmitted its ID, and the RCDLR has received and learned it.
Each sensor takes a pressure measurement sample once every 30 seconds while in stationary mode. If the tire pressure increases or decreases by more than 1.6 psi (11 kPa) from the last pressure measurement, another measurement will occur immediately to verify the change in pressure. If a pressure change has indeed occurred, the sensor transmits in learn mode. When the RCDLR receives a learn mode transmission while in learn mode, it will assign that sensor ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned. The RCDLR must learn the sensor ID codes in the proper sequence in order to determine sensor location. The first learned ID is assigned to left front, the second to right front, the third to right rear and fourth to left rear.
The TPMS will cancel the learn mode if more than two minutes have passed and no sensors have been learned, or if the system has been in learn mode for more than five minutes. If the learn mode is canceled before any sensor has been learned, the RCDLR will remember all current sensor IDs and their locations. As soon as the first sensor ID code is learned, all other IDs are erased from the RCDLR’s memory.
The updated tire pressures will not be displayed on the DIC until the RCDLR receives two more valid transmissions from each sensor. After performing the reset procedure below, always test drive the vehicle above 25 mph for at least two minutes before viewing tire pressures on the DIC. When the vehicle is stationary, the sensors go into stationary mode. In this mode, the sensors transmit once every 60 minutes to minimize sensor battery consumption. As vehicle speed increases to 25 mph (40 km/h), the sensors go into drive mode, in which they transmit once every 60 seconds. NOTE: The sensor’s pressure accuracy is about 2 psi (14 kPa) at temperatures from 14 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to 70 degrees Celsius).
Tire pressure monitor warning indicators
When the TPMS detects a significantly under-inflated tire pressure, a “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” message is displayed on the DIC and the low tire pressure indicator is displayed on the IPC. This DIC message will also set if a spare tire is in use. The DIC will display the “SERVICE TIRE MONITOR” message if one or more of the tire pressure sensors has malfunctioned or if all of the sensors have not been programmed successfully. If the warning indicators are still on, there is a problem in the TPMS. See the appropriate service information.
When the tire pressure warning light illuminates and a warning message appears, immediately check air pressure of all tires and adjust to the specified pressure. Drive the vehicle above 25 mph (40 km/h) for a few minutes. If the warning indicators are still on, there is a problem in the TPMS. See the appropriate service information.
Reset procedures
NOTE: When the wheels have been rotated, or a tire pressure sensor or RCDLR has been replaced, retrain the tire pressure sensor.
Tire pressure sensor relearn
NOTE: Before proceeding with the following steps, ensure that no other sensor learn procedure is being performed simultaneously, or that tire pressures are not being adjusted on a TPMS-equipped vehicle within close proximity.
NOTE: In the following procedure, a TPMS sensor activation tool (J-46079) may be used in place of increasing/decreasing pressures to enable the sensor. To use, place the activator antenna against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location, then press and release the ACTIVATE button.
There are three ways to enable the learn mode; using a scan tool, using the keyless entry transmitters (if equipped) or using the driver information center (DIC).
After the learn mode has been enabled there are two different methods of activating the transmitters in the tires; utilizing the J-46079 tire pressure monitor diagnostic tool at each tire or increase/decrease tire pressure for eight to 10 seconds in each tire. If a scan tool has been used to enable the learn mode, the J-46079 must be used to activate the transmitters.
Preferred scan tool learn mode
IMPORTANT: In the event a particular sensor’s information is displayed on the special tool upon activation but the horn does not chirp, it may be necessary to rotate the wheel valve stem to a different position due to the sensor signal is being blocked by another component.
1) Using a scan tool, initiate the TPMS learn mode. A double horn chirp will sound indicating the learn mode has been enabled. The left front turn signal will also be illuminated.
2) Activate the sensors by one of the following methods:
Increase/decrease method: Starting with left front tire, increase or decrease the pressure for eight to 10 seconds, then wait for a horn chirp. The horn chirp may occur before the eight to 10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached, or up to 30 seconds after the eight to 10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached.
Sensor activation tool method: Starting with the left front tire, hold the scan tool against the tire wall aiming upward with the antenna. Press the activate button and wait for a horn chirp. After the horn has chirped, the turn signal will illuminate indicating the next location to be learned.
3) After a horn chirp has sounded, repeat the procedure for the next three sensors in the following order: right front, right rear and left rear.
4) When the left rear sensor has been learned and a double horn chirp has sounded, the learn process is complete and the RCDLR exits the learn mode.
5) Turn ignition OFF, adjust all tires to the recommended pressures.
Alternate keyless entry transmitter or DIC learn enable method
NOTE: If the learn mode cannot be enabled, the TPMS is not enabled in RCDLR. See the appropriate service information.
1) Ignition ON, initiate the TPMS learn mode using one of the following procedures:
On vehicles equipped with keyless entry, simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitters lock and unlock buttons until a double horn chirp sounds indicating the learn mode has been enabled. The left front turn signal will also be illuminated. On vehicles not equipped with keyless entry, press and release the driver information center (DIC) INFO button until the TIRE LEARN message appears on the DIC display. Press and hold the SET/RESET 416 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEMS button until a double horn chirp sounds indicating the learn mode has been enabled. The left front turn signal will also be illuminated.
NOTE: If a horn chirp does not sound after 35 seconds for any of the four sensors, turn the ignition switch to OFF position to exit the learn mode. Repeat procedure from Step 1.
2) Activate the sensors by one of the following methods:
Increase/decrease method: Starting with the left front tire, increase or decrease the pressure for eight to 10 seconds, then wait for a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp may occur before the eight to 10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached, or up to 30 seconds after the eight to 10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached.
Sensor activation tool method: Starting with the left front tire, hold the scan tool against the tire wall aiming upward with the antenna. Press the activate button and wait for a horn chirp. After the horn has chirped, the turn signal will illuminate indicating the next location to be learned.
3) After a horn chirp has sounded, repeat the procedure for the next three sensors in the following order: right front, right rear and left rear.
4) After the left rear sensor has been learned, a double horn chirp will sound. Turn the ignition switch to OFF position to exit the relearn procedure. Adjust all tire pressures to specification.
Demounting/mounting procedures
NOTE: If a vehicle’s tires are replaced with those not having a TPC spec number, the TPMS may give an inaccurate low pressure warning. Non-TPC spec tires may give a low pressure warning that is higher or lower than the proper warning level achieved by TPC Spec numbered tires. When the wheels have been rotated, or a tire pressure sensor or RCDLR has been replaced, retrain tire pressure sensor. See “Reset procedures.”
Tire pressure sensor
There are currently two different kinds of TPMS sensors in use on the vehicles covered in this article.
Identification of which sensor is in use can easily be made after the tire has been removed from the wheel by referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2. Removal/installation
1) Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. Remove the tire/wheel assembly from the vehicle.
2) Demount the tire from wheel following the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions while paying special attention to the following to avoid damaging tire pressure sensor:
- Place the sensor’s cap and valve on a dry, clean surface after removal. The cap is aluminum and the valve is nickel-plated to prevent corrosion. DO NOT substitute a cap or valve made of any other material.
- Position the bead breaking fixture 90 degrees from valve stem when separating tire bead from wheel.
- Position the mounting/demounting head so the tire iron (or pry bar) can be inserted slightly clockwise of sensor body when prying tire bead up and over the mounting/demounting head.
- Using a tire machine, rotate tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring the tire bead to the outside of the wheel rim.
- Repeat items for the inner bead.
3) If the TPMS sensor is the clamp-in style (see Figure 1), follow clamp-in style removal as follows. If it is a snap-in style (see Figure 2), follow the Snap-in Style Removal. Clamp-in style sensor removal
1) Remove the tire pressure sensor nut (see Figure 1).
2) Remove the sensor from the wheel hole.
3) Remove the sensor grommet from valve stem.
4) Follow clamp-in sensor installation, to replace the sensor.
Snap-in style sensor removal
1) Remove the Torx screw (3) from the tire pressure sensor (2) and pull it straight off the tire pressure valve stem (1) (see Figure 2).
2) Remove the tire pressure valve stem by pulling it through the rim.
3) Follow snap-in style sensor installation below, to replace the sensor.
Clamp-in sensor installation
1) Clean any dirt or debris from the grommet sealing areas. Install grommet on sensor valve stem.
2) Insert the sensor in the wheel hole with the air passage facing away from the wheel.
3) Install a sensor nut, and position the sensor body parallel to the inside wheel surface while tightening nut to 62 in.-lbs. (7 N.m).
4) Before installing tire on the wheel, note the following items to avoid tire pressure sensor damage upon tire mounting:
- Position the mounting/dismounting head 180 degrees from the valve stem. Position the bead transition area 45 degrees counterclockwise of the valve stem.
- Using a tire machine, rotate the tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring the tire bead to the inside of the wheel rim. Repeat these steps for the outer bead.
5) Install the tire on the wheel. Install the tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle. Retrain the tire pressure sensor. See “Reset procedures.”
NOTE: A service replacement tire pressure sensor is shipped in the OFF mode. In this mode, the sensor’s unique identification code cannot be learned into the RCDLR’s memory. The sensor must be taken out of the OFF mode by spinning the tire/wheel assembly above 25 mph (40 km/h) for at least 10 seconds in order to close the sensor’s internal roll switch.
Snap-in style sensor installation
1) Assemble the tire pressure sensor (2) to the valve stem and install the new Torx screw (3) (see Figure 2).
2) Apply tire soap to the rubber portion of the valve stem.
3) Using a tire valve stem mounting tool, pull the valve stem through in a direction parallel to the valve hole on the rim.
4) Before installing tire on the wheel, note the following items to avoid tire pressure sensor damage upon tire mounting:
- Position the mounting/demounting head 180 degrees from the valve stem. Position the bead transition area 45 degrees counterclockwise of the valve stem.
- Using a tire machine, rotate the tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring tire bead to the inside of the wheel rim.
- Repeat these items for the outer bead.
5) Install tire on wheel. Install tire/wheel assembly on vehicle. Retrain the tire pressure sensor. See “Reset procedures.”
NOTE: Snap-fit TPMS sensors are still shipped in the OFF mode. However, the TPMS no longer needs to be spun to remove it from the OFF mode. The sensor will exit its OFF state when the tire is inflated. The technician can then program the vehicle as normal. ■
Information for this column comes from Mitchell 1’s “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in Poway, Calif., Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for more than 80 years. For more information, visit www.mitchell1.com.
To read more TPMS columns, see:
Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator 2011-2016
