Silverado Tire Pressure Sensor Problems (2004-20) – [easy fix]

Silverado is a light truck brand of Chevy. You know Silverado tires generally come with a direct TPMS sensor installed. What does that actually mean? This means that sensors are installed in the wheel and remain in direct contact with the ECU with radio frequency. 

Silverado Tire Pressure Sensor Problems can be of many types. Sometimes, the sensor can get damaged. Moreover, the data processing unit may malfunction which may lead to further problems. All of these problems can be solved if you know the proper way.

Some problems can be fixed by regular diagnosis. On the other hand, some may need to reset the TPMS module. Here in this article, I’ll discuss every part of it. So, keep reading to be an expert on Silverado tires TPMS.

Silverado Tire Pressure Sensors

Silverado is one of the most popular light-duty pickup trucks from Chevrolet. These trucks are really well-built and equipped with modern sensors and technologies. An updated TPMS module is one of its best features. But this part might create issues sometimes.

For example, sometimes you may notice that the TPMS sensor sign in the dashboard is blinking. Generally, it blinks in such a way that the sign tur ON and then stays off for about three seconds, and the process goes on. This basically means that there are problems with a sensor or maybe in all of them.

Again, often you may see that your tire pressure is perfectly okay, but the TPMS light is still on. This may indicate that the sensor is either damaged or the connection is not accurate.

Well, no matter what type of problem you may face, there are solutions to each of these and that’s the main thing we’re going to see later in this article.

Chevrolet Sliverado TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System >> Check out the video below:

Explanation of how TPMS works in Silverado vehicles

TPMS means Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This module is designed to sense the air pressure inside the tire and provide a warning if any anomaly is seen inside the tire.

So, how does the whole module work? Well, the sensor is located on the inner side of the wheel rim. It can sense the pressure and send the data to Electrical Control Unit or ECU.

In the ECU panel, the required pressure is already calibrated. If the tire pressure is more than the required amount, the TPS module will give you a sign and so for a low-pressure scenario. Thus you can know whether your tire is under-inflated or over-inflated. Thus this TPMS works in Silverado or mostly in all other vehicles too.

How to program tire pressure sensor chevy?

To program the tire pressure sensor on a chevy all you need to do is to start the key of the vehicle without starting the engine.

Then just press the reset button for the required time as per the manual say. Sometimes you may need to inflate the tire to the fullest and deflate it completely. Then after deflation, again refill it. This will re-program the tire pressure on a chevy.

Most common Silverado tire pressure sensor problems (with cost and solutions)

The most popular problems of Silverado tire pressure and their solutions are mentioned below:

How do you reset the TPMS on a 2020 Silverado without tool?

Generally, most models on Silverado these days are capable of self-resetting. All you need to do is to press the reset button as recommended.

In most cases, you’ll need to press it for three blinks of the TPMS light and then start the engine. Even driving for 50 mph or more for an hour can also reset the engine. You’ll notice it has been resettled after you turn the vehicle ON again.

How to maintain proper tire pressure in Silverado vehicles

According to experts, the proper tire pressure for Silverado vehicles is 35 PSI. But the question is how do you maintain this pressure? Well, here below is the answer.

• Remember to check the tire pressure every day in the morning before going out with your vehicle. The cold weather at night can deflate the tire and affect the sensor too.
• If the warning light is ON, stop your vehicle and see if the pressure of each tire is okay. If not inflate or deflate the tire pressure as required.
• Don’t rely on the TPMS each time you see it giving a warning. Sometimes, the pressure may be okay but it will still show a warning. In that case, reset the TPMS or contact a mechanic.

Handy Hints: I covered detailed about Mercedes Tire Pressure Sensor Problems with solutions in my previous blog post. Although not essential to this post, reading that post will give you full overview of what can cause problems with the pressure sensor and how to fix it.

2017 Silverado tire pressure sensor reset

Most of the manual resetting methods for Silverado after 2014 are almost the same. Here, I’m mentioning the steps for resetting the 2017 Silverado TPMS.

1. First, drive your truck at 50 mph or above for about an hour. In most Silverado, this will automatically reset the TPMS.
2. The second method is to turn the vehicle key ON. But not start the engine.
3. Then press the reset button until the pressure, and the light turns on and blinks three times. Generally, the reset button locates under the steering wheel. But read the owner’s manual to be sure.
4. Then start the vehicle and keep waiting for about 20 minutes. This will reset the TPMS of the 2017 Silverado.

2018 Silverado tire pressure sensor reset

The method of resetting the 2018 Silverado is almost the same as in 2017. So, all you need to do is to turn the ignition key on without starting the engine.

Then, press the restart button and wait for the 3 consecutive blinks of light. Then release the button and wait for another 20 minutes after starting the car. By this, your 2018 Silverado TPMS will be reset.

2020 Silverado tire pressure sensor reset

In the 2020 Silverado, the TPMS can be reset with a simple click in the ECU. Just follow the instructions described below and you will be done.

1. Turn ON the vehicle and scroll down to the Up level DIC menu.
2. There you will see the TPMS reset button. Press and hold it until the horn chip two times.
3. Use the tool to activate the left front tire sensor and a single horn will be heard.
4. Do the same for all other tires.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is there any way to disable the tire pressure sensor?

Yes. by using a bypass emulator you can disable the tire pressure sensor.

Is it okay to drive without a tire pressure sensor?

Normally, it’s completely okay to drive without a pressure sensor as long as the pressure is perfect in each tire. But if there’s any problem, you will not see any warning which may lead to accidents.

Can I replace the tire pressure sensor myself?

Yes, these sensors can be replaced by your own if you have the proper knowledge and necessary tools.

Conclusion

Silverado tire pressure can face several problems including damaged sensors to inaccurate data processing. Though many of the issues can be severe, these can be solved by following some simple steps.

Anyway, it is really important to be able to identify different problems related to tire pressure. Otherwise, the over or under-inflated tires can cause even deadly accidents. So, neglecting is absolutely not recommended.

Sometimes, while resetting the TPMS, you may notice abnormal light blinking or horn. This indicates that the process is interrupted and needs to start again. So, in these cases, restart the process from the beginning.

Rasel

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Education: Mechanical  engineer

Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA

Rasel is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.