4 common GMC Tire Pressure Sensor Problems (Years 2010-17)

GM or General Motor Company makes some of the best cars, trucks like Subaru, Chevrolet, GMC cars, etc. Most of these vehicles come with pressure sensors inside the tires. These sensors provide air pressure data to the ECU.

Here is a list of the common GMC Tire Pressure Sensor Problems:

1. Damaged/faulty Sensors
2. Dead/Low Battery
3. Wiring Problem
4. TPMS Fault

So, it’s very important to know how these sensors can be damaged and how to solve different problems related to them. And this is what I’m going to describe in this article. So, let’s start.

What causes the GMC tire pressure sensor malfunction? 

There are several reasons why the GMC tire pressure sensor can stop working or show anomalous behavior. Here I’m mentioning the primary reasons. 

#1- Damaged sensors:

In most cases, the sensors can last for 5 to 10 years if it is maintained properly. But sometimes due to accidents or some other external effect, the sensors can get damaged. Then it won’t be capable of sending proper data and thus the whole TPMS will start malfunctioning.

#2- Dead/low battery;

The sensor as well as the whole TPMS needs the power to run. They get power from the car battery. If the car is not driven for 5-6 months or more the battery may get dead due to lack of charging. In that situation, due to the lack of power, the sensor may stop working.

#3- Wiring problem:

The whole TPMS is connected with many wirings with power supply and ECU. If it gets disconnected or corrosion takes place, the connection will be lost and thus the GMC tire pressure sensor will face problems. 

#4- TPMS fault:

TPMS is an integrated device of many small electronic parts. So, any errors in any of these parts may affect the TPMS. Though this can be fixed by resetting if no hardware is damaged and the problem is only in the software.  

How do GMC tire pressure sensors work?

GMC tire pressure sensor works like other general sensors. It collects data regarding tire pressure and sends it to the dashboard display. So, you can track the pressure without measuring them each time.

Since the sensors and TPMS is pre-calibrated, it gives a warning if any tire shows fluctuations in pressure from its standard or recommended value.

In those cases, you’ll see a warning sign or TPMS lights blinking on the display. This means the sensor is not working properly. You can make sure whether the warning is right or not by checking the pressure with a gauge.

Do GM tire pressure sensors need to be programmed? 

Not every time the GM TPMS provides an accurate warning. Sometimes it can behave abnormally and then you may need to reprogram it.

The methods of programming TPMS can vary with different models of vehicles. But normally, starting the car dashboard and then waiting for 20 minutes gives the sensor a restart.

In some models, there is also a reset button under the steering wheel. And you can reset TPMS by just pressing the button. But it is recommended to check the owner’s guide before resetting TPMS.

Relearn of GMC tire pressure sensor

After changing tires, a relearning of the tire pressure sensor is needed each time. Otherwise, it can not pair with the TPMS and thus does not work.

There are many ways to perform this action. Mostly you will need a magnetic or radio signal tool to activate the sensors for each tire. After each one is done, you’ll hear a horn beeping sound.

Thus the sensors get connected with the TPMS and start sending data. In fact, the relearning of the pressure sensor is nothing but introducing the new sensor with the TPMS module so that they can talk between themselves and work together to track tire pressure. 

What type of TPMS does GM use?

GM uses TPMS which is produced by l Schrader, VDO, and Lear company. The frequency of these sensors can also vary with different vehicles. 

Most older models of sensors use 315 Hz frequency while modern vehicles of the years 2019 and 2020 use 433 Hz. The TPMS used in recent models of cars and trucks is mostly manufactured by Schrader. 

How much does it cost to replace GM tire pressure sensors?

According to the leading service provider of America, the replacement of TPMS can cost about $50-$120 depending on particular requirements. 

Since the replacement not only charges for the sensors but also for the labor cost and other extra services that are needed, the price can also vary from region to region.

The best way to deal with that is to discuss it before purchasing any repair services. Make sure to explain what problems you’re facing and if you have any suggestions regarding it to the service provider.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

GMC Terrain – Reset / Clear TPMS Tire Pressure Light (2010 – 2017) >> Check out the video below:

Verdict – GMC tire pressure sensor fault

To recap, Here is a list of the common GMC Tire Pressure Sensor Problems:

1. Damaged/faulty Sensors
2. Dead/Low Battery
3. Wiring Problem
4. TPMS Fault

So, if any of such problems are noticed, you should immediately check the tire pressure, sensor performance, and TPMS. Sometimes if the problem is not severe, only a reset can fix it. 

Otherwise, replacing sensors or TPMS may be needed. In that case, it may cost you $50 to $100 depending on the type of service you’re getting.

Before you leave, you can check out these related articles here: 

Mercedes Tire Pressure Sensor Problems (+ Troubleshooting Guide)

Subaru Tire Pressure Light Blinking – (Reason + Reset Guide)

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.