Tire monitoring System Error Message

[Zeus2012-LTZ]

Hello Ya'll,
My 2012 Tahoe LTZ started showing the Error code for the Tire pressure monitoring system. First it would come on, them would go away for days. However, of late the error symbol has been staying on constantly.

Is there a trick to correcting this issue, or is it time to replace the sensors?

Thank you for your tips

 

[OR VietVet]

First things first. Check the tire pressures, including the spare..

 

[Fless]

If you can post the specific code it may help the comments you get back.

 

[jfoj]

Since you have a 2012 and not a 2021 model, I would say you probably have at least 1 TPMS sensor that has a weak battery. TPMS batteries last typically between 8-12 years depending on how the vehicle is driven and where you are geographically located, the colder areas are usually harder on the TPMS sensor batteries.

I have a 2005 GMC Yukon and I am on my 2nd replacement set of TPMS sensors, the first/originals lasted about 10 years, the replacements lasted about 10-11 years.

If you belong to Costco, BJ's or Sam's usually the tire centers have the TPMS tool that can trigger the sensors. Some sensors report the battery TPMS battery condition as well.

But given the age of your vehicle, assume it has original sensors, then it is time for replacement of all 4 sensors. Costco is the largest TPMS sensor retailer in the country from what they have told me. They tend to use all Schrader tools and sensors. Typical sensor price from a shop is around $45 each last I checked. I think Costco charged $15 per sensor last time I had someone purchase sensors. If you purchase your own sensors, suggest you get the valve stem hardware kit, more often than not the nut that holds the sensor on the wheel is corroded and is not a great thing to reuse after it has been on the vehicle for 10+ years.

 

[Zeus2012-LTZ]

If you can post the specific code it may help the comments you get back.

It did not show a code, it simply showed a symbol (looks like a horseshoe) and a message stating to check the tire monitoring system

 

[jfoj]

Sensor batteries are bad and sensors need to be replaced. Read my comments above.

 

[Zeus2012-LTZ]

The moderator will probably move your post to the proper section as this section is for 2021+ vehicles.

Since you have a 2012 and not a 2021 model, I would say you probably have at least 1 TPMS sensor that has a weak battery. TPMS batteries last typically between 8-12 years depending on how the vehicle is driven and where you are geographically located, the colder areas are usually harder on the TPMS sensor batteries.

I have a 2005 GMC Yukon and I am on my 2nd replacement set of TPMS sensors, the first/originals lasted about 10 years, the replacements lasted about 10-11 years.

If you belong to Costco, BJ's or Sam's usually the tire centers have the TPMS tool that can trigger the sensors. Some sensors report the battery TPMS battery condition as well.

But given the age of your vehicle, assume it has original sensors, then it is time for replacement of all 4 sensors. Costco is the largest TPMS sensor retailer in the country from what they have told me. They tend to use all Schrader tools and sensors. Typical sensor price from a shop is around $45 each last I checked. I think Costco charged $15 per sensor last time I had someone purchase sensors. If you purchase your own sensors, suggest you get the valve stem hardware kit, more often than not the nut that holds the sensor on the wheel is corroded and is not a great thing to reuse after it has been on the vehicle for 10+ years.

Thank you so much for your reply

 

[Miami-Dade]

@Zeus2006 Moved you here from 2021+section.

 

[Fless]

It did not show a code, it simply showed a symbol (looks like a horseshoe) and a message stating to check the tire monitoring system

You would need a decent scanner that has the capability to read TPMS codes; most inexpensive code readers don't.

 

[alpha_omega]

Sensor batteries are bad and sensors need to be replaced. Read my comments above.

Second and third this comment. There are a couple other options, but start with the most simple first.

You may have one in the spare tire as well. Sounds odd, but I’ve seen it before. Worth a check anyway in the event you ever need to use the tire.

 

[swathdiver]

Hello Ya'll,
My 2012 Tahoe LTZ started showing the Error code for the Tire pressure monitoring system. First it would come on, them would go away for days. However, of late the error symbol has been staying on constantly.

Is there a trick to correcting this issue, or is it time to replace the sensors?

Thank you for your tips

The trick is to replace the sensors! 13540600 is the current part number. Aftermarket sensors are akin to gambling, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. Ebay has best prices for new sensors IMO.

IF you have metal valve stems, use this number: 20925924.

 

[jfoj]

And if you're really crafty, You can get a 4x 4 block of wood about a foot long and raise the car up and put the block of wood along the tire bead drop the car down brake just the outer bead so you can replace the sensors.

Ask me how I know. I've done two vehicles this way!

I also have 2 different TPMS tools that can read, program and trigger sensors. Some of the TMPS tools can also test keyfobs as many of the keyfobs operate on the same frequencies as the TPMS sensor. Mazda had a problem a number of years ago where the TPMS sensors put out a bad data bit that triggered the horn while cruising down the highway. Turned out it triggered the horn alert that the keyfob should send, the TPMS sensor somehow sent the same data packet!