TPMS sensors

[Artem-G]

After three 2-hour visits to a tire shop — first to install the new tires, then to diagnose and replace a sensor they thought was faulty, and finally to install GMC OEM sensors — I have learned, the hard way, that our 2021 trucks’ TPMS sensors are not compatible with the previous models’.

So make sure to get OEM sensors when installing new tires!

Pictures to attract attention.

Before:



After:

 

[mb1500]

Much better...

 

[rispony]

After three 2-hour visits to a tire shop — first to install the new tires, then to diagnose and replace a sensor they thought was faulty, and finally to install GMC OEM sensors — I have learned, the hard way, that our 2021 trucks’ TPMS sensors are not compatible with the previous models’.

So make sure to get OEM sensors when installing new tires!

Pictures to attract attention.

Before:
View attachment 265386


After:
View attachment 265389

Love the stance! Are you running a lift? And can you tell me who makes your 18's? I was under the impression that Denali's brake calipers wouldnt clear anything less than 20". Would love to know your tire/rim setup, thanks!

 

[George And]

I bought a set of aftermarket wheels / tires with sensors and I found out the hard way that the sensors the seller included don't work with our trucks. Apparently the sensors are all the same in apperance however the new ones are different. there is an article on gmtechnet about it. I ordered the correct sensors but now I have to have the sensors replaced in the wheels and that probably entails dismounting tires / rebalancing as well.... fun stuff. Best part was arguing with the seller and trying to get them to foot the bill for the new TPMS because they were adamant that they sent / installed the correct 433mhz sensors for a tahoe. I was like but its a 2021 tahoe. "Oh they are all the same you just didn't program them correctly". Right.

 

[Fless]

I bought a set of aftermarket wheels / tires with sensors and I found out the hard way that the sensors the seller included don't work with our trucks. Apparently the sensors are all the same in apperance however the new ones are different. there is an article on gmtechnet about it. I ordered the correct sensors but now I have to have the sensors replaced in the wheels and that probably entails dismounting tires / rebalancing as well.... fun stuff. Best part was arguing with the seller and trying to get them to foot the bill for the new TPMS because they were adamant that they sent / installed the correct 433mhz sensors for a tahoe. I was like but its a 2021 tahoe. "Oh they are all the same you just didn't program them correctly". Right.

Seems like you wouldn't need to dismount the tires to replace the TPMS sensors, just break the bead on the valve stem side and that should give you access to the sensor.

 

[George B]

Seems like you wouldn't need to dismount the tires to replace the TPMS sensors, just break the bead on the valve stem side and that should give you access to the sensor.

You can do it under the trailer hitch with the emergency jack. It helps if you have a helper to hold stuff.

 

[Rocket Man]

Seems like you wouldn't need to dismount the tires to replace the TPMS sensors, just break the bead on the valve stem side and that should give you access to the sensor.

That works.

 

[George And]

The issue is that they are AT tires and my tire guy doesn't know if he can get enough flex out of the tire to swap the sensor without dismounting it. I guess we'll see when the OE sensors arrive.

 

[Rocket Man]

The issue is that they are AT tires and my tire guy doesn't know if he can get enough flex out of the tire to swap the sensor without dismounting it. I guess we'll see when the OE sensors arrive.

View attachment 279072

Must not be much of a tire guy. The shop should have a machine that will push that bead all the way to the opposite side, then you swap the sensor from outside. Maybe he’s thinking of reaching inside to swap it? That would be the hard way.

 

[Fless]

See this from @iamdub:

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/growing-up-doesnt-have-to-suck.93510/page-19#post-1320090

 

[89Suburban]

Once you break the bead you can use a piece of 2x4 lumber to wedge in the bead to hold it open until you finish. You also get more room pushing the opposite side of the tire down off the inner lip of the rim. Get a valve stem tool too. Remove the core before breaking the bead down, makes it easier. Cut the old stem off with a utility knife, being careful not to drop the old sensor into the tire. Use some lubricant on the new stem to help it pop in easier, stick it through the hole, thread on your stem tool and pry it up. I use a pair of cushioned pliers as a pry tool. If you have issues resetting the bead remove the stem core again for more air flow, that will usually do the trick. Lube the tire bead too before seating the bead. Soap and water work fine for this.

 

[George And]

Don't the sensors have that torx set screw that releases them from the valve stem? or attaches them to the valve stem. Like i said i don't know enough about it, but maybe he is just trying to run up the bill by claiming he has to dismount / remount / balance everything. Its not something I want to try at home. I have a program tool from my older 17 silverado i traded but my understanding is that the new sensors self learn within a bit of driving.

I'll let you know what happens.

George

 

[George And]

Don't the sensors have that torx set screw that releases them from the valve stem? or attaches them to the valve stem. Like i said i don't know enough about it, but maybe he is just trying to run up the bill by claiming he has to dismount / remount / balance everything. Its not something I want to try at home. I have a program tool from my older 17 silverado i traded but my understanding is that the new sensors self learn within a bit of driving.

I'll let you know what happens.

George

 

[Rocket Man]

Don't the sensors have that torx set screw that releases them from the valve stem? or attaches them to the valve stem. Like i said i don't know enough about it, but maybe he is just trying to run up the bill by claiming he has to dismount / remount / balance everything. Its not something I want to try at home. I have a program tool from my older 17 silverado i traded but my understanding is that the new sensors self learn within a bit of driving.

I'll let you know what happens.

George

Mine came as one unit- valve stem and all. I’m pretty sure that’s how all the ACDelco ones are. It’s just like R&R ‘ing a valve stem only there’s a sensor attached to the inside. These places forget there’s an internet now where people can go look up information when they’re not up on stuff. They count on taking advantage of people who don’t know any better. I bet that guy figured out right away you didn’t know much about them and figured he’d make some money off you. Time for you to become educated about TPMS sensors!

 

[George B]

Don't the sensors have that torx set screw that releases them from the valve stem? or attaches them to the valve stem. Like i said i don't know enough about it, but maybe he is just trying to run up the bill by claiming he has to dismount / remount / balance everything. Its not something I want to try at home. I have a program tool from my older 17 silverado i traded but my understanding is that the new sensors self learn within a bit of driving.

I'll let you know what happens.

George

Mine came as one unit- valve stem and all. I’m pretty sure that’s how all the ACDelco ones are. It’s just like R&R ‘ing a valve stem only there’s a sensor attached to the inside. These places forget there’s an internet now where people can go look up information when they’re not up on stuff. They count on taking advantage of people who don’t know any better. I bet that guy figured out right away you didn’t know much about them and figured he’d make some money off you. Time for you to become educated about TPMS sensors!

My Delco sensors from Rockauto were two piece. That way you can change stems and retain the sensor.

 

[Rocket Man]

My Delco sensors from Rockauto were two piece. That way you can change stems and retain the sensor.

Yes they’re two pieces, if you want to separate them. But they come as one piece when you buy them, so if he buys new sensors they will come with valve stems. I have never had to change valve stems alone. By the time they are deteriorated it’s time for new sensors anyway. Actually I’ve always had the sensors go dead but the valve stems are fine.

 

[George B]

Yes they’re two pieces, if you want to separate them. But they come as one piece when you buy them, so if he buys new sensors they will come with valve stems. I have never had to change valve stems alone. By the time they are deteriorated it’s time for new sensors anyway. Actually I’ve always had the sensors go dead but the valve stems are fine.

When I was in the auto repair field we swapped stems every tire change as cheap insurance.

 

[iamdub]

When I was in the auto repair field we swapped stems every tire change as cheap insurance.

Yeah, you're old school. Now they just list four new valve stems on the invoice and charge you for them even if they didn't replace them.

 

[Rocket Man]

The only time a tire shop has put new valve stems in any of my vehicles is when I bought new rims. I’ve never had one go bad afaik.

 

[George B]

The only time a tire shop has put new valve stems in any of my vehicles is when I bought new rims. I’ve never had one go bad afaik.

Corrosion is an issue here so we would change them out and deal with any corrosion that may be forming. I don’t recall many failures over the years but there was a few. Stems are typically made from EPDM rubber with a shelf life of 5-10 years. This is likely reduced by heat, UV and ozone exposure. In my old school ways I would rather have new ones every ~5 years when I changed tires.