Alternative Tire Pressure Sensor Re-Programming Tool

by Mike on March 28, 2007

in Technical C5 Corvette

Sometimes the most useful and effective tools end up being designed for some other purpose.  One day while working in the Self-Service garage a member discovered out of desperation that a 6″ inch magnetic parts tray is a good replacement for the GM Tire Pressure Monitor Tool (TPM).

If you have changed wheels on your C5, or had a tire sensor go bad then you already know that special tool called the Tire Pressure Monitor System Programming Tool is required to reset the sensors. The official GM tool (part number J41760) can be purchased from Kent-Moore for $49.00, but essentially is an expensive magnet.

Interestingly enough the parts tray also has a strong magnet in the base of the tray.  Originally it was designed to keep your metal parts in place, but it unintentionally makes the tray an effective replacement for the Tire Pressure Monitor System Programming Tool.

We originally picked up our magnet parts tray for $6 dollars at Northern Tools, and have been using it ever since our discovery. You can also find a good parts tray at Lowes made by Kobalt tools, but it runs about $15-19 dollars since it comes bundled with a tape measure.

Enjoy!

{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

kayno 08.17.07 at 9:35 am

How do you use this tool? My TPM light is on. I checked the air in the tires, the readings are okay.

Thanks

Mike 09.16.07 at 9:46 am

To reprogram your C5 Tire Pressure Sensors takes just a few steps:

  1. Turn ignition to ON position.
  2. Press the DIC RESET button to clear any warning messages.
  3. Press the DIC OPTIONS button until the display goes blank.
  4. Press and hold the DIC RESET button for 3 seconds.
  5. Press the DIC OPTIONS button again until the “TIRE TRAINING” message appears.
  6. Press the DIC RESET button until the message, “LEARN L FRONT TIRE” appears.
  7. Hold the magnet on the base of the parts tray over the pressure sensor’s location on the LEFT FRONT wheel (this should be next to the valve stem if installed correctly).
  8. When the horn beeps, programming is complete for that wheel.
  9. Program the other 3 wheel sensors as directed by the message display. The sequence is as follows: Left Front, Right Front, Right Rear, Left Rear.
  10. For more information, refer to section Low Tire Pressure Sensing-TPM Sensor Programming in the Corvette Service Manual.
Wahoo 10.06.07 at 10:44 pm

Thank you for sharing!

Andy 04.02.08 at 9:56 pm

Does GMC use the same TPMS on their newer cars. I have a 2007 GMC Sierra (new 2008 body style) and the instruction manual procedure to reset the system just doesn’t work. I am going to have to try this magnet thing because I am getting pissed off at this light everytime I start my truck up, I have nothing to lose right now I guess.

JASON 06.01.08 at 1:21 am

SAME STORY HERE. 2008 GMC SIERRA, AFTERMARKET WHEELS AND TIRES THAT THE TPMS WERE TRANSFERED TO. I PROGRAMED THEM PER THE MANUFACTURES PROCEEDURE IN MANUAL, WORKED FINE FOR 10,000 MILES UNTIL TONIGHT WHEN I ROTATED MY TIRES FRONT TO BACK AND TRIED TO REPROGRAM AND ONE WON’T READ. LET AIR DOWN FROM 50-15PSI AND THAT DAMN RT REAR WON’T PICK-UP. DID IT 5 TIMES, NOW I AM PISSED OFF LIKE MY FREIND ANDY.
(WHY NOT A COW MAGNET, OR EAQUAL, WHY THE TRAY)

Administrator 06.02.08 at 5:39 pm

Nothing special about the parts tray except the strong magnet and its size. A speaker magnet or any of the ones you mentioned should also work. We are just fond of tools that we already have lying around the shop that can have dual purposes. Who wants to buy a speciality tool when a parts tray can provide the same utility?

Greg Thompson 11.27.08 at 6:05 pm

Can this method be used on the c6 as well?

Bruce Blunt 02.12.09 at 1:02 pm

Any magnet will work on C5-style sensors. C6 sensors require a radio signal. Programmers I’ve seen run for $150 and up.

Richard Tanner 02.22.09 at 1:16 am

West Coast Corvette site lists a pressure sensor programming tool for $158.95. I recently bought a C5 and will give your magnet theory a try today. I have after market tires on the rear and the sensor goes off when driving even when a digital gauge is used. The rating is max. 51 lbs. I set it at 41lbs. When the tires heat up and reach +43lbs. the sensor indicates “tire pressure too high LR and RR. I have a “Snap On” tools tray that has a very strong magnet. Ialso have a few other options with other magnets to use if needed. Thank you in advance so much for saving me a large amount of money. Wish me luck.
Rich T.

Tye Hammerle 08.13.09 at 8:21 pm

I have a ’99 Corvette and the battery went flat on me this winter. The computer wasn’t picking up the tire pressure sensors. I did some googling and found this information. I used a magnet out of a hard drive I took apart. It’s a *very* strong magnet. I got three of the sensors to work but the Right Rear just doesn’t want to pick up. I tried one of those magnets on a rod that you’d use to pickup nails and got all three learned except that darn right rear. When all else fails is it time to replace the sensor? Any other tricks to it?

duane dixon 10.09.09 at 10:52 pm

will this method work on an 2009 gmc 2500 truck? Is there any way to just disable or unhook the dam thing period ? Can you lower the air pressure for winter and reset the computer? I would really like too just remove the problem if possible.

Jerry Pfleeger 06.15.10 at 1:52 pm

My 2001 Vette is giving me an “XXX” presure readout on the right front. Is this an indication that the sensor on the wheel has failed? I also understand the batteries are only good for about 10 years, then you need to replace the sensors. Is this true?

Harry 07.22.10 at 7:14 am

Yes. It’s time to replace the sensor. MTBF is 10 years. If the TPMS is that important to you to be functioning perfectly, might as well replace all at the same time.

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