GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver when a large change in the pressure of one tire exists while the vehicle is being driven. The TPM system uses the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), ABS wheel speed sensor inputs, class 2 serial data circuit, and the Driver Information Center (DIC) to perform the system functions. The EBCM contains software to calculate relative tire pressure differences. The software requires approximately 30 minutes of straight line driving in each of the 3 speed ranges to complete the calibration process to have full capability for detecting a tire pressure condition. The speed ranges are as follows:

    • 24-64 km/h (15-40 mph)
    • 64-113 km/h (40-70 mph)
    • 113-145 km/h (70-90 mph)

Each speed range has 2 modes of tire pressure detection:

    • Monitor Mode 1
    • Monitor Mode 2

The EBCM learns the tire pressure configuration for each speed range independently. In Monitor Mode 1, the EBCM has only partially learned the tire pressure calibration for the speed range and has limited detection capability for a tire pressure conditions. In Monitor Mode 2, the EBCM has fully learned the tire pressure calibration for the speed range and has full detection capability for a tire pressure condition. Once the TPM system has learned the tire pressure calibration the EBCM monitors the ABS wheel speed sensor inputs, which will all be the same as the learned calibration if the tire pressures stay the same. If the pressure in one tire increases or decreases so too will that tire's circumference and radius, which causes that wheel speed sensor input to change. The EBCM recognizes this change in wheel speed as a tire pressure condition. If the pressure in one tire becomes at least 69 kPa (10 psi) lower or higher than the other three the EBCM commands the DIC to display the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message via a class 2 serial data circuit. This message does not appear if more than one tire pressure is high or low, or if the system is not calibrated properly. The system does not alert the driver to which tire pressure is high or low. If the tire pressures are at the specified pressure TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed when selected on the DIC. To clear the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message refer to Tire Pressure Monitor Procedure .