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For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J-46079 Tire Pressure Monitor Diagnostic Tool

Learn Mode Description

The tire pressure monitor (TPM) system uses the passenger door module (PDM), body control module (BCM), exterior lamp switch, 4 radio frequency transmitting pressure sensors, and the serial data circuit to perform the sensor learn mode functions. The sensor learn procedure must be performed any time the PDM is replaced, a sensor is replaced, or after the vehicles tires have been rotated. Once the learn mode has been enabled each of the sensors unique identification codes can be learned into the PDMs memory. When a sensors ID code has been learned, the PDM sends a serial data message to the BCM to sound a horn chirp. This verifies the sensor has transmitted its ID code and the PDM has received it. As soon as the fist sensor ID code is learned, all other IDs are erased from the PDMs memory.

Sensor Functions Using Pressure Increase/Decrease Method

Each sensor takes a pressure measurement sample once every 20 seconds while in stationary mode. If the tire pressure increases, or decreases by more than 11 kPa (1.6 psi) from the last transmitted pressure, another measurement will occur immediately to verify the change in pressure. If a pressure change has indeed occurred, the sensor sends a re-measure transmission to the PDM. When the PDM receives a re-measure transmission while in sensor learn mode, it will assign that sensor ID to that location on the vehicle.

Sensor Functions Using J-46079

Each sensor has an internal low frequency (LF) coil. When the J-46079 TPM tool is used in activate mode it produces an LF transmission that activates the sensor. The sensor responds to a LF activation by transmitting in learn mode. When the PDM receives a learn mode transmission while in TPM learn mode, it will assign that sensor's ID to the location on the vehicle relative to the order in which it was learned.

Sensor Location

The PDM must learn the sensors ID codes in the proper sequence in order to determine sensor location.

Learn Mode Cancellation

The TPM system will cancel the learn mode if more then 2 minutes have passed and no sensors have been learned, or if the system has been in learn mode for more than 5 minutes. If the learn mode is canceled before any sensor has been learned, the PDM will remember all current sensor IDs and their locations.

Important: Before proceeding with the steps below, verify the following:

   • No other sensor learn procedure is being performed simultaneously within close proximity.
   • Tire pressures are not being adjusted on another TPM equipped vehicle within close proximity.
   • Park Brake and Headlamp Switch input parameters are functioning correctly.
   • TPM system is enabled in the module.

Important: When the sensor learn procedure is performed, the last known tire pressures are cleared from the PDM’s memory. On vehicles with UK3 that display the individual tire pressure on the DIC, the updated tire pressures will not be displayed until the PDM receives 2 more valid transmissions from each sensor. After performing the procedure below, always test drive the vehicle above 25 mph for at least 2 minutes before viewing tire pressures on the DIC.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Apply the parking brake.
  3. Turn the exterior lamp switch from OFF to parking lamps 4 times within 4 seconds. A horn chirp will sound and the low tire pressure indicator will begin to flash indicating the learn mode has been enabled.
  4. Caution: Over inflating tires may cause personal injury or damage to the tires and wheels. When increasing tire pressure do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure as noted on the tire sidewall.

    Important: If a horn chirp does not sound after 35 seconds for any of the 4 sensors, turn the ignition OFF to exit the learn mode and repeat the procedure from step 1.

  5. Starting with the left front tire, hold the antenna of the J-46079 TPM tool against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location then press and release the activate button and wait for a horn chirp, or increase/decrease the tire pressure for 8-10 seconds then wait for a horn chirp. The horn chirp may occur before the 8-10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached, or up to 30 seconds after the 8-10 second pressure increase/decrease time period has been reached.
  6. After the horn chirp has sounded, proceed as in step 4 for the next 3 sensors in the following order:
  7. 5.1. Right front
    5.2. Right rear
    5.3. Left rear
  8. After all sensors have been learned, exit the learn mode by turning OFF the ignition.
  9. After the learn mode has been exited, adjust all tire pressures to the recommended kPa/psi. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label .