Experiencing trouble getting your new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors to communicate with your car? You’re not alone. Many car owners face confusion and frustration when it comes to TPMS relearning, especially after replacing sensors or wheels. If you’re wondering, Can You Use A Scan Tool To Relearn The Tpms? The answer is a resounding yes, and this DIY guide will show you how, focusing on making the process smoother and more effective. We’ll dive into a real-world scenario, troubleshooting tips, and step-by-step instructions to help you successfully relearn your TPMS sensors using a scan tool.
Recently, I upgraded my wheels, which meant installing new TPMS sensors. Keeping the TPMS operational is important to me, particularly in my SS 1LE with its Performance Data Recorder (PDR). I purchased what I believed to be the correct, new GM/AC Delco TPMS sensors from a trusted source, the same part number I’d used before. However, the relearn process turned out to be more challenging than expected.
After mounting the tires and TPMS sensors onto the new wheels, I attempted to relearn them to my car. The new wheels were installed on the front, while the rear wheels still had the original, functioning sensors. Despite trying for nearly half an hour, I couldn’t get the front TPMS sensors to learn. I even tried relearning the rear wheels first, thinking it might be an order issue. While the rear wheels eventually relearned, it was still more difficult than I remembered from past experiences. This was unusual – I’d never struggled this much with TPMS relearning!
To rule out potential issues, I decided to test my TPMS tool (an EL-50448 equivalent) and the car’s system. I attempted to relearn my original OEM wheels, which I had just removed. Surprisingly, the OEM wheels and their TPMS sensors relearned without any problem, even though they were just stacked in the garage. This eliminated the tool and the car itself as the source of the issue.
At this point, I started to suspect the new sensors might be faulty. It seemed unlikely that both brand-new sensors would be defective, especially since they were OE, Schrader TPMS. However, to understand the problem better, I took a step back to consider how TPMS systems function.
Thinking about the TPMS system, its operation, and component behavior led me to these key points:
- TPMS Sleep Mode: To conserve battery life, TPMS sensors typically enter a “sleep mode” when they are not actively in use. Brand new TPMS sensors are almost certainly in this sleep mode.
- Communication System: The TPMS system relies on communication between the TPMS sensors and the Radio Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) module, and subsequently from the RCDLR module to the Body Control Module (BCM). This involves a continuous exchange of signals. Crucially, half of this communication – between the TPMS sensor and the RCDLR module – is wireless, transmitted through the air.
- Vehicle Learn Mode: For TPMS relearning to occur, the vehicle must be in a specific “learn mode.”
Considering point 1, the TPMS scan tool, like the EL-50448, is designed to “wake up” or “ping” a TPMS sensor. This ping prompts the sensor to start transmitting signals to the RCDLR module, allowing it to be detected and recognized by the vehicle’s system. Regarding point 2, the physical positioning of the TPMS sensor relative to the vehicle can impact signal reception. Obstructions or unfavorable angles might hinder the signal from reaching the RCDLR module clearly.
Point 3, entering “learn mode,” is usually straightforward to verify. In Camaros, for instance, entering learn mode is indicated by a specific sequence of horn beeps, turn signal flashes, and a message displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If any of these factors (1, 2, or 3) are not correctly addressed, successful TPMS relearning will be impossible. While “learn mode” (point 3) is usually easy to confirm, issues with sensor wake-up (point 1) or signal transmission (point 2) are harder to diagnose for most users. My suspicion was that my problem likely stemmed from issues with sensor wake-up or signal transmission, and I remained optimistic that my new sensors were actually functional.
The Solution: Waking Up and Positioning New TPMS Sensors
After some trial and error, I confirmed that both new sensors were indeed working. The key was manipulating their position, using the TPMS tool effectively, and even slightly deflating the tires. It took a combination of these actions and a few attempts to finally get them to learn.
6th Gen Camaro TPMS Relearn Procedure
This procedure is tailored for 6th Gen Camaros but the principles can be applied to other vehicles. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions.
Required Tools:
- TPMS Relearn Tool: The EL-50448 is a cost-effective and readily available option. The EL-46079 (a more advanced diagnostic tool) will also work.
Potentially Required Tools:
- Jack (if adjusting wheel position is easier off the ground)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Air pump/compressor/air tank
Camaro TPMS Information:
- XL7 = 315 MHz
- Rubber stem: PN 84413363, 12 in-lb screw [Application unclear]
- Metal stem: PN 13598786, 80 in-lb nut [Application unclear]
- XL8 = 433 MHz
- Rubber Stem: PN 13598773, 12 in-lb screw [Most LS, LT models]
- Metal Stem: PN 13598787, 80 in-lb nut [LT1, SS, ZL1, 1LE variants]
Relearn Steps:
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Wheel and TPMS/Valve Stem Position: Positioning is crucial. Start with these positions as a guideline (viewed from the side of the wheel):
- LF (Front Left): 4 to 5 o’clock
- LR (Rear Left): 4 to 5 o’clock
- RF (Front Right): 4 to 5 o’clock
- RR (Rear Right): 7 to 8 o’clock
These positions aim to minimize signal blockage and make it easier to aim the TPMS tool. Other positions might work, but this is a good starting point.
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Start the Vehicle and Enter Learn Mode: Turn on and start your Camaro.
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Navigate to TPMS Display: Using the steering wheel controls, navigate through the Driver Information Center (DIC) to the TPMS display screen. The engine must be running to access the DIC and its menus. Once on the TPMS screen, press and hold the “Select” button on the steering wheel. Continue holding until the DIC shows a message indicating “TPMS Learn mode” is active. You should also hear a single horn beep to confirm entry into learn mode.
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TPMS Relearn Sequence: The vehicle will guide you through the relearn sequence in this order: LF → RF → RR → LR. Visually confirm the active wheel position by observing the corner turn signal light – it will be illuminated solid on the side corresponding to the wheel to be learned. You will hear a horn beep when the car acknowledges the TPMS signal from each wheel. The turn signal will then move to the next wheel in the sequence. Note: You have approximately 2 minutes per wheel to learn the TPMS before the system times out.
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Activate TPMS Sensor with Scan Tool: To learn each TPMS sensor, place the antenna of your TPMS relearn tool against the tire sidewall, as close as possible to the tire bead/wheel split. Experiment with the tool antenna orientation. You might need to point it inwards, towards the sensor itself, or upwards, against the tire sidewall.
For new sensors, waking them up can be tricky. If a sensor doesn’t learn immediately, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Slightly Deflate Tire: While attempting to activate the sensor with the tool, rapidly release a small amount of air from the tire. This pressure change can sometimes help “wake up” a new sensor.
- Restart Learn Procedure: If a sensor refuses to learn, you might need to exit the TPMS learn mode completely and restart the entire relearn process from step 3.
In my experience, the RF sensor learned at the 7-8 o’clock position, while the LF sensor only learned at the 4-5 o’clock position and required simultaneous air release and tool activation. The LF, RF, and RR sensors learned with the tool antenna pointed towards the sensor, but the LR sensor seemed to respond better with the antenna pointed upwards.
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Completion Confirmation: Once you successfully learn the LR TPMS sensor, you’ll hear a single horn beep like the previous wheels. However, this will be followed by a short pause and then a double horn beep. This double beep confirms that the TPMS relearn process is successfully completed for all four wheels.
In Conclusion
Yes, you absolutely can use a scan tool to relearn your TPMS sensors, and it’s often essential, especially when dealing with new sensors. While the process can sometimes be finicky, understanding the system, paying attention to sensor positioning, and using a TPMS relearn tool like the EL-50448 will greatly increase your chances of success. By following these steps and tips, you can confidently tackle TPMS relearning yourself and keep your tire pressure monitoring system functioning correctly.
