Re: Tire Magnet

[jorge33265]

Got another magnet and still not working. Could it be that the magnet is too strong? How long does it normaly take to program each tire? If the sensor was bad would I get a different error on the Computer?

[c4c5specialist]

Oh boy,
Well, unfortunately, I would say that without being able to program the sensors, you are kind of stuck.
Ok, next suggestion, do you have another friend with a c5????
If so, attempt to program his sensors to his vehicle. If your magnet works, then you know that your sensors are not working. If it does NOT work, then you know your magnet is not strong enough.
Just remember, that if your reprogram of a friends sensors, does NOT work, it will simply remember the program before, so you will NOT ruin his program.
Each sensor will take about 15 secs to set, before the horn sounds, and you can move on to the next one.
Please keep us posted, c4c5

[jorge33265]

If my sensors were bad would I get a different error on the computer? Nope no willing C5 owners to lend me there car. Can it be that the magnet is to strong? Im using one of the earth magnets that takes two hands to pull off of something thats metal. Its about an inch and a half long so I think the size is ok. Is there a way that I can buy a sensor and test it before I replace it? Im just curoius is that part that detects the sensor itself might be damaged. O well I still have a couple of other things to fix but you cant ask for much for 16,000 dollars.

[my1corvette]

Hi Jorge33265, I will face the same problem very soon I will replace my stock emt's with non run-flats . I was just wondering if you found a solution to your problem and what kind of tires you have .
right now I am looking at BF Goodrich -g force since they are reasonable and seem to have good revieuws on the tirerack site .
any input would be appreciated I am a very non-mechanic type of guy so therefor just a bit lost about this sensor deal
thanks John

The magnet does not need to be extremely powerful. It does need to be stronger than a refrigerator magnet. I was able to use the magnetic base for my dial indicator to do ours. I also know that a "cow magnet" will work (yes, there is such a thing and you can pick them up from feed stores, vets and rancher friends).

From what you describe, I would suggest that either the sensor is bad or something is wrong with your procedure. If you are following the re-learn procedure to the letter, then my money's on the sensor.

If you get your hands on a new sensor, you can "test" it before you put it on the car. Simply place the sensor near the LF and sweep it instead of the one in the wheel. The horn should honk and then you go to the other wheels as described in the shop manual. If this works, you will get a warning display on the DIC; it will tell you "Low Pressure LF" and the guages will display 0 psi on the LF.

Hope this helps!

Originally posted by my1corvette
Hi Jorge33265, I will face the same problem very soon I will replace my stock emt's with non run-flats . I was just wondering if you found a solution to your problem and what kind of tires you have .
right now I am looking at BF Goodrich -g force since they are reasonable and seem to have good revieuws on the tirerack site .
any input would be appreciated I am a very non-mechanic type of guy so therefor just a bit lost about this sensor deal
thanks John

You do need to be somewhat careful in selecting non-Goodyear EMT's on these cars. The tires CAN NOT have steel belts. These will cause interference with the pressure sensors and give you error codes. That being said, there are other tire brands that will work; BF Goodrich K-D, Michelin Pilot Sports, Toyo Proxies, Nitto 555, and Yokohama to name a few.

Do some research before you buy.

[jorge33265]

Im running BF Goodrich but Ive only had the car for about 1 month. Im still trying to fix all the little things. So far the sensors are not working but Im going to try buying a sensor and testing it outside of the tire. Hopefully its that. I really shouldn't recommend a tire yet since I wouldnt recommend anything I havent tested. I have to replace the tires soon to...

check your codes.....if you have codes that have not been cleared it will not let you reset the sensors
i had a similar problem when down in fla and a corvette mechanic at a local dealer helped me with the problem
also if the first sensor is bad it will not let you read the rest of the sensors...it must be done in order
the mechanic used a radio magnet to reset my sensors...good luck

[jorge33265]

Cleared the codes and tried again. Im positive the magnet is strong enough. No go. In a previous thread someone suggested I buy a sensor and put it close to the tire and try to program. If thats possible I would probrably go that route rather than replace all sensors to find out that it was something else. Has anyone ever tried that?

if you have set up the DIC properly for the sensor activation and all the codes are clear the only 2 things it can be would be the magnet or the first sensor is bad.....i had the same issue whe i had my rims changed...they changed the first sensor and everything worked fine

here us the procedure
Here's the scoop... the main item you need to re-calibrate(actually it's "program the sensors" in the service manual lingo) the sensors is a magnet to engage sensors during the training sequence. The GM tool is J41760, but maybe a decent powered magnet with a horseshoe shape or hole in it would suffice??? I got a pair from Lowe's lumber for $4 and form a "V" with them and it works fine.

Make sure vehicle has been stationary for at least 2 minutes.
1 - Ignition on
2 - Press RESET to clear all IPC messages from DIC
3 - Press and release OPTIONS, scroll til IPC is blank
4 - Press and hold DIC RESET for 3 seconds
5 - Press OPTIONS again until TIRE TRAINING message is displayed
6 - Press RESET until IPC LEARN L FRONT TIRE to begin programming
7 - Install J 41760 over left front valve stem (I guess you could try a hefty magnet now).
8 - The horn will sound indicating LF sensor is programmed
Notice - if after 15 seconds the horn doesn't sound, remove and reinstall tool on stem. This may have to be done up to three times in some instances.
9 - IPC will direct you to LEARN R FRONT TIRE, R REAR TIRE, then L REAR TIRE, then LEFT FRONT.

Programming Cancellation:
1. Programming mode will cancel if any of the following conditions are met:
- program mode exited through DIC
- ignition turned off
- all four sensors programmed
- TPM program mode for 2 minutes with no sensors learned
2. If cancelled with less than 4 codes stored, the receiver will only accept the codes programmed up to that point.

[jorge33265]

Does the shape of the magnet really mater. I have a strong magnet but its square. Ive tried moving it everywhere. Nothing seems to work. I do have all the codes clear and know the program sequence by heart now. I'm still wondering if anyone has tried just buying the sensor and testing by programming it outside of the wheel. I would hate to have the wheel removed and rebalance to find out its something else. But hey if that’s what I have to do I will try it. I also thought about rotating the tires and trying to program. I know you cant run the car like that but at least I can test the sensor.

the only option you have now is to change the sensor of the first tire..as i said that was the problem when i had my rims changed
frustrating but it worked

[my1corvette]

HI, if you need a new sensor the cheapest one I found was at gmpartsdirect.com
item# 10268438 washer $1.09
item# 10268439 nut $1.09
item# 10438853 sensor $71.96

If you know of a better price let me know
thanks ,John

[jorge33265]

Im going to purchase the sensors but I just thought of something. I bought the car used and its a 97 with I think they are 2000-2002 crome rims. If they bought the rims used I probrably has the new sensors on them. Does the 97 computer pick up the new sensors? Also when I but the new one do I buy the sensor for the new rims or just order the 97 sensor? Thanks again