If performing TPMS services, such as replacing one or more TPMS sensor ID’s or rotating tires, a TPMS relearn procedure must be performed using a basic TPMS activation tool or an advanced TPMS scan tool, depending on the vehicle’s TPMS system. A TPMS relearn, often called TPMS reset, will write the new TPMS sensor ID locations to the vehicle’s ECU, which will cure the TPMS MIL.

According to U.S. News and World Report, the top three selling vehicles in 2008 were:

• 2008 Ford F-150

• 2008 Chevy Silverado

• 2008 Toyota Camry

• 2008 Honda Accord

• 2008 Toyota Corolla

Each week, we will explore the diagnostics of the TPMS system of each vehicle, and teach you how to properly reset the system. This week, we will go over TPMS diagnostics for the 2008 Chevy Silverado.

Before performing a relearn procedure, it is important to make sure the TPMS sensors are installed properly, and tires are inflated to placard pressure.

Chevy Silverado (2008)

Type of TPMS system:

• Direct TPMS, sensors are installed in the wheel

Type of OE sensor:

• Schrader Snap-in GM Global A ASK Basic, 13598771

Sensor Frequency:

• 315 MHz

Aftermarket (Universal, Hybrid, Programmable, Configurable, One-to-One, OE-style) options for TPMS sensor replacement:

• BWD/Standard OE
• BWD/Standard Qwik
• Continental (OE-Style)
• Dill
• Dynamic
• ECH/NAPA OE-Design
• ECH/NAPA Qwik
• EZ-sensor®
• IntelliSens
• Mobiletron
• Myers UPro
• REDI-Sensor
• Sears
• Steelman Select
• Alligator Sens.it
• Hamaton OE-R (OE-style)
• Hamaton U-Pro
• Orange Universal
• PDQ

All service kits and OE-type (one-to-one) TPMS sensor options for the Chevy Silverado 2008 can be found in your VT56, VT55, and VT36 TPMS Tools in “Service TPMS”.

Type of relearn procedures:

• OBD relearn, requires OBDII transfer
• Manual relearn, three types: (1) with keyless entry, (2) with DIC button, (3) odometer reset

Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:

• TPMS scan tool with OBDII module (VT56) – available as bonus OBD relearn with enhanced Sync ID technology
• TPMS activation tool for manual relearn procedure

OBD relearn: (available as bonus OBD relearn for VT56)

• OBDII module is required
• Hold TPMS tool on left front tire sidewall next to the valve stem
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left tire tires
• Apply OBDII module to the DLC
• Turn ignition ON
• Press OK on TPMS tool to transfer the TPMS sensor data to the vehicle’s ECU
• Disconnect OBD module from the DLC
• Turn ignition OFF then start the engine
• Drive for at least 5 minutes at 28 mph or more

Patented Sync ID technology on the VT56 allows an OBD relearn to be available as a bonus

Manual relearn with Keyless Entry:

• Inflate all tires
• Turn ignition ON
• Push and hold unlock and lock button on key fob until horn sounds
• Use the tool to activate the left front sensor
• Single horn sounds
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Turn ignition off

Manual relearn with DIC button

• Inflate all tires
• Apple parking brake
• Turn ignition ON
• Push the DIC information button until PRESS TIRE LEARN displays
• Push (✓) to confirm
• Horn sounds 2x and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE will display
• Use tool to activate the left front sensor
• Single horn sounds
• Repeat for right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Turn ignition OFF
• Release parking brake before driving vehicle

Manual relearn with Odometer Reset

• Inflate all tires
• Apple parking brake
• Turn ignition ON
• Push and hold the trip odometer reset step on instrument panel until PRESS (✓) TO RELEARN TIRE POSITIONS is displayed
• Push (✓) to confirm
• Horn sounds 2x and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE will display
• Use the tool to activate the left front sensor
• Single horn will sound
• Repeat for the right front, right rear and left rear sensors
• Turn ignition OFF
• Release parking brake before driving vehicle

Relearn troubleshooting tips:

• If the relearn fails, try to lower the driver’s side window, as it may help to complete the process since it is a larger vehicle.
• Using the bonus OBD relearn procedure offered with advanced Sync ID technology, you can skip the manual relearn procedure, and perform a relearn in fewer steps.

Chevy TPMS DTC codes: