Check tire pressure light stays on?

CAVEGIRL

MEMBER
2002 BUICK LESABRE
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

On the dash the check tire pressure light stays on after checking tire pressure and resetting the information center. It will flash Driver 2 and once again display check tire pressure. What am I doing wrong in the reset process and why would it tell me to keep checking the tire pressure when the pressure was fine all along?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,389 POSTS

It is common for one of the tire pressure sensors to go out. To be sure lets do a CAN scan which is the future of automotive repair, here is a video to show you how.

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

it might just need to be cleared which the CAN scanner can do.

here are the tire pressure sensor replacement instructions in the diagrams below:

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR WARNING MESSAGE
When the tire pressure warning message appears on DIC, immediately check air pressure of all tires and adjust to the specified pressure. If warning message is still displayed, there is a malfunction in the TPM system. See appropriate manufacturer service information.

DISMOUNTING/MOUNTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION: The tire should be dismounted from the wheel using the tire changer manufacturer's instructions. Use the following information to avoid damage during the dismounting/mounting procedures.
NOTE: If vehicle's tires are replaced with those not having a TPC Spec number, the TPM system may give an inaccurate low pressure warning. Non-TPC Spec tires may give a low pressure warning that is higher or lower than the proper warning level achieved by TPC Spec numbered tires.
NOTE: When a spare tire is mounted, a wheel is replaced or rotated, or tire pressure has been adjusted, TPM system will need to be recalibrated. See TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM RECALIBRATION under RESET PROCEDURES.
REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR RESET PROCEDURE
NOTE: There are 2 ways to reset the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system. The TPM system requires up to 30 minutes of straight line driving in each of the 3 of the speed ranges to complete the calibration process, for further information, refer to TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR DESCRIPTION & OPERATION. If the TPM system does not reset using the Driver Information Center (DIC) procedure, refer to DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) SWITCH(ES) INOPERATIVE in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console. If DTC C1245 remains current, refer to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING.
Using DIC
Set all tire pressures to manufacturers specifications.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine off.
Press the GAGE INFO button until TIRE PRESSURE is displayed.
Press and hold the RESET button until TIRE PRESSURE RESET is displayed.
Release the RESET button, TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed.
Use the scan tool in order to clear the TPM DTC.
Using Scan Tool
Set all tire pressures to manufacturers specifications.
Install a scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine off.
With the scan tool, select Special Functions.
Select Tire Pressure Reset.
Press the Reset soft key and TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed on the DIC.
Use the scan tool in order to clear the TPM DTC.

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.