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Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: What is TPMS and How Does it Work?

Modern technology gives us perks that previous generations could've only dreamed of. Being able to tell the tire pressure without using a manual gauge is one of those perks. Learn more about TPMS here.

By Jerry Perez - June 3, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2013).

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and it's one of those inventions that are here to make our daily driving truly safer and more comfortable than ever. When was the last time you used a manual tire pressure gauge, got down on your knees and checked each one of your four tires? Well, if you've done it then you know it's not necessarily a fun task, and if you haven't it's most likely because your Chevy is equipped with TPMS. TPMS is made of sets of sensors located in the tires. The sensors then relay a signal to the onboard computer. Then all you have to do is toggle to the right setting and wirelessly check the tire pressure. It's as simple as that. Also, keep in mind that most new Chevy Silverados are equipped with direct TPMS which provides the driver with actual PSI readings, while older generation Silverados were equipped with indirect TPMS sensors which only relayed a warning signal if the system believed the tire PSI was dangerously low.

TPMS

Wireless Sensors

The actual sensors are mounted on the lip of the wheel inside the tire, very much so like a lead weight would be mounted on the outside lip of the wheel when you take your Silverado for wheel balancing. The metal prong part of the sensors contains a pressure sensor that measures the air pressure inside the tire the same way that a hand-held air pressure gauge would. These TPMS sensors use a specific battery that lasts about 10 years on average, and typically cannot be replaced; usually, the sensor has to be completely replaced. This signal is transferred to the built-in chip housed in the black plastic portion of the sensor and then relayed wirelessly to the TPMS control module.

Figure 1. Silverado TPMS sensors.

TPMS Control Module

The TPMS wireless control module is the receiving end of the TPMS system. This is the computer that receives the signals sent by the direct TPMS sensors inside the wheels, translates the signal, and then relays it to the multi-purpose information screen located inside your Chevy Silverado. The module is a high-tech piece of equipment and may require specialty tools to recalibrate or be fixed if any of its parameters get changed while swapping wheels or any of the sensors get damaged.

Figure 2. TPMS control module.

Scheduled Maintenance

Most TPMS sensors used on Chevrolet applications use a specific battery that lasts about 10 years on average, and once they've fulfilled their productive life cycle, typically cannot be replaced; usually, the sensor has to be exchanged. Vehicle owners must also be careful during tire swaps or if replacing or upgrading to different wheels, as they need to be TPMS-friendly and have specific TPMS mounting points. TPMS sensors usually cost around $150 to $200 for a set of four.

Common Questions

Are TPMS sensors fool proof?

While extremely accurate, no TPMS sensor is fool proof; therefore, keeping a manual tire gauge in your glovebox compartment is never a bad idea. Always use common sense, and if your tires look low, they most likely are.

Do my TPMS sensors tell me the actual PSI reading?

Yes and no. Direct TPMS systems tell you individual tire pressure through a monitor setting inside the vehicle. Indirect TPMS sensors only warn you if the pressure is dangerously low.

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