Buick Regal: Description and Operation

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

WL - Wireless
WL - Wireless
WL - Wireless
WL - Wireless
P16 - P16 Instrument Cluster
P9 - P9 Driver Information Center Display
K9 - K9 Body Control Module
K77 - K77 Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
T10 - T10 Keyless Entry Antenna
B2LF - B2LF Tire Pressure Sensor - Left Front
B2LR - B2LR Tire Pressure Sensor - Left Rear
B2RF - B2RF Tire Pressure Sensor - Right Front
B2RR - B2RR Tire Pressure Sensor - Right Rear

Special Tools

• EL-46079/J-46079 Tire Pressure Monitor Diagnostic Tool
• EL-50448 Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Activation Tool

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Operation

The tire pressure monitor system warns the driver when a significant loss or gain of tire pressure occurs in any of the 4 tires. It allows the driver to display the individual tire pressures and their locations on the driver information center.

The system uses the body control module (BCM), driver information center, instrument cluster, remote control door lock receiver, and a radio frequency transmitting pressure sensor in each tire assembly. Each sensor has an internal power supply.

When the vehicle is stationary, the sensors internal shock sensor is inactive which puts the sensors into a Stationary state. In this state the sensors sample tire pressure once every 30 sec and do not transmit at all if the tire pressure does not change. As vehicle speed increases, the shock sensor pulses every wheel rotation, which puts the sensor into Rolling mode. The remote control door lock receiver receives and then sends the tire pressure and temperature data to the body control module (BCM). The BCM translates the data contained in the tire pressure sensor radio frequency transmissions into sensor presence, sensor mode, and tire pressure. Once vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 MPH), the sensors begin to transmit once a minute keeping the pressure data up to date.

Each sensor has its own unique identification (ID) code which it transmits as part of each RF message and must be learned into the BCM memory. Once all 4 ID's have been learned and vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph), the BCM continuously compares ID's and pressure data in the received transmissions to the learned ID's and pressures to determine if all 4 sensors are present and if one or more tires are low. If the BCM detects a low tire pressure condition, or a malfunction in the system, it will send a serial data message to the instrument cluster requesting the appropriate tire pressure monitor indicator illumination and also to display the appropriate data message on the driver information center, if equipped.

The sensors continuously compare their last pressure sample to their current pressure sample and will transmit in Alert mode if a 8.3 kPa (1.2 PSI) change in tire pressure has been detected in either a Stationary or Rolling state.

When the tire pressure system detects a significant loss, or gain of tire pressure, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon is continuously illuminated on the instrument cluster and if equipped, a check tire pressure type message is displayed on the driver information center.

Both the indicator icon and driver information center message can be cleared by adjusting the tire pressures to the recommended kPa/PSI and driving the vehicle above 40 km/h (25 MPH) for at least 9 min.

If power is disconnected from the BCM or if the vehicle battery is disconnected each tire pressure sensor ID is retained but all of the tire pressure information is lost. Under these circumstances the BCM cannot assume that the tire pressures were maintained over an unknown period of time. Cars equipped with the driver information center will display dashes and the scan tool will indicate a default tire pressure value of 1020 kPa (148 PSI) for each tire.

To reactivate the sensors, the vehicle must be driven above 40 km/h (25 MPH) for at least 9 min. When the sensors are activated, the driver information center displays the current tire pressures. The EL-46079/J-46079 tire pressure monitor diagnostic tool, EL-50448 tire pressure monitor sensor activation tool, or equivalent may also be used to activate the sensors as well.

The BCM has the ability to detect malfunctions within the tire pressure monitor system. In the event a DTC is set, the tire pressure monitor indicator icon on the instrument cluster will flash for approximately 1 min. and then remain illuminated for the remainder of the key cycle. After a key cycle and the instrument cluster bulb check has been completed the indicator will again flash for 1 min. and then remain illuminated if the DTC persists. Any malfunction detected will cause the driver information center to display a service tire monitor system type message.

SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

SPECIAL TOOLS

EL 46079

Tire Pressure Monitor Diagnostic Tool

EL 50448

Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Activation Tool

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