Chevrolet Captiva Owners Manual: Tire Pressure Monitor Operation

This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit the tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.

When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire pressure warning light on the instrument cluster. If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure shown on the tire loading information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-10.

The low tire pressure warning light comes on at each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure.

The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then turn off as the vehicle is driven. This may be an early indicator that the air pressure is getting low and needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.

A Tire and Loading Information label shows the size of the original equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for the tires when they are cold. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-10, for an example of the Tire and Loading Information label and its location. Also see Tire Pressure on page 10-44.

The TPMS system can warn about a low tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection on page 10-50, Tire Rotation on page 10-50 and Tires on page 10-37.

Caution

Tire sealant materials are not all the same. A non-approved tire sealant could damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use only the GM approved tire sealant available through your dealer or included in the vehicle.

TPMS Malfunction Light

The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire pressure warning light flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition cycle. The malfunction light comes on at each ignition cycle until the problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that can cause the malfunction light to come on are:

• One of the road tires has been replaced with the spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction light should go off after the road tire is replaced and the sensor matching process is performed successfully. See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later in this section.
• The TPMS sensor matching process was not done or not completed successfully after rotating the vehicle's tires. The  malfunction light should go off once the TPMS sensor matching process is performed successfully. See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later in this section.
• One or more TPMS sensors are missing or damaged. The malfunction light should go off when the TPMS sensors are installed and the sensor matching process is performed successfully. See your dealer for service.
• Replacement tires or wheels do not match the original equipment tires or wheels. Tires and wheels other than those recommended could prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. See Buying New Tires on page 10-52.
• Operating electronic devices or being near facilities using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.

TPMS Sensor Matching Process

Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code. The identification code needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors. Also, the TPMS sensor matching process should be performed after replacing a spare tire with a road tire containing the TPMS sensor. The malfunction light should go off at the next ignition cycle. The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions, using a TPMS relearn tool, in the following order: driver side front tire, passenger side front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear.

See your dealer for service or to purchase a relearn tool.

There are two minutes to match the first tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer, the matching process stops and must be restarted.

The TPMS matching process is:

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the RKE transmitter's and   buttons at the same time, for about three seconds. The horn will sound twice to indicate the receiver is ready for the sensor matching process to begin.
4. Start with the driver side front tire. The driver side turn signal lamp comes on.
5. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press the button to activate the TPMS sensor.

   A horn chirp confirms that the sensor identification code has been matched to this tire and wheel position.

6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire. The passenger side front turn signal lamp comes on.

   Repeat the procedure in Step 5.

7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire. The passenger side rear turn signal lamp comes on.

   Repeat the procedure in Step 5.

8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire. The driver side rear turn signal lamp comes on. Repeat the procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to indicate the sensor identification code has been matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS sensor matching process is no longer active.
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in a Chevrolet Captiva (2006-2018) is a critical safety feature designed to alert drivers to low tire pressure, which can significantly impact vehicle handling and safety. This system relies on sensors installed in each tire to monitor tire pressure continuously. When the pressure in any tire drops below a certain threshold, the TPMS triggers a warning light on the dashboard, alerting the driver to the issue.

Regularly checking and maintaining proper tire pressure is essential not only for optimal vehicle performance but also for safety. Underinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, tire wear, and compromised handling, especially in adverse driving conditions. By promptly addressing TPMS warnings and ensuring tires are properly inflated, Captiva owners can enhance safety, prolong tire life, and maintain overall vehicle performance.