well. I got a helpful dash warning today that my left rear tire was low, 27 psi, while on the freeway.

since I was just about to get onto the dumbarton bridge, and it's expensive getting towed off the bridge, I pulled over and blew the goo into the tire and filled it to 40 psi.

I went to my meeting but noted that the dash said it was still only 27 psi. I called the dealer in Hayward, who said that the goo can mess up the sensor, and that the tire needs to have the goo removed and the sensor cleaned.

so, I took the car to wheel works, and they said their policy was "no repairing tires that have had fix-a-flat in them". the san jose chevrolet said they could do it, but they had no appointments today.

now, I am here at the Hayward chevy dealer waiting for the tire to be repaired. I did check that the pressure was still really 40 psi before driving the 1/2 hour back.

I tried to order a new goo cartridge, at $40, but now they say that it looks like the whole compressor needs to be replaced? anyone else replaced this? there is a button that unlocks the black cylinder and it pops off at the bottom where a nozzle with O ring plugs in. I told them to go ahead and order it, and we'll see. I am wondering if they changed the compressor since the early Volts. any thoughts?

also, I learned that the pressure sensor is battery operated and located at the base of the tire stem. replacements cost $70 each, but used to be over $200. something to keep in mind for when those batteries get low.

another note, the parts guy says that someone else used a fix-a-flat can and that it fouled the sensor on their tire and that will now need replacing... in spite of the fact that the can said it was safe with sensors... foiled my idea of just getting a cheap fix-a-flat replacement...

with all these sensors and technology, things sure can get expensive fast!

Sorry to hear about the problem. Not that this helps at all now, but I would have responded differently. First I would have assumed that the low tire pressure warning was just that -- a warning. I would not have assumed there was a leak. Second I would not have trusted the goo. Most of the time that stuff seems to work when you don't need it and it is known to kill the tire. If you have a serious leak I think you're better off calling for service than risking ruining the tire, especially if you have insurance.

Because of this I would have looked around for a gas station where I could put some air in. If it held great. If not then they could fix it. If you had passed the last exit and had to go across the bridge I would have just pulled over and seen if the tire lost more pressure. If not then I would go ahead under the assumption that the bride would be no big deal. If the pressure dropped then I would have called for service.

This doesn't mean my reaction would be right, and obviously it's easier sitting at a computer than when you're in the middle of traffic, but that's what I would have done. YMMV.

It's probably better to carry one of those tire patch kits. If I didn't have a meeting to make, I would have tried to get it patches first.

Good news is that the goo was not a problem and all is better now.

Will stop at auto parts place soon.

I carry a "Safety Seal" kit and plan to use this method of repair first. This would be appropriate if the problem involves a puncture that can be "plugged" after removing any foreign objects (eg: use pliers to pull out a nail or screw). Even if this is successful a proper final repair would be to have a tire shop remove the tire from the wheel, 'patch' the hole from the inside, and then rebalance the wheel/tire combination.

It's probably better to carry one of those tire patch kits. If I didn't have a meeting to make, I would have tried to get it patches first.

Good news is that the goo was not a problem and all is better now.
Good to hear your tire is fine. Did it turn out to be a puncture? At one time I carried an air compressor that could be plugged into the cigarette lighter but I never used it so now it sits in the garage. With the very limited storage space in the Volt it wouldn't be realistic.

I must be missing something here. The Volt carries a compressor. Did pumping up the tire with the compressor not work?

Plus the directions I read say only the separate goo canister and it's hose need replacement after use, not the whole air compressor.

And how long should the batteries last on these sensors? I assume the batteries are not replaceable.

Another option if you feel that a tire message is accurate is to use the compressor to just pump air into the tire. There is a switch on the unit to either put goo or just air into the tire. I've used the air portion of compressor for lawn equipment and it worked very well.


#126

My first experience with the TPMS was in 2009 when I rented a new Chevy Impala in Florida (with Enterprise - excellent folks and service) that gave me a low PSI value of 27 at the left rear (driver's side) tire after the first day of rental. I went to a garage and pumped air into it but the TPMS reading stayed low. I bought a manual tire pressure gauge, measured the pressure and saw that it had 31 PSI, so I learned that the sensor was not reporting correctly. The other three tires had the correct 30 PSI readings. I reported this to the Enterprise counter when I returned the Impala.

I now have a 2009 Equinox with TPMS also, and I always confirm the tire pressures with the same gauge I bought for the Impala. The TPMS is good as a warning, but I recommend to always carry a small mechanical gauge in your vehicles to verify the correct pressure. As an EE, I am a tech fan, but the present TPMS isn't so trustworthy yet.

Good link on TPMS battery life:
http://duffysrepair.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/tire-pressure-monitoring-system-tpms-battery-life-repost/

5-12 years with an average of 7. The sensor has a sleep mode driven by an inertial sensor. (This is why if you put on a spare and put the tire with the sensor in back, it will indicate a seemingly bad sensor (displaying "--", rather than showing low or zero pressure). Driving at a constant speed will extend the battery life; stop and go or heavy acceleration / deceleration will shorten it. High temperatures will decrease the life of the Li-ion battery.

I find the Volt compressor (using the hose and selector setting without the sealant, per the owner's manual) is quite useful for maintaining my tire pressure as the seasons change (checking the tire pressure cold, first thing in the morning - hot tires have a higher pressure). It is useful on my second vehicle, especially since most gas stations have removed their air hoses, and those that take multiple quarters often don't work after you've stuffed your quarters into them.

Other links say that a 2% variance in tire pressure below the recommended results in a 25% increase in wear (seems a bit much to me). But by keeping my tire pressure to that shown on the manufacturer's label and rotating my tires every 7,500 miles, I was able to get over 60,000 miles on the factory tires on my Yukon XL, and they still weren't down to the tread wear indicators (but I knew it was time).

but the present TPMS isn't so trustworthy yet.

No doubt. I too use a reliable gauge to check pressure and while I know my cold tire pressure is 38, the TPMS typically reads 34.

As you say, good for a warning.

I too use a reliable gauge to check pressure and while I know my cold tire pressure is 38, the TPMS typically reads 34.

I agree about using the tire gage when cold; I haven't seen that much of a variance (it sometimes takes the TPMS a while to read and update). Right now, my TPMS says 34 and my digital tire gage reads 35.0. Sounds like you are sure your tire gage is reliable, but is it accurate?

38 sounds a bit high (although I wouldn't worry too much since the TPMS says 34). The federally-mandated tire pressure sticker says 35 PSI. There is a lot of engineering and testing that goes into this, especially after the Ford Explorer / Firestone fiasco, where the recommended pressure was too low. But if 35 is good, that doesn't mean that 38 is better. Best to check cold; pressure increases with driving and heat.

Sounds like you are sure your tire gage is reliable, but is it accurate?

38 sounds a bit high (although I wouldn't worry too much since the TPMS says 34). But if 35 is good, that doesn't mean that 38 is better. Best to check cold; pressure increases with driving and heat.

Yea, three separate gauges read within 0.5 lbs of 38 so I have to assume 38 (or close) is correct. My TPMS sensors seem to have read low since day one.

And your right, 38 isn't better, I just tried it there (about to put them back to 35) to see if I could notice any difference in economy, and don't. Do however notice a harsher (slightly) ride.

As the Volt is my first car without a spare I may be a bit 'spooked' about the health of the tires. Currently, I am keeping the tire pressure display always visible on the Driver Information Center. With my normal tire pressure set at 40 psi I am hoping that I may have a chance to spot a slow leak in time to 'air up' or get to a tire shop before a tire gets below the recommended 35 psi and damage is done.

Tire is not going be damaged quickly if it gets below 35psi, so don't worry so much. If you drive around for a while on 10psi, that's a different story.

You don't need to stare at the tire pressure values, the car will beep at you when one gets low, and even then you have time to do something about it.

The original poster definitely knee jerk reacted and made a lot of extra stress and effort for himself. Clearly he did not have a fast leak, and he would have made it to the meeting without messing with it, and then at the end, he could have used the compressor on air only to pump it up enough to get home or to a tire place.

If you want a spare, follow this thread:
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?8263-Spare-tire-solution&highlight=spare


As the Volt is my first car without a spare I may be a bit 'spooked' about the health of the tires. Currently, I am keeping the tire pressure display always visible on the Driver Information Center. With my normal tire pressure set at 40 psi I am hoping that I may have a chance to spot a slow leak in time to 'air up' or get to a tire shop before a tire gets below the recommended 35 psi and damage is done.

I wouldn't say it was an over reaction. Still had 30 miles to go and it is an expensive charge being towed from the bridge.

Pressure was down to 25 and it was not clear how slow a leak it was.

I call it engineering reserve. All worked out fine.

New goo on order and this is how GM wants you to deal with small leaks.

I asked Chevrolet Customer Assistance today about the TPMS. I wanted to find out if the tyre needs to be replaced can the tyre pressure sensor be reused or does it need to be replaced with a new pressure sensor? Does anyone know the answer to that? My gut feeling is the sensor would need to be replaced. Would that be correct?

I'll look into that for you BlackVolt. I'll get back with you when I find something out.

I'll look into that for you BlackVolt. I'll get back with you when I find something out.

Thanks for that Trevor. I would appreciate what answer you could find :)

@ BlackVolt,

I went ahead and did some searching around. The tire pressure sensors do not need to be replaced unless damaged during tire removal.

24362437

here are pix of the compressor with the goo canister pulled off. the dealer was able to order just the canister, at $40. the fellow online here is a bit cheaper, and I have seen a few complete compressors on eBay from people who replaced the rig with a real spare tire.

BTW the goo fouled my recent flat tire's TPMS sensor, and my local service department mistakenly billed me for a new one. Volt advisor was kind enough to remind them that using the included Volt goo is covered by warranty so I was refunded the cost + labor for the sensor. The key is to use ONLY the GM-provided goo, as using any other is _not_ covered for TPMS damage.

Just a reminder that when you use the air only fill- it is a good idea to turn the selector ( back and forth) to keep it from sticking which it might do if a small amount of glue leaks due to hot weather.

Most of us found it hard to turn ( even after we pushed it down) when we got our cars.
I found after 6 months or not using it was back to hard to turn -

This is a great thread. I have a spare goo cannister (bought for my 3600 mile trip), and I have carried one of those 12VDC inflators in my car for 15 years or more. I probably have pumped up more basketballs at the church, lawnmower (like my mom's) tires and other peoples tires over the years than mine. But the ONE or TWO times I have needed it, it was worth it. They used to me $20. Now you can get them around Christmas on Black Friday deals for $5 sometimes. Worth it all the way. If you don't have a needle for filling basketballs, footballs, etc., throw one in the compartment. You might save your day at the park too. Just be careful not to pop the ball.....

This is a great thread. I have a spare goo cannister (bought for my 3600 mile trip), and I have carried one of those 12VDC inflators in my car for 15 years or more. I probably have pumped up more basketballs at the church, lawnmower (like my mom's) tires and other peoples tires over the years than mine. But the ONE or TWO times I have needed it, it was worth it. They used to me $20. Now you can get them around Christmas on Black Friday deals for $5 sometimes. Worth it all the way. If you don't have a needle for filling basketballs, footballs, etc., throw one in the compartment. You might save your day at the park too. Just be careful not to pop the ball.....

Actually my volt compressor came with various inflator heads and I too added a ball needle and such. While I might miss a spare, I use the comrpessor it frequently for bikes, balls and keeping my tires at 42. Never used the goo, and given it can foul the sensors, hope never to use it. I did add a $5 puncture kit which is also good for emergency repairs a direct puncture (e.g. nail). Its small and they are pretty easy to use (as long as the you can get to the hole and the tire can still hold some air -- as you need a seal to repreasureize the tire and if the bead on the rim will not set, you cannot pump itup (probably not with goo either). Only time I've had a flat in the past 10 years, it was a double blow-out so having a spare would not have really helped (but a plug kit, with two plugs would have saved me!)

Random Aside, why are some threads now defaulting to the "Threaded View"? (this one included)

The GOO can definitely ruin the TPMS sensor.