Hello guys and gals!

Long time lurker, first time poster.

First let me say what a GREAT forum this is! I've gotten so much direction and advice. From changing the air filter (glad I had THAT pictorial!) to changing the rear shocks (probably could have done that on my own but it was nice to have a visual for what I was getting into).

My question concerns the tire air pressure that is displayed on my DIC. Where are the sensors located? My tire stems look different than the rest of the vehicles I've owned and since I'm planning on changing my tires soon I need to know if I should tell them NOT to change the stems.

A little about me, I grew uo working on Chevy's with Dad and have never owned another brand, I'm pretty sure my blood cells are in the shape of a bow tie. I love the 30 MPG I'm getting on my 2009 HHR and the felxibility when I need to transport something, but like all Chevy's I've own it started having issues after 3 years and 1 hour of ownership, currently one side of my stereo only works part time and I can't flip my visor forward because it drops straight back down, I can only keep it in the home position. with 47,000 miles I'm starting to see future maintenance issues that I won't be able to do my self.

But I haven't given up on Chevy just yet, We just bought an Equinox for my wife.

Anyway thanks to all of you who have taken the time to help out guys like me. again this is a GREAT forum!

 

Sensors are attached to the valve stems inside the wheels.

 

ok so to EXPAND on my original question. When I get my tires changed should I tell them NOT to change the valve stems?

 

when you change tires you risk damaging the sensors..it can be done, but its difficult, especially if you dont know the mechanic working on your car.

 

I would say to change the valve stems anyway...although its very easy to change the tire without changing the valve stems, I have had two valve stems start to leak since I had new tires put on in July...so just a little preventative maintenance. but like I said, the tires can be changed without removing the valve stems, if the tire guy knows what he is doing. My uncle did mine and he was able to avoid the TPMS's

 

ok, again, if the sensors are located INSIDE the valve stems I am guessing it would be very expensive to change them. If they ARE NOT located INSIDE the valve stems then it wouldn't be an issue. so my question is: are the sensors located INSIDE the valve stems?


____ YES ____ NO

 

They are inside the tire - attached to the valve stem.

 

some tpms sensors are 2 piece and you can just replace the stem, i dont know what style tpms our HHR's have so you might have to replace the whole sensor

 

ok, let me rephrase this. when I get my tires changed and they say I need new valve stems (they always do) will the new valve stems that they install on my wheel have a sensor so the DIC can read the air pressure in my newly installed tires?

 

Speaking as a guy who used to get a commission on selling valve stems:

YOU DO NOT need new valve stems or even "TPMS service", unless the stems are really badly cracked! The "TPMS servicing" is really only putting a new core and cap on, they are spouting a bunch of hooey when they try to scare you!

Valve stems need to be REALLY old (like 200K, 10 years) to go bad, and short ones don't hit curbs to get broken. When they put the soapy water on the base and then push the stem around to show you the bubbles, ask them to show you the same thing on a new installation. They can all be made to bubble!

DO NOT automatically pay for either valve stems or "TPMS Service". Always say "prove it to me"!

Some stores will want to charge you to relearn the TPMS positions... DON'T pay for it RTFM and do it yourself in the tire stores parking lot, then ask them to refill the air in your tires.

The sensor is a separate unit that is attached to the valve stem inside the tire, so if you get new stems they attach your old sensors to the new stems. the stems are different in that they have a threaded extension on the inner side for the attachment screw.