Greetings, yesterday I purchased my first Corvette, a 1990 roadster convertable. I'm told that the front right low air pressure sensor (green) is bad and needs replacing. So far today I've heard a new dealer one is $229 part only down to pull the bulb and check tire pressures once in awhile. Used if you can find them go for about $125. I want to do the right thing so here I am for help. Thanks...

 

Hi, Just wondered in you ever got the problem solved. and also how you knew it was the Green sensor.
I have a 89 Vette and the warning light come up stating 'Service LTPWS' , I'm not sure whether that is
telling me that a tire is low (never are) or that the system is not functioning correctly. Sometimes I can
drive 100 miles and never see the warning, other time I go around the block, and the warning pops up.
I tried cranking the tire pressure (34.5PSI all round) up for a few days, and it seemed to change the
pattern. The warning light came on one day on my way through fairly heavy traffic, and then a few miles
further up the road it went out and stayed that way for the rest on my trip home. It is annoying.
I wouldn't mind changing a sensor if I thought that was the problem, but if it might be the system itself
than thats a different matter. Looking forward to your reply,

boltonites

 

Hello, there is a link somewhere that tells what color sensors are where. I'll have to look it up and get it to you. My low air pressure light would come on all the time although the pressure was fine. I ended up taking the light out while reconditiong the dash. Figured that I check the pressure on a regular basis so I felt comfortable with that. I'm in the process of getting my wheels reconditioned and I had the green sensor taken off (front right). That's when I found the LTPWS light come on. It detected a sensor being missing so it told me that it has a SYSTEM failure. I had the sensor put back on and all seem fine now. The first thing I would ask is if you check your pressure on a regular basis? If so you probally have several choices.

1) Replace with a new sensor. $250 bucks I recall

2) Replace with a used senor EBay. $125 bucks.

3) Pull the lights and save a few bucks.

Also there is a way of lifting the car up and hitting the tire with a rubber mallet to act like it's driving to find a bed sensor. That I'll have to look up as well. I get back to you when I get the information.

 

boltonites, Hope this helps you.


Low Tire Pressure Warning System or "LTPWS", is one of the most common
lights illuminating in the Driver's Information Center (DIC) is the
nuisance "LTPWS" light. These can be caused by several reasons including a
fault in the system or other radio frequency interference, even driving
next to another LTPWS equipped Corvette. Let's explain the operation of the
system.
A transmitting sensor is installed (by large band type clamp) on each
wheel. Each sensor has a separate identification color and frequency which
is transmitted as the wheel moves. The movement of the wheel provides the
electric power necessary to power the transmitter, therefore, no battery is
necessary. This "Piezo-Electric" energy develops after only 30 seconds of
operation at over 25mph.
A receiver module is located within the dash which receives the signal
transmitted by each sensor. When the tire pressure is low (below 25psi),
the sensor is triggered causing it to stop transmitting. The receiver
recognizes the absence and turns on the warning indicator "Low Tire
Pressure". If the receiver unit senses any other malfunction in the system
such as a sensor that doesn't "report in", then the "Service LTPWS" light
illuminates.
"Service LTPWS" usually indicates a faulty sensor and a code will be
stored within the receiver module. The '91-'95 model ZR1's have the ability
to be diagnosed and codes cleared through the Tech 1 hand held diagnostic
tool, and by the Assembly Line Data Link or ALDL connector. The '90 models
do not have this capability. In fact, the '90's diagnostic procedure can be
extremely time consuming and basically requires replacing each wheel
separately and then road testing until the faulty sensor is located. This
can be done with another non-LTPWS equipped wheel or the vehicle spare.
Start by replacing one wheel/tire combination and then driving the vehicle.
Wait for the "Low Tire Pressure" light to illuminate (ignore the "Service
LTPWS" as it will stay on). When the replacement unit does NOT set off the
"Low Tire Pressure" light, then you have located the faulty sensor. In
all cases, after repairs are made the code(s) must be cleared manually
from the receiver. They will not clear themselves. Important Note #1:
Because new sensors cost $150 each, and to avoid unnecessary damage, BE
SURE to alert the technician that your wheels contain
the LTPWS sensor prior to performing any tire repairs or replacements. The
sensor is originally placed 180 degrees from the valve stem, usually marked
by an exterior decal.
Important Note #2: There are numerous errors in the service manuals
regarding the correct color locations and part numbers for the '90-'92 MY
(Model Year) sensors. The correct information is below. Keep it for future
reference.
GM # 10098494, Right Front-Blue
10098495, Left Front-Green
10098496, Right Rear-Orange
10098497, Left Rear-Yellow
Helpful Hint: Owner's of most '90-92 year model ZR1's have the following
option. In the event of faulty wheel sensor(s), All four sensors may be
removed which will render the LTPWS inoperative. It has been reported that
some cars in particular may have a reoccurrence of the light, however, we
have not experienced this problem. In this case, we would suggest
disconnecting the receiver module also. Unfortunately, the 93-95 LTPWS was
changed and this is not as easily accomplished.