Experiencing issues with your 2006 Chevy Colorado’s key fob and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can be frustrating. Many owners mistakenly believe the key fob is directly involved in resetting the TPMS. This article clarifies the relationship and provides a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot both your key fob and TPMS concerns.
It’s a common misconception that the key fob activates the TPMS learn mode on your generation of Chevy Colorado. While a malfunctioning key fob can certainly be an inconvenience, especially for keyless entry, it’s important to understand that it’s not the key to resetting your TPMS. Let’s debunk this myth and get your TPMS working correctly.
Activating TPMS Learn Mode on Your 2006 Chevy Colorado
For 2005-2012 Chevy Colorado models, activating the TPMS learn mode is a specific procedure that doesn’t involve the key fob directly. Here’s how to do it manually:
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Ignition to ON: Turn your ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
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Engage Parking Brake: Firmly set your parking brake. Ensure the parking brake light is illuminated on your dashboard.
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Headlight Switch Maneuver: Locate your headlight switch. Within 3-5 seconds, quickly rotate the switch to the “PARK lamp” position four times in a row.
- Confirmation: If done correctly, your horn will chirp twice, indicating that your Chevy Colorado has entered TPMS learn mode.
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TPMS Relearn Tool: You will need a TPMS relearn tool, such as the EL-50448 or an equivalent available from online retailers.
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Sensor Activation Sequence: Starting with the Left Front (LF) tire, use your TPMS relearn tool to activate the sensor. Upon successful activation, the horn will chirp once.
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Proceed Clockwise: Continue activating each sensor in a clockwise direction: Right Front (RF), Right Rear (RR), and Left Rear (LR).
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Learning Completion: Once you activate the Left Rear (LR) sensor, you will hear one horn chirp followed by two chirps. This confirms that the TPMS learning process is complete.
Tire shops often utilize OBDII style learn tools. These tools connect to your vehicle’s OBDII port and bypass the need to manually activate the truck’s TPMS learn mode. They transmit the necessary TPM sensor data directly to your vehicle’s computer system.
Key Fob Functionality and the Body Control Module (BCM)
Now, let’s shift our focus back to your key fob. On 2005-2012 Chevy Colorado models, the Body Control Module (BCM) is the central control unit for both the TPMS and the keyless entry system. The BCM acts as the receiver and brain for both systems.
If you are experiencing issues with your key fob (like inability to lock/unlock doors remotely), it’s separate from the TPMS reset procedure but still related to the BCM’s overall function. Common key fob problems include:
- Dead Battery: The most frequent culprit. Try replacing the battery in your key fob.
- Dirty Circuit Board: Over time, the circuit board inside your key fob can become dirty or corroded. Gently cleaning it with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol might resolve the issue.
- Faulty Key Fob: In some cases, the key fob itself might be faulty and require replacement or professional repair.
Troubleshooting Steps: TPMS and Key Fob
To effectively diagnose your issues, consider these steps:
- Check TPMS Light: Is your tire pressure light currently illuminated on your dashboard? Is there a “Service TPM” message displayed? The status of these indicators provides valuable clues.
- Attempt TPMS Relearn: Obtain a TPMS relearn tool and diligently follow the TPMS learn procedure outlined above.
- BCM Antenna Test: If the TPMS learn mode activates successfully and the sensors are learned, this indicates that the antenna within the BCM, which is responsible for receiving signals from both the TPMS sensors and key fobs, is likely functioning correctly.
By systematically addressing both the TPMS reset procedure and potential key fob issues, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve these common problems in your 2006 Chevy Colorado. Remember, while key fob issues and TPMS problems can co-exist, they are managed by the BCM but function through distinct systems.
