Reeves

Hello fellow C5ers,

I just got my new wheels on my car and need to retrain the tire sensors. The tech tip (http://www.corvetteforum.cc/techtips...D=77&TopicID=1) says to use the GM tool or a "big magnet".

I need to go buy a magnet for this procedure, how big is big? I assume a refrigerator magnet is too small and a big boat magnet is overkill. Can people post what size magnet they've used to train their wheels?

Thanks,
Reeves

jschindler

I used one of those magnets you buy at the auto parts store on the end of an extension for fishing parts. That is actually a pretty small magnet. I held it at the wheel just inside of the valve stem (not on the end of the valve stem). I'd try just any magnet you can find around the house before you go overboard.

Reeves

Thanks! I'll give that a try.

LoneStarFRC

I agree. Don't need big magnet. I picked a couple up at an electronics supply house (maybe Radio Shack, don't recall). Measures approx. 1 1/4"L
x 1" W x 1/4" Thick. Work great! :yesnod:

jpvette

I used an old 8" speaker magnet.

Gearhead Jim

One thing I've noticed is that the magnet's location may need to be moved to train the sensor. I bought a really strong magnet at the local hardware store that would raise the Titanic (keep it with a few tools in the trunk, you never know...) but often I must rotate it slowly around the valve stem a bit before the horn beeps.

bparker

FYI - HomeDepot sells large, meduim and small round magnets in thier tool section.

I used the large (like 2 or 3 bucks) magent and it works great. Then I stuck it to the side of my tool box for safe keeping.. :lol:

BP

corvette dave

I bought one from the company that sells them to the GM techs. Paid $52 for it shipped to my door. Boy was I surprised to see that there was nothing special about it except it is a horseshoe magnet with a hole in the center to fit over the valve. The reason for this is that the sensor only picks up the pull from the magnet from one side. With the horseshoe magnet you do not have to guess which side. BTW: I can make you a good deal on my magnet. :D
I tried other magnets I have at home and they worked fine.
With a non-horseshoe magnet you place it next to the valve(pick a side).
If the horn does not beep in 5 seconds or so, just put the magnet on the other side of the valve and it will. 50-50 chance here.
Dave

Viprklr

Got a telescoping magnet at the auto parts store. One you use to pick up drop items in the engine compartment. Paid $5 and it worked fine. :D

Wicked C5

I use a speaker magnet from my stock stereo. Let me know if you have problems and I could walk you through it over the phone. What kind of wheels did you get?

2kbluestreak

What purpose does the magnet serve? Does it activate the transmitter so the computer will now be trained? The pressure sensors must have some sort of inertial switch so they only transmit when the wheel is turning in order to save battery life. Is this what the magnet turns "on", or does it do something different. :confused:

Reeves

Thanks for the help offer.
I got a set of CCW wheels, 18X9.5 and 18X11. I'm very pleased. :D

corvette dave

Bluestreak,
I believe you have hit the nail on the head. Or certainly come very close.
The sensors only work when rotating to save battery life. I think at speeds above 15 mph. Can't remember. Maybe it's 5 mph.
Dave


[Modified by corvette dave, 11:26 PM 1/24/2002]

Reeves

GAH! I can't get them to work. I followed the method in the tips section to the letter. I hope they remembered to put the sensors in when the tires were mounted to the wheels. :|

I'm picking up some parts tomorrow from the dealership, I'll grab someone and get them to try with the special GM magnet. :)

Gearhead Jim

The sensors are integral with the valve stems, so if you have the original valve stems (alum on my car) you should still have the sensors.
Bad news is that it is possible to damage the sensors when mounting/unmounting tires, if you don't know the technique.

jschindler

You know it can take time, don't you? On mine, one of them took about 30 seconds. This seems longer than it is when you are just sitting there waiting.

bub

I made a tool using magnets purchased from either Radio Shack or Home Depot...

Picture is attached.



Regards,
-CKB




[Modified by bub, 10:33 PM 1/25/2002]

Bill Dearborn

Reeves try again but hold the magnet nest to the valve stem for at least a minute before you give up. I just used a 99 cent magnet from Radio Shack. Its about 3/16 thick and about 1x2 inches. I just put it against the base of the valve stem and it works.
Bill

aces

I use the magnet that's attatched to my spotlight. $10.00 at Wal-Mart. And you get a spotlight that works off your cig. lighter! :cheers: