Does a 2004 Chevy Silverado have TPMS sensors?

Most 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickups were not equipped with direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors from the factory; some optioned trucks used an indirect TPMS approach, while others had no TPMS at all. To be sure about a specific vehicle, check the build sheet or inspect the wheels for sensors.

Understanding TPMS and why it matters

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to alert drivers when a tire’s air pressure is too low, helping prevent tire wear, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce the risk of a blowout. In the early 2000s, TPMS came in two main flavors: direct TPMS, which uses sensors inside each tire, and indirect TPMS, which relies on the vehicle’s ABS wheel-speed sensors to infer low pressure. The 2004 Silverado lineup was in a transitional period where not every model included direct TPMS as standard equipment.

Historical context: TPMS on GM trucks and the 2004 Silverado

U.S. federal regulations mandated TPMS on all new light vehicles starting with the 2007 model year. Automakers, including General Motors, began offering TPMS options prior to that deadline, but availability varied by model, trim, and option packages. As a result, many 2004 Silverado pickups did not come with direct TPMS sensors, though some might have had indirect TPMS or optional TPMS configurations depending on the build.

Direct TPMS vs Indirect TPMS

Direct TPMS uses one or more sensors mounted in each tire’s valve stem to measure air pressure and wirelessly transmit the data to the vehicle’s computer. Indirect TPMS does not use individual tire sensors; instead, it monitors wheel speed and other factors via the ABS system to estimate low tire pressure. In 2004, direct sensors were available but not universal; indirect TPMS was more common on trucks without the direct-sensor option.

How to tell if your 2004 Silverado has TPMS

To confirm whether a specific 2004 Silverado has TPMS, use these checks.

• Check the vehicle’s original window sticker, owner’s manual, or service documentation for any mention of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or related option codes.


• Inspect the valve stems on the wheels. A direct TPMS sensor is a small electronic module mounted at or near the valve stem area.


• Start the engine and observe the instrument cluster for a TPMS warning light; a TPMS indicator can appear at startup or illuminate during driving if the system is present.


• Use a diagnostic tool (OBD-II or a TPMS-specific scanner) to see if the system reports any TPMS sensors or IDs.


• Consult the vehicle’s VIN, build sheet, or contact a Chevrolet dealer to confirm whether TPMS was included in the original configuration.

Even if your 2004 Silverado lacks direct TPMS sensors, it may still have an indirect TPMS setup or none at all. Verifying via VIN/build data or a diagnostic scan provides a definitive answer for a given vehicle.

Maintenance and retrofit considerations

If the truck does have TPMS, note that older sensors can fail due to battery depletion or corrosion, and computer relearning may be required after tire service. Direct TPMS sensors typically last several years, but replacements can be necessary. For those seeking to retrofit TPMS on a 2004 Silverado, aftermarket sensors and relearn procedures exist, though compatibility and programming requirements vary by year and model.

Bottom line

In general, a 2004 Chevy Silverado did not universally include direct TPMS sensors; many trucks relied on non-TPMS setups or used indirect TPMS if equipped. To determine the status of a specific vehicle, check the build documentation, inspect the wheels for sensors, or run a TPMS diagnostic with the appropriate tool.

Summary

TPMS in the 2004 Silverado era was not standardized across the lineup. While some trucks may have indirect TPMS or optional direct sensors, most 2004 models did not feature the direct TPMS sensors that are common today. For accuracy on a particular vehicle, verify via the VIN/build sheet, owner materials, or a diagnostic check.

Where is the TPMS button on a Chevy Silverado?

And hold it until tire learn active is displayed on the dashboard. Once again key to the on position scrolling through the onboard menu locate the tire pressures to be displayed on the screen.

What year did TPMS come out?

TPMS was first introduced in the 1986 Porsche 959, but its widespread adoption came later. The TREAD Act in the U.S. mandated that all new vehicles be equipped with TPMS starting with the 2008 model year, making it standard on most vehicles sold today.
 

• First introduction: The first passenger vehicle to use a tire pressure monitoring system was the 1986 Porsche 959 supercar. 
• Early adoption: Following the Porsche, other luxury and high-volume vehicles like the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette and 1999 Renault Laguna also began using the technology. 
• Mandatory standard: TPMS became a mandatory feature in the U.S. for all new light vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs. or less after September 1, 2007 (effectively starting with the 2008 model year). This was due to the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act passed in 2000. 

How do I tell if I have TPMS sensors?

You can tell if tires have TPMS sensors by looking at the valve stem, checking for the TPMS dashboard light, or using a special tool. TPMS sensors are often attached to either a metal snap-in or a rubber-clad valve stem, which may have a distinct appearance or a feel that indicates a sensor is present. The dashboard warning light that illuminates when you start the car is also a clear sign that the system is equipped. 
Visual inspection of the valve stem

• Metal stem with a bolt-on look: A rigid, bolt-on or metal-threaded valve stem on the outside is often a sign of a TPMS sensor, especially if there is a silver or black hex nut at the base. 
• Rubber stem with a unique feel: For rubber stems, you can sometimes tell by feel. Gently bend the stem; if it bends excessively, a sensor is likely not present. If it feels rigid and bends only a little, it may be hitting the barrel of the wheel, indicating a sensor is on the inside. 
• Look for a brass shoulder: Some rubber stems have a brass or metal shoulder just below the threads, which can indicate a sensor is installed. 
• Insert a thin object: After removing the valve cap, you can try inserting a long, thin object like a long-reach probe into the valve stem. If it hits an obstruction, it's a sensor. 

Check the dashboard

• Look for the TPMS light: When you turn the key to the "on" position, look for a warning light that resembles a horseshoe with an exclamation point inside it, or simply the letters "TPMS".
• Confirm the system's function: If the light comes on for a few seconds and then turns off, it means the system is working correctly. If the light stays on or flashes, it indicates a problem with the system or a low-pressure warning. 

Use a diagnostic tool 

• Ask a professional: A local auto parts store or tire shop can use a TPMS scan tool to check if your wheels have sensors and if they are communicating properly. 
• Use your own tool: If you own a TPMS scan tool, you can test each wheel by holding the tool near the valve stem. 

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Does a 2004 Silverado have TPMS?

The Chevrolet Silverado is manufactured with a direct TPMS system.