Does a 2006 Sierra have TPMS sensors?

In most cases, a 2006 GMC Sierra did not come with direct TPMS sensors in the tires. Direct TPMS became mandatory for most new light vehicles in the United States starting with the 2007 model year, so 2006 Sierras typically used indirect TPMS or none at all, though there are exceptions based on market or trim.

Background: TPMS timing and what it means for a 2006 Sierra

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) come in two main flavors: direct TPMS, which uses sensors mounted inside each tire, and indirect TPMS, which relies on wheel-speed data from the ABS system to infer underinflation. In the U.S., the regulatory requirement for direct TPMS coverage took effect for model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles. As a result, most 2006 GMC Sierras—especially those built for the American market—were not shipped with factory-direct TPMS sensors in the tires. Some trucks destined for other markets or equipped with certain optional packages could have had direct sensors, but such cases are less common for the U.S.-spec GMT800 Sierra lineup. Indirect TPMS, when present, uses the ABS wheel-speed sensors to flag low pressure without a sensor inside the tire.

What your 2006 Sierra might have

The following possibilities cover the most common configurations you might encounter on a 2006 Sierra with respect to TPMS. Use this to identify what equipment your truck likely has or lacks.

• Direct TPMS sensors in each tire: Rare for U.S.-market 2006 Sierras, but possible for certain markets or special orders. If equipped, each tire has a sensor in the valve stem or within the wheel, and a TPMS warning light or message will typically appear when pressures are low or after sensor relearn/replacement.


• Indirect TPMS: More common for 2006 Sierra trucks. No tire-mounted sensors exist; the system detects underinflation by monitoring ABS wheel-speed data. A TPMS warning light may illuminate when the system detects a potential issue or after a reset, but there are no individual tire sensors to replace.


• No TPMS system: Some base or older configurations may not have TPMS at all. In that case, there is no tire-pressure monitoring via TPMS, and you rely on manual pressure checks.

Conclusion: The exact setup depends on market and trim. Most U.S.-market 2006 Sierras do not have factory direct TPMS sensors, but indirect TPMS or rare direct-sensor configurations are possible in other markets or specific builds.

How to tell if your 2006 Sierra has TPMS

To confirm the presence and type of TPMS in your truck, use these checks. The list below helps you identify whether your vehicle uses direct sensors, indirect TPMS, or no TPMS at all.

• Look at the valve stems on the wheels: Direct TPMS uses sensors mounted in the valve stems or inside the wheel; the stems may feel bulkier and sometimes have a more complex cap or sensor visible from inside the wheel area.


• Check the instrument panel: If you have a TPMS warning light (often labeled “TPMS” or showing a tire with an exclamation mark) that illuminates when ignition is on, you likely have a TPMS system—direct or indirect. Absence of a TPMS light does not guarantee there is no TPMS, but it’s a clue.


• Ask a tire shop or check VIN-level documentation: A scan tool can read TPMS sensor IDs if direct sensors are installed, and the vehicle’s service information can confirm whether TPMS is present and, if so, what type it uses.

Conclusion: A quick visual check at the valve stems plus a quick dash-light check and, if needed, a TPMS scan will tell you whether your 2006 Sierra has direct sensors, indirect TPMS, or none.

What to do if you’re replacing tires on a 2006 Sierra

Understanding your TPMS setup matters when you replace tires, rotate wheels, or switch to different wheels. Here are practical steps you can take based on the likely configuration of your truck.

• If you have direct TPMS: You’ll typically need to transfer or relearn the TPMS sensors to the new tires/wheels, and some tires may require sensor programming to re-sync with the vehicle’s TPMS control module. A TPMS relearn procedure is often performed with a scan tool or at a tire shop.


• If you have indirect TPMS: There are no tire-mounted sensors to move or relearn. You may just need to reset the system after a tire rotation or pressure adjustment, depending on the vehicle’s procedure.


• If there is no TPMS: You can replace tires like a standard older vehicle. Just maintain proper tire pressures manually and periodically verify with a gauge, since there’s no TPMS to warn you automatically.

Conclusion: For direct TPMS-equipped 2006 Sierras, plan for sensor transfer/relearn when changing tires. For indirect TPMS, expect a reset or no sensor work. For no-TPMS trucks, routine manual pressure checks suffice.

Summary

In short, a typical 2006 GMC Sierra (especially in the U.S.) did not come with factory direct TPMS sensors in the tires because direct TPMS became mandatory starting with the 2007 model year. Many 2006 Sierras used indirect TPMS or, in some cases, had no TPMS at all. To determine your specific setup, inspect the valve stems, observe the dash warning indicators, and consider a quick TPMS scan at a tire shop. This will guide you on whether sensor replacements, relearns, or simple manual tire pressure checks are required when servicing or replacing tires.

Does a 2004 GMC Sierra have TPMS?

The GMC Sierra was manufactured with 315 MHz TPMS sensors from 2004 through 2018.

What year did TPMS come out?

Mass production of later stick-type gauges rendered them cheap enough that today almost every car has one—sitting unused—in the glovebox! The debut of the 1986 Porsche 959 heralded the first reported passenger car tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Does a 2006 Chevy Silverado have TPMS sensors?

The Chevrolet Silverado is manufactured with a direct TPMS system. Direct TPMS has TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel; if one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle's ECU.

How do I tell if my tires have TPMS sensors?

You can tell if tires have TPMS sensors by looking for a dashboard warning light, examining the valve stems for metal parts or a brass collar, or checking the owner's manual. You can also take the vehicle to a mechanic or tire shop to have them scan the sensors.
 
This video explains how to identify a tire pressure monitoring system: 1mDillAirControlsYouTube · Mar 7, 2013
On the dashboard

• TPMS light: Most vehicles will display a TPMS light (a horseshoe-shaped symbol with an exclamation point) on the dashboard during a start-up. If it illuminates briefly and then turns off, your vehicle has TPMS. 
• TPMS readings: Some vehicles show the pressure for each tire on the dashboard. If you see a display with four pressure readings, your vehicle is equipped with TPMS. 

On the valve stems

• Metal valve stems: A rigid, metal, bolted-down valve stem often indicates a TPMS sensor is present. 
• Rubber valve stems: Some rubber valve stems have a sensor inside. You may be able to spot a brass or silver nut near the base where the stem meets the rim. Also, try gently bending the stem; if it feels stiff or stops when it hits the wheel barrel, it likely has a sensor inside. 
• Sensor under the tire: For rubber valve stems, you may not see a sensor. A TPMS professional can check for this using a special tool. 

This video demonstrates how to identify a tire pressure sensor in a wheel: 53sKennedy’s garageYouTube · Feb 22, 2022
Other methods

• Owner's manual: Check your vehicle's owner's manual for information on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). 
• Professional help: Take your vehicle to a mechanic or tire professional who can scan the sensors and tell you if they are functioning correctly. 
• Diagnostic tool: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to scan the sensors. If the tool cannot read a signal from the sensors, then either the sensors are not present or they are not working.