TPMS Sensor & Keyless Entry Fix H3 Hummer


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Earlier this year, I began experiencing intermittent keyless entry issues and a persistent TPMS warning light, despite recent tire sensor replacements. Initially, I assumed the two problems were unrelated and replaced the keyless remote battery, but this did not resolve the issue.

I mistakenly assumed remote issues were the cause of my problem and replaced them with genuine GM remotes. However, a visit to a GM dealership turned into a frustrating experience. Despite the remotes being sealed in official GM packaging, the technicians questioned their authenticity and incorrectly diagnosed the issue as a faulty Body Control Module, which would have been costly to repair.

I was dissatisfied with the service technician and salesman’s assessment, as their diagnosis was inaccurate. Unfortunately, they were not receptive to my counterargument and charged me for unnecessary services without attempting to troubleshoot the issue systematically.

The technicians had struggled to operate both the new and original remotes, and the service tech detected the radio signal from the remotes but not the vehicle. Additionally, they were unable to reprogram the TPMS. This information led me to realize that the TPMS issue was likely interconnected with the remote control problems.

I informed the GM Dealer that the TPMS and Keyless Entry systems share a common antenna. Despite their insistence otherwise, I was correct. The Keyless Remote Entry and TPMS indeed utilize the same antenna.

The TPMS and Keyless Entry systems on the H3 Hummer share a common antenna. The TPMS warning light was illuminated due to a compromised radio signal. The decreasing range of the Keyless Entry was a related symptom caused by the deteriorating antenna. Applying dielectric grease to the antenna connection, similar to addressing corroded battery terminals, successfully resolved both issues.

After carefully removing the BCM, I cleaned it and repaired the antenna connection to the circuit board. The vehicle is now functioning properly. For a detailed visual guide on this repair, please watch the YouTube video linked below.

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  1. Oh, this would have given me a headache if I had read it before installing new tires. I too have had trouble with my remotes, even after new batteries. AND my TPMS was always bad. I assumed it was the sensors (2009, probably original) and just cracked remotes (on my third Dorman replacement case on one).

    Then, when the technician couldn’t get the H3 to learn the sensors, I figured it was going to be a problem. Turns out, the TPMS just needed to be driven to make the light finally go out. As for the remotes…

    Well, the one I’ve been using must have a bad case or something because if it doesn’t unlock, I squeeze the sides together as if I were trying to bust it apart at the seams. I hear a faint “click” and it then works. Beats me, I could get another case and try again, or maybe I’ll get new remotes.

    But thanks for this, I’ll definitely consider this antenna connection if I have more trouble!

  2. Michael Willeby Avatar

    Hello, I had a similar problem with my H3 that I’ve owned for 6 years.(2007 H3). When I first bought it the RKE never worked and the “service TPMS” light was always activated. I took it to a dealership for diagnostic and they said it was a bad BCM. They wanted a lot of money to repair it so I just lived with it. Fast forward to several months ago and other components began failing due to age. I got frustrated and parked the H3 and bought a Toyota. I planned on selling the H3 so I started replacing components. I remembered a repair I had done on a gmc pickup to the ABS control module by taking it apart and re-soldering some of the circuit board connections. I decided to try the same approach with the H3 BCM. I removed it, opened the box, cleaned off some of the corrosion with a metal dental pick, and re-soldered the antenna connection. I reinstalled it and was immediately able to reprogrammed the RKE. I installed new tire pressure sensors, programmed them and now have no TPMS warning lights. I started driving the H3 again and decided not to sell it. I didn’t realize how much I loved driving it. Now, the Toyota Tacoma stays parked most of the time and I’m pretty sure I’m just going to sell it instead. I should have created a video, but at the time I had no idea if it would work. I wanted to get the info out there that you can do this fix. It’s not that difficult. My BCM had water damage due to a bad replacement windshield installation that allowed water to pour in, right on the BCM. I just always thought the whole thing needed replacement, but it’s good as new now. Thank you

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