I have the same issue with a new Ford. It seems that the low limit is about 55 psi. That would be OK if I was always loaded but a load/inflation chart for my stock tires shows that 40 psi will carry the rig empty just fine. Since I drive alot of gravel I have always ran about 50-55 psi front and 40-45 rear when empty. Rides better and is much easier on the rig.
I have read other places that the dealer can't change the limit setting as it's a "safety" feature. If it could be set to let me know at 30 psi it would let me know that I really do have a problem. The way it is it's just Big Brother looking out for use stupid peons.
285s eh? Pressures you cite are a dead giveway your truck came with load range E tires and now you've gone to 285s that are of a lesser load range! Thus, you've decreased the capacity of your truck. To answer your question, the type of sensors GM is using CANNOT be reprogrammed to a different pressure range. They do have other model sensors with different pressures, but the GM dealers are not supposed to install anything other than what your vehicle is rated for. Plenty of guys have installed the higher pressure range sensors when going to a higher load range tire, but haven't personally heard anyone stepping down their 3/4 and 1-tons with lesser load range tires. More importantly, now that you've gone up to a 285 you really should have the computer done so that not only are you speedometer and odometers correct, but so your ABS and trans will respond correctly.
I agree with benb, if your new tires aren`t recomended for the what the factory door sticker calls for then you were sold the wrong tires probably load C or D. you need a minimum of load range E`s.
When I was shopping for my Duramax I was shocked to find lesser than stock tires on them after being replaced. There were two different trucks, each with about 30K, that the dealers had undoubtedly changed the tires after taking them in on trade.... they put crappy 'C' range tires on them hoping no one would notice.
I had kind of a heated discussion with one of the service managers about it actually.... it's a bunch of BS.... and dangerous too. You send a guy out the door with a truck that is rated to tow X weight but tires that are only capable for 2/3 of that.
All in the name of the dealer saving $100. I hope they use that money for a premium pillow to help them sleep better at night.
Offline
Online
