GM TPMS Reset/Relearn Tool

Don’t need one, check the relearn procedure in your truck manual.

Update
Problem resolved at the dealership in 5 minutes.
I might invest in one of these tools,
Thanks for the information

My son's 2500 GMC Z71 Dmax crew cab requires the reset tool.

My wife 1500 chevy crew cab 4wd LT equipped requires a reset tool. The older drop the air pressure in the tire didn't work on either of these trucks.
I bought reset tool for her truck.

Try the air pressure drop in your truck. That way you know for sure what is needed.

You don’t need the tool to rotate your own tires. The procedure Bedlam quoted works.

You do not need a special tool.

WITH STANDARD IGNITION:
1. Set parking brake.
2. Turn ignition to ON/RUN (engine off)
3. Use the MENU button to select the VEHICLE INFORMATION menu in the DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC).
4. Use thumbwheel to scroll to the Tire Pressure menu item screen.
5. Press the SET/CLR button to begin sensor matching process. A message requesting acceptance of the process should display.
6. Press the SET/CLR button again to confirm selection.
7. Starting with LF tire, increase/decrease tire pressure until horn sounds, or use TPMS relearn tool to activate each sensor.
8. After horn sounds proceed as in step 5 for the next 3 sensors in the following order: RF, RR, LR. After completing LR tire, horn will sound twice.
9. Turn ignition to OFF position to exit vehicle learn mode. Adjust all tires to pressure listed on tire placard.

WITH PUSH-BUTTON START:
1. Press and hold the push button start until the vehicle is in accessory mode. Note: on Cadillac models you will know when you are in accessory mode the Cadillac emblem appears on the DIC.
2. Press the MENU button located on the turn signal lever until “VEHICLE INFORMATION MENU” is displayed.
3. Once you are in the VEHICLE INFORMATION MENU, use the ^ v on the turn signal level until the DIC displays the vehicle’s tire inflation pressure and positions.
4. Press and hold the button located on the end of the turn signal level until “Are you sure that you want to relearn? YES or NO” is displayed.
5. Use the ^ v on the turn signal lever to highlight YES. Once YES is highlighted, press the button located on the end of the turn signal lever. The horn will chirp, “Tire Learning Active” will be displayed on the DIC, and the left front turn signal will be illuminated.
6. Beginning with the left front frire, use a TPMS activation tool to activate the left front sensor. Once the sensor has been activated, the horn will chirp and the right front turn signal will be illuminated.Repeat procedure in the following order, right front sensor, right rear sensor, and finally the left rear sensor. Once the left rear sensor has been activated, the horn will chirp twice. You can then turn the vehicle off to exit “learn mode.”

If you rotate your own tires, you will need the tool.

I have a EL-50448 VXDAS OEC-T5 that I use on my 2008 Impala. Bought it on Amazon. It is used each time the tires are rotated so I can insure that it reads properly on the Dash.

To answer your questions.

Do I really need one ? - No

Is it common to have to reset them ? - Not really, the shop should perform the relearn if they rotate tires, replace TPMS sensor or replace tires.

I’m very new to TMPS. Would I need this tool if I air up higher for towing at max capacity and then air down for normal weight loads ? -

No the relearn tool only specifies the location of the tire for the computer to monitor it correctly.

They are not expensive but is it necessary? - No you can perform the relearn procedure without the tool but it will require the tires pressure to be changed and then filled to proper pressure.

I have not needed one, but I don’t have an HD, so that may make a difference. I would suggest that you air down to the pressure you plan to run empty and see what happens. I doubt you will have issues on the high side. If you do have issues a tire shop may be able to re-program it once and fix the problem for good.