C0900 code meaning
TPMS Sensor 1 Battery
What C0900 means
C0900 does not appear in the publicly available J2012 code lists, and no carmaker publishes it for tire pressure monitoring. The one official mention points elsewhere: GM upfitter bulletin 80C for the 2008-2014 Silverado and Sierra HD chassis cab lists C0900 subcode 07 as Device Voltage High, a supply fault logged by the PTO module. The title instead means the battery inside the first wheel transmitter. A Schrader patent describes a single lithium cell and spare function bits in every radio word that can carry a low battery message. Mitsubishi books exactly this case for tire 1 as C1910 and names the cell built into the transmitter as the likely cause. Expect the TPMS lamp; the unit is replaced and its ID registered again.
C0900 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0900
- TPMS warning lamp flashes after start, then stays lit
- Pressure reading for one wheel drops out intermittently, more often in cold weather
Common causes of C0900
- Most likelyBuilt-in lithium cell of the wheel transmitter at end of life
- PossibleAged cell whose voltage sags in cold weather
- Less likelyOn GM vehicles the code may instead stem from excessive module supply voltage (Device Voltage High)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Tpms sensorTpms control module
What each part of C0900 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 00 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0900 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0900
What does C0900 mean?
C0900 means "TPMS Sensor 1 Battery". C0900 does not appear in the publicly available J2012 code lists, and no carmaker publishes it for tire pressure monitoring. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0900?
C0900 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0900 fail an emissions test?
C0900 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0900 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 1.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0900 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.