C0760 on 2015-2019 Buick LaCrosse: Causes for Left Rear TPMS Fault

What's Unique About the 2015-2019 Buick LACROSSE

On this generation of Buick LaCrosse and similar GM platforms (like the Chevy Malibu and Cadillac XT5), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the keyless entry/remote start systems are controlled by the same module: the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR). This integration is a common source of confusion. A failure within the RCDLR can cause both a TPMS warning light (with codes like C0760) and simultaneous failure of all key fob functions, leading owners to mistakenly diagnose only the TPMS sensor. GM has acknowledged this specific failure mode in Technical Service Bulletin #16-NA-396, which details this exact scenario.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: The 2015-2019 year range covers the end of the second generation (2015-2016) and the beginning of the third generation (2017-2019) LaCrosse. The key issue of the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) affecting both TPMS and key fob functions is documented in TSB #16-NA-396, which specifically includes the 2017 LaCrosse, indicating the problem exists on the newer generation platform. This issue is common across GM's Epsilon II platform vehicles of this era.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Tire pressure monitor indicator illuminated on the dashboard.
• "Service Tire Monitor System" message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
• DIC shows dashes (---) for the left rear tire pressure reading.
• Key fob functions are inoperative (lock, unlock, remote start, trunk release, panic).
• "No Remote Detected" message on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
• Security light may be illuminated, potentially with a no-start or start-and-stall condition. [⭐ MANUFACTURER TSB — highest authority] Bulletin #PIC5650M

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Receiver As documented in GM TSB #16-NA-396, this module is known to have internal issues that cause simultaneous failure of TPMS and keyless entry functions. This is the primary suspect if key fob problems occur at the same time as the TPMS light.
   How to confirm: Check for the presence of multiple TPMS codes (C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765) and confirm that key fob functions are also inoperative. A professional scan tool can communicate with the RCDLR to check for internal faults. A simple test is to observe the key fob range; if it only works very close to the vehicle (especially near the rear), the RCDLR is likely failing.
   Typical fix: Replace the RCDLR module and program the new one to the vehicle. This typically requires a dealer or a well-equipped independent shop with GM-specific software.
   Est. part cost: $170-$310
2. Failed Left Rear TPMS Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor TPMS sensors contain a non-rechargeable battery with a finite lifespan, typically 7-10 years. As these vehicles age, battery failure becomes a very common cause, especially if the key fobs are working correctly.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS activation tool to try and read the sensor. If the tool cannot get a reading, the sensor's battery is likely dead or the sensor has failed. If only C0760 is present and the key fobs work correctly, the sensor is the most likely cause. A tire shop can perform this test quickly.
   Typical fix: Replace the TPMS sensor in the left rear wheel. The new sensor must be 'relearned' to the vehicle's computer using a TPMS tool or the vehicle's built-in relearn procedure.
   Est. part cost: $25-$70
3. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) ⚪ Low Probability Aftermarket electronics, especially cheap phone chargers, dash cams, or LED lighting plugged into the car's power outlets, can emit radio frequencies that interfere with the RCDLR's ability to receive signals from both TPMS sensors and key fobs.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket electronic devices from the vehicle's power ports and remove any new electronic items from the key chain. Clear the codes and drive to see if the problem returns. If it does not, one of the removed devices was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering device.
   Est. part cost: $0

Rare But Worth Checking

• Disconnected RCDLR Antenna Coaxial Cable: → Shop Antenna

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the symptoms. Does the TPMS light come on, and do the key fobs fail to work? If both are true, the RCDLR is the primary suspect.
2. Scan for codes. Use a scanner capable of reading Body (B) and Chassis (C) codes. Note if C0760 appears alone or with other TPMS codes (C0750, C0755, C0765). Multiple codes strongly suggest an RCDLR issue.
3. Test the TPMS sensor. If key fobs work normally, use a TPMS activation tool to attempt to read the left rear sensor. If it reads successfully, the sensor is likely working. If it does not respond, its battery is likely dead.
4. Check for RFI. Unplug all aftermarket chargers, dash cams, and other devices. Clear the codes and see if the issue returns.
5. Inspect RCDLR and Antenna Connections. If symptoms point to the receiver, a technician should inspect the coaxial antenna connections to the module before replacing it, as outlined in TSB #16-NA-061.
6. Replace the faulty component. If the sensor is bad, replace it and perform a relearn. If the RCDLR is confirmed faulty, it must be replaced and programmed to the vehicle.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (OEM #13503205, 13595511) — This module is the most common cause when C0760 is accompanied by key fob failure, as confirmed by GM TSB #16-NA-396. Part number 13503205 is widely cited for this application, though TSB #16-NA-396 lists 13595511. Always verify the correct part number with a dealer using the vehicle's VIN.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine
  OEM price range: $170-$310
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #13540602, 13598773) — If C0760 appears alone and the key fobs work perfectly, the sensor itself is the most likely cause due to battery failure at the end of its 7-10 year life. The sensor operates at 433MHz for this vehicle.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Schrader, Continental, VDO
  OEM price range: $35-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$45

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C0750, C0755, C0765 — These are the codes for the other three TPMS sensors. When all four appear together, it is almost certainly a fault with the central RCDLR module, not four simultaneously failed sensors.
• B3055, B3060, B3935 — These are security and key-related codes. According to TSB PIC5650M, they can appear alongside TPMS codes like C0760, pointing to a broader issue with the vehicle's remote function and security systems, often involving the RCDLR or RFI. [⭐ MANUFACTURER TSB — highest authority] Bulletin #PIC5650M

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 16-NA-396: Intermittent Operation of Key Fobs, Door Unlock Inoperative “No Remote Detected” Message with Possible TPM MIL.
• PIC5650M: No start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. [⭐ MANUFACTURER TSB — highest authority] Bulletin #PIC5650M
• 16-NA-061: Service Tire Monitor System/ Tire Pressures Display Dashes/ RKE Short Range/ No Fob Detected Message.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #16-NA-396 directly addresses an issue where an internal fault in the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver causes intermittent operation of key fobs and illuminates the TPMS light with codes C0750, C0755, C0760, and/or C0765. The prescribed fix is to replace the RCDLR module. [13, ⭐ MANUFACTURER TSB — highest authority] Bulletin #16-NA-396
• TSB #PIC5650M notes that TPMS codes including C0760 can be set alongside security codes (B3055, B3060, B3935), indicating a wider system fault related to the remote functions controlled by the RCDLR. [⭐ MANUFACTURER TSB — highest authority] Bulletin #PIC5650M

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• RCDLR Module Power Supply Voltage — expected: Should be equal to battery voltage (approx. 12.6V with key on, engine off).. Failure: A voltage drop of more than 0.5V compared to battery voltage indicates a wiring or ground issue. A reading of 0V indicates a broken wire or blown fuse.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C0760 with symptom byte :03: Indicates the TPMS sensor has a low voltage condition, usually a dying internal battery. (see via GM GDS2 or equivalent professional scan tool.)
• C0760 with symptom byte :29: Indicates 'Too Few Pulses.' The RCDLR is receiving a signal, but the data is incomplete or corrupt. This often points to a weak sensor battery or significant radio frequency interference. (see via GM GDS2 or equivalent professional scan tool.)
• C0760 with symptom byte :39: Indicates the TPMS sensor has an internal malfunction. (see via GM GDS2 or equivalent professional scan tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Factory Scan Tool): Module Diagnostics > Remote Control Door Lock Receiver > Data Display — Used to view live data from the RCDLR, including the status and signal strength of each TPMS sensor and key fob inputs. This helps differentiate a sensor issue from a receiver issue.
• GDS2 (GM Factory Scan Tool): Module Diagnostics > Remote Control Door Lock Receiver > Configuration/Reset Functions > Program Transmitters — This function is required after replacing the RCDLR to program the existing key fobs to the new module.
• GDS2 (GM Factory Scan Tool): Tire Pressure Monitor Learn — This function initiates the TPMS relearn procedure, which is necessary after replacing a sensor or the RCDLR to assign sensor positions to the vehicle's computer.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• RCDLR Module — Located behind the rear C-pillar trim panel, typically on the passenger side.. This is the central receiving unit for both TPMS and key fob signals. Physical access is required for replacement or to test its wiring connections.
• RCDLR Antenna System — Consists of a coaxial cable from the RCDLR to an antenna amplifier, which then connects to an antenna integrated into the rear glass.. A disconnection at any of the three points (RCDLR, amplifier, or glass) can cause a loss of signal from distant sensors (like the left rear) and poor key fob range, mimicking a failed RCDLR module. TSB 16-NA-061 details this specific issue.
• RCDLR Power/Ground Wires — Within the wiring harness connector plugging into the RCDLR module.. A broken power wire or poor ground connection will prevent the RCDLR from functioning, causing a loss of communication and setting TPMS codes. This can be misdiagnosed as a failed module.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'HR Repair' (2011 Chevrolet Silverado (similar GM electrical architecture)) — Key fobs did not work. Scan tool showed 'Loss of Communication' with the RCDLR.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially ordered a new RCDLR module assuming the original had failed.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Before installing the new module, the technician tested for power at the RCDLR connector and found 0V. The red/white power wire was found to be broken inside the harness between the B-pillar and C-pillar. Repairing the broken wire restored power and communication to the original RCDLR, fixing the problem without needing the new part.
• YouTube channel 'DanielJaegerFilms' (Buick LaCrosse (year not specified, but new with 316 miles)) — Service Tire Monitor System light was on, and key fob functions (lock, panic) were inoperative from a distance. Front TPMS sensors would not learn, but rear ones would.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Attempting the standard TPMS relearn procedure failed for the front tires.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician diagnosed a faulty Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR). The key fob worked only when held very close to the rear C-pillar where the RCDLR is located, confirming the receiver was the issue. Replacing the RCDLR fixed both the TPMS and key fob problems.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13503205 → 13595511 (per TSB 16-NA-396) — Module revision or internal component update by the manufacturer to address reliability issues.
• 13595511 → 13540045 — Standard part number evolution by GM.
  Heads up: Always confirm the latest part number with a GM dealer using the vehicle's VIN before ordering.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015-2016 (Second Gen): These models typically use a 315 MHz system for both TPMS and key fobs. The key fob may be a separate unit or a flip-key style with FCC ID OHT01060512.
• 2017-2019 (Third Gen): These models use a 433 MHz TPMS system but may still use a 315 MHz key fob. The RCDLR location in the C-pillar is consistent, but programming procedures for adding a new key require specific steps involving the physical key in the door lock and placing the new fob in a transmitter pocket in the center console.