C0765 on 2009-2016 Chevrolet Traverse: Right Rear TPMS and Security Module Fixes

What's Unique About the 2009-2016 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

On this generation of Traverse and its GM Lambda platform-mates (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia), the TPMS sensors and the key fobs both communicate wirelessly with the same module: the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR). This shared architecture means a failing RCDLR module commonly causes both the TPMS warning light (with codes like C0765) and a complete failure of the key fobs simultaneously. The RCDLR module is typically located in the headliner or near a rear pillar, and its failure is a well-documented issue. GM Technical Service Bulletin PIC5650M links these TPMS codes to potential no-start or security light issues, highlighting the RCDLR's role in the vehicle's immobilizer system.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• TPMS warning light on the dashboard, often flashing for a minute before staying solid.
• "Service Tire Monitor System" message displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
• Pressure reading for the right rear tire shows dashes (--) on the DIC.
• Key fobs for remote lock/unlock and remote start stop working or have severely reduced range.
• Security light may illuminate on the dash, potentially with a no-start or stalling condition.
• "No Remote Detected" message on the DIC.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead Battery in Right Rear TPMS Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The 2009-2016 model years are now at an age where the original 7-10 year battery life of the TPMS sensors is expiring.
   How to confirm: If the key fobs work perfectly but code C0765 is present, the sensor is the most likely cause. A tire shop can use a TPMS activation tool to confirm the sensor is not transmitting a signal.
   Typical fix: Replace the right rear TPMS sensor. The new sensor must be 'relearned' to the vehicle. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once to avoid repeat repairs.
   Est. part cost: $25-$75
2. Failed Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) Module 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Keyless Entry Receiver This is a well-documented failure on many GM platforms from this era, including the Traverse, as noted in GM service bulletins PI1085 and 16-NA-396. The module is located in the rear of the vehicle, often above the headliner, where it can be subject to temperature fluctuations.
   How to confirm: The most definitive symptom is the simultaneous failure of the TPMS system (often multiple sensors) and all key fobs. If both systems stop working at the same time, the RCDLR is the primary suspect.
   Typical fix: Replace the RCDLR module. The new module must be programmed to the vehicle using a dealer-level scan tool (like a GM Tech II or MDI/GDS2) to learn the key fobs and vehicle configuration.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged TPMS Sensor: → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The sensor can be physically damaged during a tire change or by a severe pothole impact. This is less common than battery failure but is a possibility.
• Wiring or Connector Issue at RCDLR: A damaged wire or corroded connector at the RCDLR module could cause communication issues. TSB 16-NA-061 specifically notes that a disconnected coax cable at the RCDLR, antenna amplifier, or antenna itself can cause these exact symptoms. Chafed wiring in the harness leading to the TCM has also been found on these platforms, causing various electrical issues.
• RCDLR Memory Loss: In some cases, the RCDLR module can lose its programming configuration without failing completely. One owner on a forum reported that their TPMS sensors would be 'forgotten' after each ignition cycle until the RCDLR was reprogrammed with the correct tire type and pressure settings using a bidirectional scan tool.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check Key Fob Function: Test all remote key fob functions (lock, unlock, remote start). If they do not work or have very poor range, the RCDLR module is the primary suspect.
2. Scan for All Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C) and Body (B) codes. Check for other TPMS codes (C0750, C0755, C0760) or security codes (B3055). Multiple TPMS codes point towards a central module issue.
3. Test the Sensor: If the key fobs work correctly, use a TPMS activation tool at the right rear wheel. If the tool cannot get a response from the sensor, the sensor has failed.
4. Inspect RCDLR Antenna Connections (Advanced): Per TSB 16-NA-061, before replacing the module, inspect the coax cable connections at the RCDLR module itself (often in the rear headliner), at the antenna amplifier module, and at the antenna in the right rear glass. A loose connection can mimic a failed module.
5. Verify Repair: After replacing a sensor, perform the TPMS relearn procedure. 🎬 Watch: A quick guide to the TPMS relearn and reset process. If replacing the RCDLR, it must be programmed to the vehicle using a compatible scan tool to learn the key fobs and vehicle settings before it will function.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #13598773) — This is the most common fix when C0765 appears alone. The sensor's internal battery dies, requiring full replacement. This part number has been superseded by multiple numbers, including 86363053.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Schrader, Bosch, Continental
  OEM price range: $40-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) (OEM #20863945) — This is the likely fix if TPMS codes appear along with key fob failure. This module receives signals for both systems. This part number replaces the older part numbers 20818271 and 20788666.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine
  OEM price range: $40-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C0750 — Fault in the Left Front TPMS sensor. Seeing multiple TPMS codes together (C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765) strongly increases the likelihood of a central RCDLR module or antenna system failure.
• C0755 — Fault in the Right Front TPMS sensor. Seeing multiple TPMS codes together increases the likelihood of a central RCDLR module failure.
• C0760 — Fault in the Left Rear TPMS sensor. Seeing multiple TPMS codes together increases the likelihood of a central RCDLR module failure.
• B3055 — A key-related immobilizer code. This can appear with C0765 when the RCDLR module fails, as it is involved in vehicle security.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M: Mentions C0765 in connection with no-start/start-stall conditions and the security light, linking the TPMS system to vehicle security functions.
• PI1085: Addresses poor remote key fob range and TPMS codes on 2012-2013 Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave models, recommending replacement of the RCDLR module (part #20863945).
• 16-NA-396: Describes the exact same failure pattern for other GM vehicles: intermittent key fob operation, 'No Remote Detected' messages, and multiple TPMS codes (including C0765) caused by an internal fault in the RCDLR.
• 16-NA-061: Details how a disconnected RCDLR antenna or coax cable can cause identical symptoms (TPMS dashes, poor key fob range) and should be checked before replacing the module itself.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• GM Preliminary Information Bulletin PI1085 specifically addresses poor remote transmitter range and TPMS codes (including C0765) on 2012-2013 Traverse models due to a faulty RCDLR module, recommending its replacement.
• GM Technical Service Bulletin PIC5650M includes C0765 in a list of codes that can be present with a no-start or security light concern, pointing to the RCDLR's connection to the immobilizer system.
• A user on traverseforum.com with a 2014 Traverse reported the classic symptoms: 'Service Tire Monitor System' light and both key fobs stopped working. The fix was replacing the RCDLR (part #20863945) located in the headliner just forward of the rear liftgate. The new module required dealer programming.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C0765 with symptom byte :29: Indicates 'Too Few Pulses' were received from the tire pressure sensor. TSB #16-NA-396 states this combination points to an internal failure of the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) module, not the sensor. (see via Requires a professional GM-level scan tool, such as a Tech 2 or GDS2, that can read manufacturer-specific symptom codes (also called failure type bytes).)
• C0765 with symptom byte :39: Indicates 'Right Rear Tire Pressure Sensor Internal Malfunction'. This code points more specifically to a failure within the TPMS sensor itself, such as a dead battery or internal fault. (see via Requires a professional GM-level scan tool, such as a Tech 2 or GDS2, that can read manufacturer-specific symptom codes.)
• C0765 with symptom byte :08: Indicates 'Signal Invalid'. This means the RCDLR is receiving a signal, but the data is corrupt or not in the expected format. (see via Requires a professional GM-level scan tool like a Tech 2 or GDS2.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Global Diagnostic System 2): Module Diagnostics -> Remote Control Door Lock Receiver -> Configuration/Reset Functions -> Add/Replace Key Fobs — This function is required after replacing the RCDLR module to program the existing (or new) key fobs to the new module. The vehicle will not recognize the fobs until this procedure is completed.
• GDS2 / Tech2Win: SPS (Service Programming System) — When installing a new RCDLR, the module must first be programmed with the correct vehicle software and VIN using SPS. After SPS programming, the key fobs are learned using the 'Add/Replace Key Fobs' function.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• RCDLR Module — Located in the headliner, just forward of the rear liftgate on the Traverse.. This is the central module that fails, causing code C0765 and simultaneous key fob inoperability. Knowing its location is critical for replacement and for checking its connector and antenna coax cable.
• G110 — Located on the right rear of the engine, mounted to the back of the cylinder head.. This is a shared ground point for multiple critical modules, including the ECM and TCM. A loose or corroded G110 ground can cause widespread communication DTCs and intermittent no-start conditions, which can sometimes be confused with a module failure.
• RCDLR Antenna — The system uses a coax cable running to an antenna amplifier and an antenna element embedded in the right rear quarter glass.. A disconnected coax cable at the RCDLR, the amplifier, or the glass itself can cause the exact same symptoms as a failed RCDLR module (multiple TPMS codes, poor key fob range). This should be inspected before replacing the module.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• traverseforum.com user (2014 Chevrolet Traverse) — "Service Tire Monitor System" message on the DIC and both key fobs completely stopped working at the same time.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing key fob batteries.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The confirmed fix was the replacement of the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR), part number 20863945. The module was located in the rear headliner. After physical replacement, the new module had to be programmed by a GM dealer to recognize the vehicle and key fobs. This single repair resolved both the TPMS warning and the key fob failure.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 20818271, 20788666 → 20863945 — Revision and consolidation of the part for the RCDLR module.
  Heads up: The newest part number, 20863945, is the correct service replacement for the earlier numbers on this platform.
• 13598773 → 86363053 — Standard part number update by GM.
  Heads up: The original sensors operate on 433MHz. Ensure any replacement, OEM or aftermarket, is specified for this frequency.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2017: The 2013 model year introduced a facelift for the Traverse, which included updated interior electronics and infotainment. While the fundamental RCDLR/TPMS architecture remained the same, software for programming modules via SPS may have specific selections based on whether the vehicle is pre- or post-facelift and if it has factory remote start.