C0765 on 2013-2020 Chevrolet Trax: TPMS Fault or Deeper Electrical Issue?

What's Unique About the 2013-2020 Chevrolet TRAX

On this generation of Trax and its platform-mates (like the Buick Encore and Chevy Sonic), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system are controlled by the same module: the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR). Because of this shared architecture, a failure in the RCDLR can cause both TPMS codes like C0765 and key fob issues simultaneously. Furthermore, TSB PIC5650M specifically warns that C0765 can appear alongside immobilizer codes (like B3055) during no-start or stalling events, often caused by radio frequency interference from aftermarket devices like phone chargers or LED lights.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• "Service Tire Monitor System" message on the instrument cluster.
• TPMS warning light is illuminated (may flash on startup then stay solid).
• Key fob (Remote Keyless Entry) works poorly or not at all.
• Security light is on or flashing.
• Engine cranks but does not start.
• Engine starts and then immediately stalls.
• "No Remote Detected" message on the driver information center.
• Tire pressure readings show as dashes (--) in the driver information center, often for the rear tires first.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Right Rear TPMS Sensor 🔴 High Probability The internal battery in a TPMS sensor has a finite lifespan, typically 7-10 years. Vehicles in the 2013-2020 range are now old enough for original sensor batteries to be failing.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to read the sensor's data (ID, pressure, temperature, battery status). If the tool cannot get a reading, and the key fobs work correctly, the sensor is the primary suspect. A scan tool can also check the sensor's battery condition directly in the RCDLR data list.
   Typical fix: Replace the right rear TPMS sensor and perform the TPMS relearn procedure. This can be initiated through the DIC and requires a special tool to activate each sensor in sequence. 🎬 Watch: How to manually relearn your Trax TPMS sensors.
   Est. part cost: $25-$60
2. Failed Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) 🟡 Medium Probability GM issued TSB 16-NA-396 for this exact issue on several models, including platform-mates of the Trax like the Buick Encore and Chevy Cruze. The RCDLR module can fail internally, causing loss of communication with both TPMS sensors and key fobs.
   How to confirm: Diagnose by checking for simultaneous failure of the key fobs and the presence of TPMS codes. If key fobs are inoperative and C0765 (often with other TPMS codes) is present, the RCDLR is highly suspect. The RCDLR is located behind the passenger's side rear C-pillar trim panel on the similar Buick Verano platform, which is a likely location for the Trax as well. 🎬 See this walkthrough on locating and replacing the receiver module.
   Typical fix: Replace the RCDLR module. This requires programming the new module to the vehicle with a dealer-level scan tool (GM MDI) and Service Programming System (SPS) software.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100
3. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) ⚪ Low Probability TSB PIC5650M (and its later revisions like PIC5650K) highlights that aftermarket electronics (phone chargers, LED lights, dash cams) can emit RFI that 'jams' the 315 MHz or 433 MHz signals from the key fob and TPMS sensors, which share the RCDLR.
   How to confirm: If symptoms are intermittent, remove all aftermarket plug-in devices from the vehicle (USB chargers, toll passes, dash cams, etc.). If the problem disappears, reintroduce devices one by one to find the culprit. The interference may only occur when the device is active (e.g., when aftermarket LED dome lights turn on).
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the offending aftermarket device with a higher quality, properly shielded one.
   Est. part cost: $0-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Body Control Module (BCM) Fault: While the RCDLR is the direct receiver, it communicates with the BCM. In rare cases, a failing BCM can cause a cascade of communication errors, including TPMS faults and security issues. This is usually accompanied by other bizarre electrical problems. A diagnostic video on a platform-mate Buick Encore showed a no-start condition caused by BCM issues.
🎬 Watch: A deep dive into the BCM location and data.
• RCDLR Antenna Connection Fault: GM TSB 16-NA-061 describes how a poor or disconnected coaxial antenna connection to the RCDLR can cause TPMS and RKE issues. Depending on where the disconnect is (at the receiver, at the antenna amplifier, or at the rear glass antenna), symptoms can range from slightly reduced key fob range to a complete loss of signal from the TPMS sensors.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for other codes. Use a scan tool capable of reading Body (B) and Chassis (C) codes. Note if any key fob or immobilizer codes (like B3055) are present.
2. Test the key fob. Does the remote lock/unlock work from a normal distance (e.g., 30 feet)? If not, the problem is likely the RCDLR or RFI, not the TPMS sensor.
3. Remove RFI sources. Unplug all aftermarket devices (phone chargers, dash cams, LED lights) and remove any electronic toll passes from the vehicle. Retest system function.
4. Test the TPMS sensor. If the key fob works normally, use a TPMS tool to try and activate the right rear sensor. If it fails to respond, the sensor itself is likely bad. Also check the sensor battery status on the scan tool's data list if available.
5. Check the RCDLR. If the key fob does not work and TPMS codes are present, the RCDLR is the primary suspect. This step typically requires a professional scan tool to verify communication and module health.
6. Inspect RCDLR Antenna Connections. Per TSB 16-NA-061, inspect the coaxial cable connections at the RCDLR module and the antenna amplifier, which is often near the rear glass.
7. Inspect BCM and wiring. If multiple, unrelated electrical systems are failing, a broader diagnosis of the Body Control Module and its connections may be needed.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #13598772 (may be superseded by 86363052)) — This is the most common failure point when C0765 appears alone. The internal battery dies or the sensor is damaged.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Schrader, Standard Motor Products, Huf
  OEM price range: $40-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) (OEM #13597910 (supersedes 13510984, 13583332)) — This module is the cause when TPMS codes appear simultaneously with key fob failure, as documented in GM TSB 16-NA-396. Part number confirmed via TSB and parts sites.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine)
  OEM price range: $40-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C0750, C0755, C0760 — These are the corresponding TPMS fault codes for the other three wheels. They often appear with C0765 if the issue is with the RCDLR or widespread RFI.
• B3055, B3060, B3935 — These are vehicle immobilizer and key-related codes. TSB PIC5650M explicitly states they can be set along with C0765 during a no-start or stall condition, pointing to a security system fault or RFI.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIC5650M (and subsequent revisions): Addresses intermittent no-start, stall, or security light concerns where TPMS codes (C0750-C0775) may be present with immobilizer codes (B3055, etc.). Points to RFI from aftermarket devices like phone chargers, LED lights, and toll passes as a primary cause.
• 16-NA-396: Details intermittent failure of key fobs and TPMS light illumination with codes C0750-C0765, identifying the cause as an internal failure of the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR). It provides specific part numbers for replacement.
• PI1085: A preliminary bulletin for earlier models (2012-2013) that also identified a faulty RCDLR as the cause for poor RKE range and TPMS codes, recommending RCDLR replacement.
• 16-NA-061: Describes how a poor or disconnected coaxial antenna connection to the RCDLR can cause TPMS and RKE issues, resulting in dashes for tire pressure readings and poor key fob range.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The shared RCDLR module for both TPMS and keyless entry makes the system susceptible to a single point of failure that presents as two separate problems.
• The vehicle is sensitive to Radio Frequency Interference, which can mimic a component failure and trigger security and TPMS warnings, as detailed in TSB PIC5650M.
• On platform-mates like the Buick Verano, the RCDLR is located behind the passenger side rear C-pillar trim panel, which is a likely location for the Trax and requires interior panel removal to access.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C0765 with Symptom :29: Too Few Pulses. This specific symptom code, visible in a dealer-level scan tool like GDS2, indicates the RCDLR is not receiving the expected number of signal transmissions from the sensor. It strongly points towards a reception issue (RCDLR, antenna, RFI) rather than just a dead sensor. (see via GM GDS2 or equivalent professional scan tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Dealer Software): RCDLR Data Display — When diagnosing, a technician can view the live data from the RCDLR module. This includes the status of each TPMS sensor (e.g., 'Active', 'Low Battery'), the number of received transmissions, and the status of key fob button presses. This is critical for differentiating a bad sensor from a bad receiver module.
• GDS2 (GM Dealer Software): TPMS Learn — After replacing the RCDLR module or any TPMS sensors, this function must be performed to program the new component(s) to the vehicle. The scan tool initiates the learn mode, which then requires using a separate TPMS activation tool (like the EL-50448) at each wheel.
• GDS2 (GM Dealer Software): Module Setup / Programming — When a new RCDLR is installed, it must be programmed to the vehicle's VIN and configured using the Service Programming System (SPS) accessed through the GDS2 interface. The vehicle will not start and the key fobs will not work until this is completed.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• RCDLR Module — On platform-mates like the Buick Verano and Chevy Suburban, the RCDLR is located in the rear of the vehicle, typically behind the passenger's side C-pillar or D-pillar trim, or above the rear headliner. This requires removing interior trim panels for access.. This is the central module that receives signals from both TPMS sensors and key fobs. Physical access is required to replace it or to check its coaxial antenna connection.
• G103 — Located at the left rear of the engine compartment on the cowl, above the brake booster.. Service manuals for similar GM platforms indicate this ground point serves multiple modules, including the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR). A poor connection here could cause intermittent RCDLR operation, leading to C0765 and key fob issues.
• RCDLR Antenna System — The system consists of the RCDLR, a coax cable, an antenna amplifier module, and the antenna itself, which is often integrated into the right rear quarter glass.. TSB 16-NA-061 explains that a disconnect at any of these four points can cause TPMS and key fob issues. A disconnect at the RCDLR itself will cause the most severe symptoms (all TPMS sensors drop out, key fob only works inside the car), while a disconnect at the glass antenna may only cause slightly reduced key fob range.
• X50A Connector — This is a major connector block in the underhood fuse block.. The RCDLR and BCM receive power and communicate through circuits that pass through this connector. Corrosion or a loose pin in this area could cause a loss of power or data to the RCDLR, mimicking a module failure.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/ChevySonic (2017 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback (platform-mate to the Trax)) — TPMS sensors slowly went out one by one, and eventually the remote keyless entry (key fob) also stopped working. Had to use the physical key, which set off the alarm.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user suspected the receiver module from the start due to the combined failure of two systems.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user ordered a replacement RCDLR module (GM P/N 13587439 for their specific vehicle) to resolve the issue, confirming that the shared module was the single point of failure for both the TPMS and RKE systems.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13510984, 13583332 → 13597910 — Internal design improvements to address the failure causing simultaneous TPMS and RKE issues, as documented in TSB 16-NA-396.
  Heads up: The newest part number (13597910) is the correct replacement for the older, failure-prone versions and is backward compatible.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2020: The TPMS sensors for this entire generation of Chevrolet Trax operate on the 315 MHz frequency. It is critical to use the correct frequency sensor, as some later GM models switched to 433 MHz.
• 2017-2020 (Facelift): While the underlying RCDLR/TPMS architecture remained the same, the 2017 facelift introduced updated infotainment and interior trim. This can slightly alter the procedure for accessing the RCDLR module behind trim panels compared to the 2013-2016 models.