Tire pressure monitoring systems began appearing on passenger cars and light trucks in the 2005 model year, this following a congressional mandate requiring them on all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, by the 2008 model year. GM pickups and SUVs fit into this weight category, including your beloved Avy, all highway passenger vehicles produced after 2008 for the American market are TPSM equiped to abide by this government mandate.
http://www.tireindustry.org/pdf/TPMS_FinalRule_v3.pdf
Direct TPMS systems ( Each wheel has a transmitter- the sensor uses the valve stem as the actual antenne) vary by vehicle, each sensor is programmed to different values/signals so that the vehicle recognizes four different sensor locations, removing them during aftermarket wheel replacement may damage them beyond repair, be careful when dismounting/mounting tires so the tire bead or tire machine roller does not damage the sensor. Position the bead breaker 180 degrees across the wheel from where the valve stem is located. Using metal aftermarket valve stem caps can present issues as well, by interferring with transmitter signals.
Disabling the entire system can be problemmatic as well and on Onstar equiped Avy's, you may recieve unordinary amounts of messages and warnings. The security system, entry lighting, and key FOB function would be adversely affected. GM Direct TPMS systems used in Avalanches use radio signals to send communication links to the reciever. The wheel sensors signals are capable of being read by the receiver upwards of three hundred feet, whether not there actually installed or not. The pressure sensor inside each wheel contains a small battery to power the sensor and transponder, these readings are monitored by the trucks computer and reported to Onstar. The batteries used in the system are long-life lithium batteries that "may" last upwards of 10 years. Eventually, though, the batteries will go dead. If a battery has died, it's a good idea to replace all the TPMS transponders if the vehicle is more than six years old.
"Removing a wheel from a vehicle when doing brake or suspension repairs doesn't require any special procedures on TPMS equipped vehicles. Just remember to remount the wheel in the same location as before when you have finished the repairs. If you are rotating tires, or moving a wheel from one location to another, the TPMS system will have to be taught the new position of each sensor. This will require a scan tool or a special TPMS test/relearn tool."
Installing larger aftermarket size wheels and tires for off road use, or heavy duty load rated tires used by those towing campers, ie and trying to match ( tire pressure to load) may be presented their own unique set of problems with the direct TSMS system, your GM or equiped tire dealer may or may not be willing to help you overcome these. Good Luck....03WD
P.S.......if you want to "try"and trick the TPMS systems on your Avy, if you've removed a, part, or all the sensors and they are still working (sending signals)........put it/them inside of your spare tire and inflate accordingly. Disclaimer: Just remember, Your assuming the safety liabilities.