5 common vw tire pressure monitoring system problems

ByRasel

If you’ve been driving with Volkswagen (VW) tires for a while, you already know how the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) works. When any of your VW tires are deflated or inflated over the recommended levels, the TPMS system triggers a warning light on your dashboard.

However, VW tire pressure monitoring system problems are also pretty common which causes the whole system to malfunction. Sometimes the light keeps flashing even when your VW tires are inflated. In some cases, users have a complaint that the warning light doesn’t turn on at all even if the tire pressure is way below the standard level.

Let’s address the common Volkswagen tire issues and find out how to check and fix them.

vw tire pressure monitoring system problems

What are the Common VW Tire Pressure Monitoring System Problems?

As you’d expect, the TPMS system of your Volkswagen tires is pretty complicated. It consists of a number of components including the TPMS sensor, control module, instrument cluster, antennae, wiring harnesses, and connectors.

If any of these parts becomes damaged or faulty, the TPMS system issues will arrive. The most common Volkswagen TPMS issues include-

  • Tire pressure monitoring warning light doesn’t turn on
  • The TPMS warning light keeps flashing
  • Faulty TPMS sensors and module
  • EMI signal interference
  • Bad wiring and connectors

Read also >> Audi Tire Pressure Light Keeps Coming On – (Reasons & Fixes)

Volkswagen Tire Pressure Monitoring System Issues – (Causes and Fixes)

Now that you know what issues you might have with your Volkswagen TPMS, it’s time to find out the causes and possible fixes. Remember, if you don’t have any previous experience fixing tires, you better leave it to a professional.

Here are the details about common VW problems-

Problem 01- Tire Pressure Monitoring Warning Light Doesn’t Turn On

In an ideal situation, the TPMS warning light turns on when your VW tires are deflated below the required level. However, there are a few reasons why the light might not turn on even when the tire pressure is low. Faulty parts of the TPMS such as a faulty sensor, module, or wiring harness are the common reasons why this happens.

However, it can also happen because of a software error. If all your Volkswagen tires start deflating at the same time maintaining the same rate, the TPMS light warning might fail to illuminate in time.

This is a common issue in recent VW tires that’s been addressed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA.

  • What’s the fix?

First, you need to thoroughly inspect all the components of the tire pressure monitoring system of your VW tires. If you find any faulty or damaged parts, contact an expert technician to fix the issue.

In case everything looks fine and functional, you need to contact the Volkswagen dealerships or manufacturers to perform a cost-free software update and resolve this issue.

Problem 02- TPMS Warning Light Keeps Flashing

Another common TPMS problem of Volkswagen tires is an illuminated or flashing warning light even when the tire pressure is sufficient.

In most cases, this problem is caused by an improper relearning procedure after replacing the tires.

Whenever you rotate a tire or change any of the tire sensors, you must relearn the TPMS so that the new tire is calibrated to the TPMS sensors. Otherwise, the sensors will send incorrect readings to the system making the warning light flash or stay illuminated all the time.

  • What’s the fix?

Thankfully, the relearning process is easy, taking only up to 5 minutes or so. To relearn the tire pressure monitoring system on a VW vehicle after changing tires, follow our step-by-step procedure given below.

  • Step One:

First, ensure that all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure level for your particular vehicle model. You can find this information on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.

  • Step Two:

Turn on the ignition switch and press the ‘Set’ or ‘Reset’ button located on the dashboard to enter the TPMS relearn mode. The exact location of this button may vary depending on the model and year of your VW. So, check out your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where to find it.

  • Step Three:

Wait for the TPMS light to blink slowly for about 20 seconds, and then hold down the ‘Set’ or ‘Reset’ button until the light blinks rapidly. It indicates that the TPMS system is now in relearn mode and ready to receive new tire pressure information.

  • Step Four:

Starting with the driver’s side front tire, use a TPMS tool to activate the sensor by placing the tool against the sidewall of the tire near the valve stem. It will cause the sensor to transmit its unique ID code to the TPMS receiver in the vehicle.

  • Step Five:

Repeat this process for each of the other three tires in the following order: passenger side front, passenger side rear, and driver’s side rear.

Once all four sensors have been activated and their ID codes registered by the TPMS receiver, your job is done!

Problem 03- Faulty TPMS Sensors and Control Module

As you already know, the TPMS is a complex system with multiple active components. The TPMS sensors and module are probably the most important parts of the system. If the TPMS sensors in your VW tires are faulty, they won’t send a signal to the vehicle’s computer when the tire pressure is low.

These sensors can malfunction due to age, damage, or a dead battery. Similarly, a failed or faulty control module can’t process the data provided by the sensors resulting in a malfunctioning TPMS.

  • What’s the fix?

If the battery is depleted, the entire TPMS sensor unit must be replaced. The battery is integrated into the sensor design and it lasts up to 5-10 years. It’s not possible to change the damaged or dead battery separately, so you must get new sensors to fix the TPMS system problems.

You need to replace the faulty control module too as it’s not repairable in most cases.

Problem 04- EMI Signal Interference

Here’s how the tire pressure monitoring system works. The TPMS sensors of your Volkswagen tires measure tire pressure and temperature. Later, they transmit the collected data to the TPMS control module via radio frequency (RF) signals.

If the TPMS system experiences electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other electronic devices, it will interrupt the signals causing several TPMS problems.

EMI interference is caused by electromagnetic waves emitted from electronic devices. It can disrupt the communication between the sensors and your vehicle’s computer. This will eventually result in incorrect pressure readings or a complete failure of the TPMS system.

  • What’s the fix?

To solve the EMI interference problem, look for electronic devices or motors near your VW TPMS sensors or wiring. Move these devices away from the TPMS sensors or shield them to reduce their electromagnetic emissions.

Apart from that, you can install an EMI filter. It will reduce the level of electromagnetic interference in the electrical system of your car.

Problem 05- Bad Wiring and Connectors

In your Volkswagen TPMS, there are several wires and connectors to facilitate communication. These components also supply power between the different parts of the TPMS.

When the TPMS wiring or connectors go bad, the system will fail to accurately monitor tire pressure. This can lead to inaccurate readings being displayed on the dashboard or a complete failure of the system.

  • What’s the fix?

If you want to resolve this issue, the first thing you need to do is to inspect the TPMS wiring and connectors. It will help you determine which component has gone bad and how much damage has occurred. You can use a multimeter to check for continuity, voltage, and resistance among the wires.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you need to repair or replace the damaged wires or connectors. The components can be fixed by soldering wires, crimping new connectors, or replacing entire wiring harnesses. If you’re not an automatic expert, it’s better to leave the fixing job to a professional.

conclusion

Here is a list of the most common Vw Tire Pressure Monitoring System Problems that you should be aware of:

  1. Tire pressure monitoring warning light doesn’t turn on
  2. The TPMS warning light keeps flashing
  3. Faulty TPMS sensors and module
  4. EMI signal interference
  5. Bad wiring and connectors

We have addressed all the possible issues that many users experience such as an illuminated warming light, faulty sensors, bad wiring, etc. Remember, if you suspect that your TPMS system isn’t working correctly, you must have it inspected.

When there are repairs needed, get them done by a qualified mechanic to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. This way, your vehicle will be completely safe to drive.

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