VW TPMS Systems without Wheel Position Recognition

This Tech Tip is intended to cover VW models that use the TPMS system Without Wheel Position Recognition.

These vehicles use the Direct TPMS system with Address [65] - Tire Pressure Monitoring control module. The Comfort System control module antenna is used to receive the signals from 4 wheel mounted TPMS sensors. For this reason wheel position recognition is not possible.

• This system is commonly found in the US spec:
  • Golf, GTI, Rabbit, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen (1K/5M) 2005+
  • W Golf/Golf Plus/Jetta Wagon (JSW)/Golf Variant (5K/52/AJ) 2010
  • VW Jetta (1K/AJ) 2010 only
  • Eos (1F) 2007+
  • Tiguan (5N) 2009+
  • Passat (3C) 2006+
  • Passat CC (35) 2009+
    • Note, The 2012 and newer CC may use a 3AA series TPMS module which is located in the rear of the vehicle and uses 433 MHZ sensors, but the basic operation is the same.

See the Diagnostic Procedures section specific to each model to check if detailed information can be found, specifically for those models like the VW Touareg or Audi A8 that use position recognition. If information is not available in the Ross-Tech Wiki refer to the VCDS Label file -or- the Official Factory Repair Information.

Some of the 2011 + NAR (North American Region) Golf platform vehicles have switched to the Indirect TPMS system. Those vehicles use the ABS Brake Electronics (MK60EC1) system and Address [65]-Tire Pressure Monitoring is NOT used. This procedure does Not apply to those vehicles and they should be equipped with a reset button -or- MFA reset option. The Owner's manual and Labels on the chassis will include vehicle specific instructions for the learning drive and reset.

Special Tools

• VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System)
• Battery Charger
• Tire Psi Gauge
• Air Compressor

Prerequisites

• Check the actual tire pressures. If a leak is found correct it first !
• When checking the tire pressure verify that metal valve stems are present. Rubber valve stems are a good indication that TPMS sensors are Not installed.

Workshop Procedure with VCDS

• Select control module address [65-Tire Pressure] and check the [02-Fault Codes]. Leave the key on.
  • If no fault codes are stored and the TPMS light is On, the solution may involve correcting the low tire pressure. Confirm this by taking the vehicle for a short test drive or performing the wake-up procedure and the light should go out.
  • If faults are stored, further diagnosis is necessary

The Wake-Up Procedure

• With the Key On, rapidly deflate all 4 tires, one at a time, by approximately 10 to 12 PSI. This is critical because the sensors will wake up when a rapid pressure loss is detected.

Alternatively, a hand held TPMS tool can be used to wake the sensors without letting air out of the tires.

Note: It may take between 15 seconds and 2 minutes for the data to be transmitted to the module.

• Check [08-Measuring Blocks]. The relevant sensor readings are generally:
  • MB's 001, 004, 007, and 010, should show the Wheel Specific data including Temperature, Actual and Specified tire pressure readings.
  • MB 016 may be very useful because it contains data from the last sensor to transmit a signal.
  • MB 025 will show which wheel set is enabled. Wheel set 1 is default. If it’s on wheel set 2, Adaptation values may need altered.

• Move on to each wheel to verify the readings.
• Correct all tire pressures to the specified level for the vehicle. If one or more wheels are not showing an Actual reading it will be necessary to determine which sensor is a fault
  • If a sensor is suspected as faulty it would be advised to log a Good wheel and the Suspect wheel during a test drive. This will confirm that no reading is shown while driving when centrifugal acceleration and vehicle speed are present.

Matching a New Sensor

If a new sensor was installed it must be matched to the module.

• Turn the Key on with a battery charger connected.
• Wake up all sensors as previously described immediately followed by correcting the tire pressure.
• Leave the Key On for an additional 20 minutes and do not move the vehicle. This will allow the module to learn the ID from the new sensor.
• After the learning procedure has been performed, take the vehicle for a test drive. The length of the drive may vary depending on the vehicle but 5 to 8 minutes is typically sufficient.

Special Notes

• Depending on ambient temperatures, a pressure loss greater than 2 PSI can cause a warning lamp to illuminate without storing fault codes.
• Always refer to the tire pressure shown in the Driver's door label for the specifications for each vehicle.
• The TPMS module will not display Actual pressure data after the key has been cycled. The wake up procedure or a test drive will need to be repeated after a key cycle.
• An inactive wheel sensor will not transmit a signal to the module.
• When replacing a sensor it is generally useful to take note of the new ID, printed on the body of the part, prior to the tire being mounted on the wheel.
• By design, the TPMS system will not alert the driver for an overinflated tire, only under-inflation conditions will trigger a fault lamp!
• TPMS Battery Life is estimated by the control module and may not display information in the measuring block groups until the vehicle is driven. MB's 002, 005, 008, and 011 should show the estimated battery life when the sensor in question is communicating properly.