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sinaschmidt24

Audi A3 TPMS Warning Persists After Pressure Check

Running into some trouble with my 2005 Audi A3 1.8T (175k km). The TPMS issue keeps popping up on the dash even after checking tire pressure on all wheels. Mechanic recently worked on the car but the warning wont go away and now theres also an error code stored. Has anyone experienced similar problems with their TPMS sensors? Starting to wonder if this is a common issue or if my mechanic might have messed something up during the last service. Any feedback on repair costs or possible DIY fixes would be great.

4 comment(s)

peterblitz1

Had the same situation with my 2008 Audi A4 2.0T. The persistent TPMS issue turned out to be more than just low tire pressure. When the sensor batteries start failing, they trigger false warnings even when tire pressure is correct. Each wheel has its own TPMS sensor, and they typically need replacement after 5-8 years due to non-replaceable batteries. Took my car to the garage last month because of a similar sensor fault. The diagnosis showed two dead sensors and one giving intermittent readings. The fix required replacing the faulty TPMS sensors and reprogramming the system. Not a serious mechanical issue, but it needs proper attention since driving with malfunctioning TPMS can mask real tire pressure problems. A quick way to confirm sensor battery failure: if the TPMS warning comes on within minutes of driving, even after proper tire inflation, its likely a sensor issue. The error code is usually stored because the system cant get consistent readings from the failing sensors. This is a common problem with older Audis from that generation. While you can temporarily clear the error code, the warning will return until the sensors are replaced. Not really a DIY job unless you have programming capabilities, as the new sensors need proper calibration with the cars system.

sinaschmidt24 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your A4 situation sounds exactly like what I faced with my A3 last winter. After my tire check showed perfect pressure levels, I discovered multiple failing sensors were causing the constant TPMS alerts. The air valve sensors on my car were all original, so it made sense they were failing after many years. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was for your sensor replacements? Just curious if prices have changed much since I had mine done. Also wondering if youve had any tire pressure monitoring issues since the repair? My system has been working flawlessly after the fix, but its always good to hear about long-term reliability.

peterblitz1

Thanks for asking about the repair costs. Since getting the sensor issue fixed at the garage, my TPMS has been working perfectly with no false alerts. The total bill came to 280 Euro for replacing the faulty sensors and reprogramming the system. The tire pressure monitoring has been spot-on since the repair, giving accurate readings every time. Regular tire checks confirm the sensor readings are precise now. The mechanic explained the main problem was indeed just depleted sensor batteries, which is exactly what you experienced with your A3. Its good to hear your system is also working well after the fix. These sensor replacements might seem costly, but they are essential for maintaining proper tire pressure monitoring and overall safety. Much better than dealing with constant false warnings that could mask real low tire situations.

sinaschmidt24 (Author)

Thanks everyone for your input. After dealing with those annoying TPMS warnings, I finally got it sorted at my local garage. The mechanic found three dead sensors causing the system to show constant faults. Total repair came to 320 Euro, they had to replace all the failing TPMS sensors and recalibrate the system. Took about two hours since they needed special equipment to program the new sensors. Was a bit more than expected but worth it to stop those false warnings. The pressure monitoring works perfectly now. No more unusual alerts on the dash, and the tire pressure readings match exactly with my manual pressure gauge checks. Really glad I got it fixed rather than keep ignoring those sensor fault warnings. For anyone else dealing with similar TPMS issues in older Audis, definitely worth checking the sensor age. Saved me from constantly wondering if I actually had a low tire problem.

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