Get Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

¤ Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light (telltale)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses a pressure sen-

sor in each wheel. Signals from the sensors are transmitted to the

TPMS.

The TPMS checks the tire pressure of all 4 tires while you are driving

and warns if there is a loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.

Pressure loss that is 25% or more of the benchmark value pro-

grammed into the system is signaled by the indicator light (telltale), by

acoustic warnings, and by text messages in the instrument cluster

display.

More information:

Volkswagen Information System

Transporting

Tires and wheels

Braking and parking

Exterior care and cleaning

Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

Consumer information

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden

tire failure, loss of control, collision, serious personal injury or

even death.

When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster,

stop and inspect the tires.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause in-

creased tire wear and can affect the handling of the vehicle and

stopping ability.

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can also lead to

sudden tire failure, including a blowout and sudden deflation,

causing loss of vehicle control.

The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all

tires on the vehicle. The recommended tire pressure values are

listed on a sticker inside the driver door ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation pres-

sure.

The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehi-

cle are filled to the correct cold tire inflation pressure specified

for the tires installed on the vehicle.

Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or

other damage. Always inflate the tires to the correct specified

cold tire pressure values for the tires installed on the vehicle.

Always maintain correct cold tire inflation pressure so that

TPMS can do its job.

Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire

pressure before driving off.

Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend)

more, letting them get too hot, resulting in tread separation,

sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

Excessive speed and/overloading can cause heat build-up,

sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear

prematurely and the vehicle will not handle well.

If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change a wheel

immediately, drive carefully and at reduced speed to the near-

est service station to check the tire pressure and add air as re-

quired.

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with

TPMS always read and heed the information and all WARNINGS

regarding tires and wheels ⇒ꢀ Tires and wheels.

NOTICE

The wheel electronics are attached to special aluminum valves

on the wheels. These valves are screwed on rigidly. Never bend

the valves “into position” when checking and adjusting tire

pressure.

Missing valve stem caps can cause damage to the valves as

well as to the TPMS sensors. To help prevent damage, always

use valve stem caps like those originally installed at the factory.

The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do not use metal valve

stem caps.

Do not use “comfort valve caps.” They do not seal properly

and can damage the sensors.

When replacing or rotating tires, make certain the valves and

sensors are not damaged.

The aluminum valves that are installed should be replaced

after about 6 years of use because of aging in the rubber seals.

The valves can be replaced when a tire is changed. Do not reuse

aluminum valves after they are removed. They must be replaced.

The tire pressure sensor can be reused.

When replacing the valve cores, use only nickel-plated re-

placement cores.

The batteries in the wheel electronics last up to 10 years. It is

not possible to replace the batteries. The entire device must be

replaced.

Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.

Dispose of the wheel electronics and the old batteries in an envi-

ronmentally responsible manner. Batteries of the type used in the

wheel electronics may contain Perchlorate Material. Special handling

may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hadardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey

all applicable legal requirements regarding proper disposal.

Do not rely only on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Check

your tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated and have

no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and blisters.

Remove any objects that become embedded in the tire tread but have

not penetrated into the body of tire itself.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System checks for the factory-

recommended inflation pressure, as shown on the label inside the

driver door ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation pressure.

For replacement tires that require a different inflation pressure, the

TPMS must be adjusted to the new pressure specification by an au-

thorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility. Only one value can be entered for each tire; see the tire infla-

tion pressure label on the driver door pillar ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation pressure.

To help prevent damage to the sensor and valve, do not put exces-

sive force on the valve when checking the tire pressure. Do not try to

bend the valve.

If sensors have to be replaced, have the valves changed at the

same time.

The tire valve gaskets must be replaced whenever a tire is mount-

ed on the rim. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility has a valve seal and gasket kit for this

purpose. Always make sure that a valve seal and gasket kit is also

used whenever a sensor is replaced.

If you have to adjust the tire pressure on a “warm” tire, fill the tire

with 2.0 - 4.35 psi (20 - 30 kPa) more than the pressure specified on

the tire pressure label.

When the TPMS determines that the air pressure in at least one

tire is too low, carefully check the pressure in all 4 tires with an accu-

rate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be deter-

mined by looking at the tire. This is especially true of low-profile tires.

A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and

Industry Canada regulations is found in the Consumer Information

section of this Manual ⇒ꢀ Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunica-

tions and Electronic Systems.

There may be differences between the pressure readings from a

tire pressure gauge and the pressures registered by the Tire Pressure

Monitoring System. The electronic TPMS is more accurate.

If you have work done on your wheels or tires, inform the work-

shop that the vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring

System that has sensors in the wheels.

Indicator light (telltale)

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Lights Display

Possible cause or Proper response

up

text

meaning ⇒ꢀ

FLAT TIRE Rapid loss of pres- Stop! Reduce speed

sure in one or more immediately! Stop the

tires. At least one

vehicle as soon as it is

tire has a pressure safe to do so. Avoid fast

below 20.3 psi (1.4 cornering and hard

bar) or a loss of tire braking!

pressure greater

than 2.9 psi/min

(0.2 bar/min).

Check all tires for ex-

ternal damage and em-

bedded objects. Check

the inflation pressure of

all 4 tires. If you are

sure it is not necessary

to change a tire right

away, drive at reduced

speed to the nearest

authorized Volkswagen

dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Lights Display

Possible cause or Proper response

up

text

meaning ⇒ꢀ

TIRE

PRESSURE pressure in at least tire inflation pressure of

TOO LOW one tire with the

all tires. If you are sure

pressure more than it is not necessary to

7.25 psi (0.5 bar) change a tire right

below the specified away, drive at reduced

Critical loss of

Immediately check the

value.

speed to the nearest

authorized Volkswagen

dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Flashes

Display Possible cause or Proper response

text

meaning ⇒ꢀ

–

There is a malfunc- Switch the source of

tion between a

sensor and the

interference off.

(Intermittently

while

system. The func-

tion can be tempo-

rarily disrupted by

interference from

transmitters in the

vicinity of the vehi-

cle working in the

same frequency

range such as ra-

dio equipment,

driving.)

remote controls or

children's toys.

Flashes

Display Possible cause or Proper response

text

meaning ⇒ꢀ

–

There is a system If the tire pressure is

malfunction if the

indicator light

flashes for about

65 seconds and

correct but the indicator

light stays on or keeps

flashing after you

switch the ignition off

then stays on con- and on again, have an

tinuously.

authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service

Facility check the sys-

tem.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights

come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden

tire failure, loss of control, collision, serious personal injury, or

even death.

When the warning symbol appears in the instrument clus-

ter, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and inspect

all tires.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause in-

creased tire wear and can affect the handling of the vehicle and

its stopping ability.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can also lead to

sudden tire failure, including a blowout and sudden deflation,

causing loss of vehicle control.

The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all

tires on the vehicle. The recommended tire pressure values are

listed on a sticker inside the driver's door ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation pres-

sure.

The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehi-

cle are filled to the correct cold tire inflation pressure. Always

maintain the correct cold tire inflation pressure so that TPMS

can do its job.

Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or

other damage. Check the pressure in all 4 tires when the tires

are still cold. Never reduce air pressure in warm tires to match

cold tire inflation pressure.

Always inflate the tires to the correct specified cold tire pres-

sure values for the tires installed of the vehicle; see the tire in-

flation pressure label on the driver door jamb ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation

pressure.

Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire

pressure before driving off.

Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend)

more, letting them get too hot, which can result in tread separa-

tion, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

Excessive speed and/or overloading can cause heat build-up,

sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear

prematurely and the vehicle will not handle well.

If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change the tire

or wheel immediately, drive at reduced speed to the nearest

service station to check the tire pressure and add air as re-

quired.

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with

TPMS, always read and heed the information and all WARN-

INGS in the section ⇒ꢀ Tires and wheels.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text mes-

sages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result

in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in

vehicle damage.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Fig. 117 Display screen in the instrument cluster: Current tire pres-

sures in psi.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System uses a pressure sensor in each

wheel. Signals from the sensors are transmitted to the TPMS.

The TPMS checks the tire pressure of all 4 tires while you are driving

and warns if there is a loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.

Pressure loss that is 25% or more of the benchmark value pro-

grammed into the system is signaled by the indicator light (telltale)

described above, by acoustic warnings, and by text messages in the

instrument cluster display.

If you mount tires of a different size than the factory installed tires, an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility can adjust the benchmark TPMS tire pressure to match the

new tires. Without this adjustment, TPMS may not work correctly or at

all.

The tire pressure recommended for the tires originally installed on the

vehicle is on a sticker on the driver door jamb ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation pres-

sure.

Display in the instrument cluster

The display in the instrument cluster shows the vehicle with the actual

and benchmark tire pressures of all 4 road wheels ⇒ꢀfig. 117

Tire pressure display screen

⇒ꢀfig. 117

Meaning

(1)

Tire pressure warning, left rear

tire.

(2)

Current tire pressure, front left

tire.

(3)

(4)

Benchmark pressure, front tires

Current tire pressure, front right

tire.

(5)

(6)

No data received, right rear tire.

Benchmark pressure, rear tires

If the tire pressure is too low, the relevant tires and the respective

readings are highlighted in yellow.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked month-

ly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by

the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-

sure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size

indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you

should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire

pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-

inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,

you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate

them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated

tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-

inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect

the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-

nance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pres-

sure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumi-

nation of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indi-

cator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The

TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure

telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash

for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminat-

ed. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as

long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be

able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunc-

tions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of

replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent

the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS mal-

function telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your

vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels

allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

Spare wheel or compact spare wheel

The spare wheel or compact spare wheel has no tire pressure sen-

sor. When the spare or compact spare wheel is mounted on the vehi-

cle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator light will

flash in the instrument cluster display. The TPMS continues to moni-

tor the other 3 wheels.

Tire storage

If the tires do not move for an extended period of time, the sensors

will not transmit tire pressures to the system. This saves sensor bat-

tery life. When the ignition is switched on, the sensors transmit sig-

nals to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressure can cause sudden tire failure, loss of

vehicle control and serious personal injury.

Always check and correct air pressure in all 4 tires, particu-

larly after changing, exchanging, or repairing tires.

After that, always make sure that all 4 tires are inflated to the

correct tire pressure for the tires installed on the vehicle.

See the tire pressure label ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation pressure and the

Owner's Literature for recommended cold tire inflation pressure

and other important information.

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with

TPMS, always read and heed all of the information and WARN-

INGS ⇒ꢀ Tires and wheels.

NOTICE

The wheel electronics are attached to special aluminum valves

on the wheels. These valves are screwed on rigidly. Never bend

the valves “into position” when checking and adjusting tire

pressure.

Missing tire air valve caps could result in damage to the

valves, as well as to the sensors on the Tire Pressure Monitoring

System. Therefore, make sure your valve caps conform to the

specifications of those originally installed on the vehicle and

that they are always tightly and properly screwed on to the

valves. Do not use metallic valve caps.

Do not use “comfort valve caps”, as these do not seal proper-

ly and could therefore cause damage to the sensors.

When changing or rotating the tires, be careful not to damage

the valves or sensors.

The aluminum valves that are installed should be replaced

after about 6 years of use because of aging in the rubber seals.

The valves can be replaced when a tire is changed. Do not reuse

aluminum valves after they are removed. They must be replaced.

The tire pressure sensor can be reused.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

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