Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

 Introduction
In this section you’ll find information about:
Indicator light (telltale) 

Your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
sensors to indirectly check the tire pressure of all 4 tires while you are driving. The sensors monitor the
tread circumference (rolling circumference) and vibration characteristics of the individual tires. TPMS
warns if there is a significant loss of pressure in one or more tires while the vehicle is moving.
Pressure loss is signaled by the indicator light  (described below) as well as by acoustic warnings
and text warnings in the instrument cluster display if your vehicle has this display (Multi-Function
Indicator - MFI).
The original benchmark pressure is the recommended maximum load cold tire inflation pressure for
the tires that come with your vehicle. This pressure is listed on the tire pressure label in the driver door
jamb inside the fuel filler flap. After adjusting the tire pressures in all 4 tires, you must confirm and
store the new cold inflation pressures by pressing the SET button, and changing the benchmark
pressure to match the current pressure of the tires on your vehicle.
Recalibrating the TPMS to reset the benchmark cold tire inflation pressure with proper use of the SET
button is explained below.

More information:
 Volkswagen Information System
 Transporting
 Braking, stopping and parking
 Exterior care and cleaning
 Tires and wheels
 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 increased 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 inside the fuel
filler flap.
 The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct
pressure.
 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 nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as
required.
 When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS always read and heed
the information and all WARNINGS regarding.
 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever
you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or
replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire
pressure does not change.

WARNING
Improper use of the SET button can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no
warning despite dangerously low tire pressure.

Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.

Do not rely solely 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.

When you take delivery of the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is calibrated for the
factory-recommended cold tire inflation pressure for the tires on your vehicle, as shown on the label
inside the fuel filler flap inside the driver door.
 The system must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever you remove and remount or
change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are
identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not change.
 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 inside the fuel filler flap inside the driver
door.
 If 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 accurate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be
determined by looking at the tire. This is especially true of low-profile tires.

If you have work done on your wheels or tires, inform the workshop that the vehicle is equipped
with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

New tires may expand slightly the first time they are driven at high speeds, which can trigger a
tire pressure warning. Remember that tire pressure can only be properly measured when the tire is
“cold”.

Only replace old tires with tires that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.

Indicator light (telltale) 

 Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS on
page 282.

Lights up Possible cause or meaning ⇒ Proper response

Lights up and a chime sounds once:

The inflation pressure of one or more
 Stop safely as soon as possible!
tires is significantly lower than the
Reduce speed immediately! Avoid fast
benchmark pressure set by the driver -
 cornering and hard braking!
or a tire has structural damage.
Check the condition and inflation pressure
Depending on vehicle equipment, the
of all tires. Have damaged tires replaced.
message Please check tires! will
appear in the instrument cluster display.

Flashes Possible cause or meaning ⇒  Proper response

Check and, if necessary, adjust the tire

Flashes for about 70 seconds and then
 stays on:
System malfunction.
inflation pressure in all 4 tires. If the tire
pressure is correct, switch the ignition off
and back on. If the indicator light flashes
again and then stays on or does not go out
after checking and adjusting the air
pressure in all 4 tires and pressing the SET
button, take the vehicle to an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Have the
system checked.
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 cluster, stop the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so and inspect all tires.
 Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased 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 fuel filler flap inside the
driver door.
 The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle 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 pressure values for the tires
installed on the vehicle; see the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb.
 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 separation, 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
required.
 When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS, always read and
heed the information and all WARNINGS in the section.
 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever
you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or
replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire
pressure does not change.

WARNING
Improper use of the SET button can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no
warning despite dangerously low tire.
 WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages 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.

If the ignition is switched on, an acoustic warning sounds when low tire pressure is detected. If a
system malfunction is detected, no acoustic warning sounds.

Driving for a longer period of time on rough roads or with a dynamic and sporty style can make
the TPMS system temporarily unavailable. The indicator light will come on, signaling a malfunction, but
will go out again once the road condition or driving style changes.

Applicable only in Canada and the United States