Malfunction of the tire pressure monitoring system

My car has a tire pressure monitoring system, with which I had some issues lately. I started the car the other day, after it sat the whole night in the garage. As the system indicated that the pressure was slightly low, I had the tires filled. As specified, I filled the front at 38 and rear 36. When it displayed the values, the pressure of the passenger's side tires was 39 on average with 77 temps range, whereas the pressure of driver's side tires was 32 on average with 116 temps range. This was displayed when I turn the car on and haven't driven it yet. What could be wrong here?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
That is a rather complex tire pressure monitoring system used by Audi. Using multiple sensors, antennae, and control module, this may require the Audi manufacturer’s scan tool to communicate with in order to diagnose. A tire service center (that is very well trained and well-tooled) may be better equipped to help you in this scenario. Audi issued a technical service bulletin (TSB # 44-08-17) that mentions of an update to the TPMS module, so you may also want to check in with your dealer to see if A8 Quattro is covered.

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Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. Start the car and let it run for 20 minutes, which allows the sensors to reset. You`ll find the tire pressure monitor reset button located beneath the steering wheel.
The purpose of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is to alert you when tire pressure is too low and could create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it means your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tire wear and possible tire failure.
One of the most common causes of a Tire Pressure Sensor Fault is the loss of battery charge within a TPMS Sensor itself. These sensors contain small batteries that discharge with time, thereby necessitating sensor replacement.
No, driving with the TPMS Light on is not safe. It means one of your tires is underinflated or overinflated. You can find the proper tire pressure for your car in your owner`s manual, or on a sticker located on the door, trunk, or fuel door.
No, driving with the TPMS Light on is not safe. It means one of your tires is underinflated or overinflated. You can find the proper tire pressure for your car in your owner`s manual, or on a sticker located on the door, trunk, or fuel door.
Turn on the vehicle and honk the horn for roughly three seconds. This will discharge any residual power still stored in your car and should also reset the TPMS sensor light system when you re-engage the vehicle battery.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Malfunction of the tire pressure monitoring system
ANSWER : That is a rather complex tire pressure monitoring system used by Audi. Using multiple sensors, antennae, and control module, this may require the Audi manufacturer’s scan tool to communicate with in order to diagnose. A tire service center (that is very well trained and well-tooled) may be better equipped to help you in this scenario. Audi issued a technical service bulletin (TSB # 44-08-17) that mentions of an update to the TPMS module, so you may also want to check in with your dealer to see if A8 Quattro is covered.

Pressure monitoring system comes on eventhough air pressure in tires is normal
ANSWER : There are many potential causes for this. If the light stays on continuously, the tire pressure may not be set correctly or the system may need to be reset.

Changes in ambient temperature can also affect TPMS operation, since tire pressure drops in cold weather.

If both the low tire pressure and TPMS indicators are illuminated, then the Engine Control Module (ECM), or Electrical Control Unit (ECU), has detected a problem with the system. In this case, the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) should be retrieved to start the diagnostic process.

Anything from a failed sensor to a problem with the control module could cause both lights to be illuminated. I suggest you get a second opinion from someone other than the dealership. YourMechanic is an excellent option to get your trouble codes diagnosed, since we make house calls.

My car’s tire pressure monitoring system lights come on when the tire pressure is normal
ANSWER : Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors on each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information to the ABS and traction control system (ESC) which are controlled by the car’s ECU. When the ECU senses an abnormal speed given specific conditions, it engages the ABS or traction control as needed to control the vehicle. Occasionally, these sensors can fail or only work intermittently, sending inaccurate signals to the ECU. When this happens, you may experience the symptoms you have described. The ABS or traction control system may be inadvertently activated by these false or inaccurate signals.

Your TPMS system works the same way in that there are sensors that monitor the tire pressure relaying this to the car’s computer. These sensors are known to go bad occasionally. Keep in mind this can also fluctuate easily with changes in air temperature, as this changes the density of the air which will affect the way these sensors read tire pressure. With regard to your heater turning off and on, this may be related to the blower motor relay which is what directs power to the heater blower motor. When this is faulty, this may cause the blower fan to work intermittently or sometimes not at all. I would suggest having a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose your ABS and traction control system to determine the cause of this.

Service tire monitor warning, tire pressure a bit high
ANSWER : This is likely due to the fact that the person who changed your tires may have broken your TPMS sensor in that particular wheel. If the pressure sensor is not giving a signal at all, this would mean that the sensor has failed or is broken and would require replacement. As long as your tire pressure is correct, it is certainly safe to drive your vehicle as long as the light doesn’t bother you.

The sensor will need to be replaced in order to make the light go off. I would recommend going back to the place that installed your tires and inquire as to why the sensor is no longer working, especially when it worked just fine before the tires were replaced. They may replace the sensor for free.

If they are unable to help you get it fixed or you simply want a second opinion on this, contact a professional mechanic who can diagnose your TPMS light firsthand and fix it accordingly.

Tire pressure monitoring system needs service
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. Usually when your tire pressure monitoring system has an issue, it is due to one of the sensors in the wheels. If it is not due to one of the sensors in the wheels I would recommend having the control module for the system inspected. These sensors inside the wheels get damaged due to corrosion or break it or sometimes they’re just missing. I would make sure that all four sensors are in place and in working condition. If sensors are broken dead or missing you can find them at a local tire shop. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect this service light for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

What does it mean if the Tire Pressure Monitoring System light comes on in the dash?
ANSWER : If the Tire Pressure Monitoring System light (TPMS) light comes on in the dash of your car, it indicates there’s a problem with the system itself, not that there’s a tire low on air. The TPMS light means that the system isn’t able to communicate with a sensor. There are a couple of reasons for this to happen:

The spare tire is installed on the car (the spare doesn’t have a sensor, so the TPMS light will come on normally).
One of the sensors has failed to communicate with the system.

If the light is on but you’re not driving with your spare tire on the car, have it inspected as soon as possible.

How do I reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
ANSWER : Your truck is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This system lets you know when your tire pressure is getting low. To reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Drive the vehicle over 20 mph for 2 minutes.
Park the car where you can get to every tire and have access to an air pump.
Turn the ignition to the on position.
Turn the hazard lights on and off three times.
Starting with the left front tire and moving clockwise, let air out of the tire by removing the valve cap until the horn makes a noise.
Set all tires back to the recommended air pressure .

What does the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) do?
ANSWER : Your vehicle comes equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This system monitors your tires and lets you know if there is something wrong with your tires. To understand the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

There are sensors in each set of tire, the front and the back.
They alert you when the tire pressure is low.
They must be told when tires have been rotated.