Passat TPMS Sensors Issue
Discussion
I have a 2012 Passat Tdi Alltrack with the direct TPMS system, meaning that it has sensors at each wheel. Unfortunately this is not the more reliable indirect system that works through the ABS. The system shows that just one sensor is working on the OSR. This system was only fitted to Passats for a couple of years I believe, earlier and later models used the indirect ABS system.
The car has just one genuine wheel fitted on the NSF, the other 3 wheels are all aftermarket. I don't know if the system thinks the NSF wheel is the OSR, I'm not sure whet the coding process is? I've removed a tyre on the 4th after market wheel as it had a puncture and found no TPMS sensor. Maybe I have only one sensor fitted, the car thinks it's on the OSR, but actually it's on the NSF?
I need to resolve this somehow as technically a fault with the system is an MOT failure.
I believe there are 3 options.
1. Replace the sensors. I'd need to fit these to all 4 aftermarket wheels (not sure they will even fit the aftermarket wheels as I've never seen one), get them coded etc. I'm not keen on buying the sensors from VW as the cost would be a fair percentage of what I paid for the car, but I'm not sure how good the aftermarket sensors are?
2. I have read that it is possible to recode the car to monitor the tyre pressures through the ABS system in the same way that earlier and later cars did. Requires adding a switch, some wiring and programming.
3. Disable the system all together. I think I'm still capable of checking tyre pressures myself and happy to live without the cost/hassle of the TPMS system. I understand this is possible but can't find any information on how it's done, probably because it's illegal to disable it in the USA (but not illegal in the UK).
The car has just one genuine wheel fitted on the NSF, the other 3 wheels are all aftermarket. I don't know if the system thinks the NSF wheel is the OSR, I'm not sure whet the coding process is? I've removed a tyre on the 4th after market wheel as it had a puncture and found no TPMS sensor. Maybe I have only one sensor fitted, the car thinks it's on the OSR, but actually it's on the NSF?
I need to resolve this somehow as technically a fault with the system is an MOT failure.
I believe there are 3 options.
1. Replace the sensors. I'd need to fit these to all 4 aftermarket wheels (not sure they will even fit the aftermarket wheels as I've never seen one), get them coded etc. I'm not keen on buying the sensors from VW as the cost would be a fair percentage of what I paid for the car, but I'm not sure how good the aftermarket sensors are?
2. I have read that it is possible to recode the car to monitor the tyre pressures through the ABS system in the same way that earlier and later cars did. Requires adding a switch, some wiring and programming.
3. Disable the system all together. I think I'm still capable of checking tyre pressures myself and happy to live without the cost/hassle of the TPMS system. I understand this is possible but can't find any information on how it's done, probably because it's illegal to disable it in the USA (but not illegal in the UK).
a quick google throws up instructions how to disable TPMS using vcds coding, no idea if it would work on your vehicle.
Another idea might be to try one of the companies that specialises in retro fitting VW options, they'll know their way round the vcds coding required?
And yeah, lots of quotes that ross-tech won't reveal how to do this modification as its illegal in the USA.
Another idea might be to try one of the companies that specialises in retro fitting VW options, they'll know their way round the vcds coding required?
And yeah, lots of quotes that ross-tech won't reveal how to do this modification as its illegal in the USA.
For clarity I've also checked the situation with regard to what happens when I go for an MOT.
Under the latest MOT Inspection Manual (updated 6th February 2023) there is basically no way that a car with a TPMS light can fail. The TPMS is only testable on vehicles used from 1st January 2012.
"The TPMS warning lamp can operate in many ways depending on the vehicle type. You must only reject vehicles if it’s clear that the lamp indicates a system malfunction and not simply indicating that one or more of the tyre pressures is low."
You can only get a Major (Fail) for "Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously not working"
So basically the MOT station have to prove that there is a fault with the TPMS system. On the vast majority of cars they would have to use diagnostic equipment that they are not allowed to use as part of the MOT.
You can get an advisory for "TPMS Light Illuminated" or a minor for "tyre obviously inflated"
Under the latest MOT Inspection Manual (updated 6th February 2023) there is basically no way that a car with a TPMS light can fail. The TPMS is only testable on vehicles used from 1st January 2012.
"The TPMS warning lamp can operate in many ways depending on the vehicle type. You must only reject vehicles if it’s clear that the lamp indicates a system malfunction and not simply indicating that one or more of the tyre pressures is low."
You can only get a Major (Fail) for "Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously not working"
So basically the MOT station have to prove that there is a fault with the TPMS system. On the vast majority of cars they would have to use diagnostic equipment that they are not allowed to use as part of the MOT.
You can get an advisory for "TPMS Light Illuminated" or a minor for "tyre obviously inflated"
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