Tire Monitoring System - System Overview
44 07 05Nov. 21, 2007
2010267, Supersedes T.B. Group 44 number 06-10 dated November 21, 2006 due to additional trouble shooting content.
Vehicle Information
Condition
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), System Overview
Technical Background
This technical bulletin / overview is designed to assist the technician in addition to the SSP, improve the understanding of the TPMS system, and to prevent repeat or unnecessary repairs.
Production Solution
No production change required.
Service
BASIC COMPONENTS
Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors:
^ Mounted to valve stem of each individual wheel.
^ Activated by centrifugal motion (wheel rotation) or by rapid pressure change.
^ Wheel rotation of 25 km/h (16 mph) or above will start signal that includes tire pressure, tire temperature, tire acceleration and identification number.
^ Even without tire rotation, a pressure increase or decrease will cause the sensor to send a signal.
^ 315 MHz transmission frequency.
Antenna
^ Central Locking and Anti-Theft Alarm System Antenna -R47- receives signals from tire pressure sensors.
^ -R47-, located on the A-pillar, provides input to Comfort and Convenience Control Module -J393-, which is located behind the glove box.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module -J502-
^ Is integrated in the Comfort and Convenience Control Module -J393-.
^ Does not identify where sensors are, only collects information from sensors.
^ Controls tire pressure warning lamp on instrument cluster.
Tip:
There is no warning for pressure above the nominal.
Tire Pressure Warning Lamp -K230-
^ Will illuminate in combination with warning message in the MFI when pressure is low.
^ When tire pressure is 0.5 bar (7 psi) below nominal (0.4 bar / 6 psi for SW 391), Message in cluster reads "Tire Pressure Too Low".
^ Rapid loss of pressure of more than 0.2 bar (3 psi) per minute.
Message in cluster reads "Low Tire".
GENERAL SYSTEM FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
^ As the tires turn, signals are sent from the sensors to the -R47- antenna. This antenna is connected to the Comfort and Convenience Control Module -J393-. The Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module -J502- is integrated into -J393-.
^ -J502- will determine if pressure in the tire is correct. If it is not correct, a yellow warning lamp will illuminate in the instrument cluster and a message will display in the Multi Function Indicator (no message in New Beetle and low line clusters).
^ No signals are sent when the car is stationary, unless a rapid pressure loss occurs.
Tip:
Adding pressure to a tire is not covered by warranty.
Tire Filling
^ Check tire pressure using an accurate and reliable pressure gage.
^ Tires must be filled when cold.
^ Pressure displayed on the scan tool is delayed for up to 2 minutes while filling is completed.
Adaptation
After replacing a sensor, the TPMS system must be re-learned by performing the following:
Vehicle must be parked for a minimum of 20 minutes (with ignition switched ON for SW 391, and Midtronics InCharge 940 (INC 940) battery charger/maintainer connected), before the TPMS system will go into a learn
mode.
^ Start and operate vehicle over 25 KM/h (16 mph) for at least 7 minutes.
^ TPMS then recognizes sensor inputs.
^ Warning light in cluster will go out.
Guided Fault Finding Test Plans Available
^ Measuring Value Blocks
^ Coding the Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module -J502-.
^ Checking adaptation values for specified pressures.
^ Radio interference.
^ CAN Bus malfunction
Determining Sensor Location
Using VAS 5051/5052 diagnostic tool in Self Diagnosis, AW 65, MVB 16:
^ Lower the pressure in one tire by 0.7 bar (10 psi).
The rapid pressure loss will trigger this sensor to send a signal which appears in MVB 16 within 2 minutes.
^ Record the sensor ID and wheel location. Repeat for other wheels.
^ If one wheel does not respond the sensor may not be recognized by the antenna. Move vehicle by 1/2 a tire revolution (180 degrees) and retest.
^ No signal from one wheel (after re-test) indicates a faulty sensor.
Tip:
All values in MVB 1 thru 12 are erased every time the ignition is switched OFF after driving. "Not recognized" will be displayed in those MVB's until a new signal is received during regular operation.
Temperature Compensation
Troubleshooting
^ Does the TPMS light blink (SW 420 and later) for 65 seconds when the car is started, before staying on solid?
^ NO - low pressure issue
^ YES TPM system issue
Light NOT blinking:
For highline cluster only accompanied by Warning message:
^ "Tire pressure low" appears after a slow pressure loss in one or more tires
^ "Low Tire" appears after a rapid pressure loss.
^ Solution adjust pressure and/or repair/replace damaged tire
Tip:
Exception: Some (A5) Jetta's with ABS/ESP 4 digit coding such as 4738; if the warning light does not go out after a low pressure condition has been found and corrected, recode ABS/ESP using GFF.
Light is blinking:
^ Use GFF or check for DTC's (see flow chart attachment)
Warranty
Information only.
Required Parts and Tools
No Special Tools required.
No Special Parts required.
Additional Information
All part and service references provided in this Technical Bulletin are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Dept. and Repair Manuals for the latest information.