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marcheld46

Audi A5 TPMS Warning Issues: Sensor Fix Guide

My 2013 Audi A5 diesel keeps showing a low tire pressure warning, even though I did a proper tire check with a pressure gauge last week. The dashboard constantly displays an error message, and I know there is a fault code stored in the system. I suspect a tire pressure sensor fault but would like to know if others have dealt with similar issues. Has anyone experienced this problem and had it successfully fixed? Mainly interested in what parts needed replacement and how the repair process went. Any tips on troubleshooting before taking it to a workshop would also be helpful.

4 comment(s)

reinhardkoehler1

I had a very similar issue with my 2015 Audi A4 diesel last year. As someone with some hands-on experience maintaining cars, I first tried the basic troubleshooting steps with a pressure gauge, checking all tire pressures multiple times. After confirming the air valve pressures were correct but still getting warnings, I discovered it was indeed a sensor fault. The tire pressure monitoring system relies on sensors with batteries that eventually die. In my case, one sensor battery was completely depleted. The repair process was straightforward at the workshop: Diagnostic scan confirmed faulty sensor, Replaced the failing sensor unit, System recalibration, Total cost was 280 Euro including parts and labor Before you head to a workshop, you could try: 1. Double check all tire pressures with a reliable pressure gauge 2. Look for any visible damage to air valves 3. Reset the tire pressure monitoring system (procedure in manual) Could you share: Which specific tire location shows the warning? Did the issue start suddenly or gradually? Have you had any tire work done recently? This information would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced and could save you some diagnostic time at the workshop.

marcheld46 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. After reading your reply, I should mention my car has 12738 KM since the last major service. I did try resetting the system multiple times after performing a thorough tire inflation check. Interesting that you mentioned the sensor battery, the warning actually started appearing gradually on my front right tire about two months ago. The last tire check with my pressure gauge showed perfect readings, so a failing sensor makes sense. I have not had any recent tire work done, but maybe its time for a sensor replacement. Will schedule a diagnostic scan to confirm before replacing parts. Did your warning also start gradually before becoming constant?

reinhardkoehler1

Thanks for those details. Yes, my warning pattern was remarkably similar, it started intermittently on one tire before becoming a constant alert. Based on the mileage you mentioned, your sensors are likely reaching the end of their typical lifespan, just as mine did. The gradual onset of the tire pressure warning is a classic sign of a failing sensor battery rather than an actual low tire pressure issue. In my case, the front passenger side sensor started triggering occasional alerts for about 6-8 weeks before becoming constant. After my sensor replacement, I learned a few things worth sharing: These sensor batteries typically last 5-7 years, A failing sensor often shows inconsistent readings before complete failure, The air valve assembly needs careful handling during sensor replacement, System recalibration is essential after any sensor work Since your symptoms match mine so closely, Id suggest getting that diagnostic scan done soon. The error message wont clear itself, and continuing to drive with a sensor fault can mask real tire pressure issues when they occur.

marcheld46 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed explanation. After my front right TPMS issue began showing these symptoms, your insights about sensor battery life really resonated. I checked my service records and realized these are still the original sensors from 2013, so their age definitely fits the pattern you described. The gradual onset matches exactly what Im experiencing, started with occasional warnings that became more frequent over time. Since my last tire check confirmed proper inflation, and the air valve seems intact, Im now convinced its a sensor fault rather than an actual pressure problem. Ive already called to schedule that diagnostic scan. Based on your experience with parts and labor costs around 280 Euro, I can better plan for this repair. Really appreciate you sharing the timeline of how your warning signals progressed, makes me feel more confident about the diagnosis. Quick question before I head to the shop: did they need to order the sensor in advance, or is this typically a part they keep in stock?

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