VW Lupo TPMS Malfunction: Sensor Error Fix Guide

I dealt with a similar TPMS issue on my 2003 VW Polo diesel. Having moderate experience with car maintenance, I first tried the basic troubleshooting steps like proper tire inflation and pressure gauge checks. The symptoms matched exactly, persistent low tire pressure warnings despite correct inflation levels. After multiple tire checks showed normal readings, it became clear the TPMS sensor was the culprit. The workshop diagnosed a depleted sensor battery, which they mentioned is a common failure point after about 15-20 years. The repair cost was 280€ including diagnostics and sensor replacement. Since the fix, the system has worked flawlessly with no false warnings. What specific diagnostic codes is your system showing? Also, could you share: Current tire pressure readings, When the warnings first appeared, Whether the warning is constant or intermittent, If all tires are affected or just specific ones This information would help determine if your case matches the sensor battery issue I experienced or points to a different TPMS component problem.

Thanks for sharing that detailed experience with the sensor fault on your Polo. After the latest service at 83950km, my Lupo started showing these TPMS issues constantly for all four wheels. The pressure gauge readings are consistently at manufacturer specs (2.4 bar front, 2.2 bar rear), yet the system keeps triggering alerts. The error codes point to a general TPMS malfunction rather than individual tire sensors. Our situations sound quite similar, especially with both being older VW models. A sensor replacement might be the solution here too, though 280€ seems a bit steep. Will get it checked at the workshop to confirm if its also a battery issue before committing to any repairs.

Thanks for those additional details about your Lupo's TPMS issue. When my Polo first showed similar symptoms, I also questioned the repair costs. However, the sensor battery failure affecting all wheels turned out to be a common problem in these older VW models. The constant alerts across all tires, despite correct air pressure readings, strongly suggests a system-wide TPMS failure rather than individual tire sensor problems. The timing after service is also telling, sometimes system calibration gets disrupted during maintenance. Before spending on new sensors, consider these points from my experience: The general TPMS error code matches what I encountered, The consistent proper tire inflation yet persistent warnings align with a failing sensor system, The age of both our vehicles falls into that 15-20 year window when sensor batteries typically fail While 280€ might seem high, breaking down my repair costs: System diagnostic fee: 60€, TPMS sensors: 180€, Installation labor: 40€ You might find better pricing at different workshops, but expect similar component costs since these are specialized parts. Just ensure they use VW-compatible sensors to avoid compatibility issues I initially faced with aftermarket parts.

Thanks for the thorough breakdown of your experience with your Polo TPMS repair. Those cost details really help put things in perspective for my Lupo situation. Based on the matching symptoms and similar vehicle age, I think we are definitely dealing with the same sensor fault issue. I did some local price checking and found a few workshops offering TPMS diagnostics and repairs. The quotes range from 210€ to 295€, so your repair cost was actually in line with market rates. One shop explained that genuine VW sensors would cost more but last longer than generic ones. The air pressure in all tires remains correct, yet the system keeps showing errors. This persistent TPMS issue across all wheels makes me confident its a central sensor problem rather than individual tire sensors. Will schedule the diagnostic next week and likely proceed with the full sensor replacement if they confirm the battery failure diagnosis. Really appreciate the detailed reply and repair cost breakdown. It helped confirm my suspicions and better understand what to expect for the fix. Nice to know these sensor problems are fixable and not just a quirk we have to live with in older VWs.