TPMS antenna fault epidemic..

[neckarsulm]

Let's agree to disagree. Mine's a weekend driver (and only then when I get the chance) so if I'm heading down a motorway with the family on board and silly speeds a possibility, I'll always check before heading off. I'm not a luddite, but see temperamental monitoring systems as no substitute for a dipstick and pressure gauge...

I use mine like you do yours Dom but that's why I like TPMS.
I know that if there is no warning then there is no danger.
This means that I don't have to fart around on my driveway checking the pressures before I drive off each time, how can that be bad?
Plus while you are on your drive checking pressures, you run more risk of getting car jacked, sad but true.

[adsgreen]

Tpms only tells you if there is a problem after the problem has happened.
It won't tell you about other defects such as a nail in tyre.
Also afaik it works on about 4psi drop which is a fair amount and enough to cause extra wear.

Don't get me wrong I think it's good and do use it but it's no substitute for a regular check of the tyres.

[neckarsulm]

It won't tell you about other defects such as a nail in tyre.

In my experience nails usually lead to a slow loss of air which would eventually be noticed.
4psi is still way less than the amount of air loss needed to make the tyre visually look low!
I hate electronic dipsticks as oil doesn't just vanish overnight (or at least without leaving a pool on floor) but air can just go with no trace.

[klauster]

mine was replaced under warranty

wiring or antenna?
Anyone got a bill for the work that they can scan up?
I am assuming it's bumper off, swap aerial and bumper back on?

the antenna

[neckarsulm]

Def warranty then!
Did they remove the rear bumper to fit?

[klauster]

I believe they did yes, sounded like an annoying job when they took me through the work etc...

[PetrolDave]

4psi is still way less than the amount of air loss needed to make the tyre visually look low!

+1
With ultra low profile tyres like we have the pressure can be below 10psi and you still won't notice the difference unless you measure the sidewall.

[neckarsulm]

Prob screw your insurance if you crashed due to blow out and TPMS was disabled.

[neckarsulm]

Update:
A willing guinea pig let me have a look for their TPMS antenna and I found it.
It's located just inboard of the offside exhaust tailpipe
It's hard to see as bracket and antenna will be covered in cack (which explains the failure!)
As suspected, you can pop out the honeycombe panel in the bumper and when you do it's just in front of you and very easy to swap.
His antenna fault cleared straight away but TPMS still not seeing the sensors which I can only conclude is because they are in storage mode from not having communicated with the antenna for a while, I am hoping driving it will awaken them but we shall see.
Pics later

[Ice_Coffee]

Update:
A willing guinea pig let me have a look for their TPMS antenna and I found it.
It's located just inboard of the offside exhaust tailpipe
It's hard to see as bracket and antenna will be covered in cack (which explains the failure!)
As suspected, you can pop out the honeycombe panel in the bumper and when you do it's just in front of you and very easy to swap.
His antenna fault cleared straight away but TPMS still not seeing the sensors which I can only conclude is because they are in storage mode from not having communicated with the antenna for a while, I am hoping driving it will awaken them but we shall see.
Pics later

Is the TPMS antenna just an antenna, or is it also the control unit, I only ask as if you have replaced the control unit it will have to re learn the sensors in the wheels ?

[neckarsulm]

Is the TPMS antenna just an antenna, or is it also the control unit, I only ask as if you have replaced the control unit it will have to re learn the sensors in the wheels ?

Fair point, I'd say it's just an antenna otherwise you wouldn't be able to communicate with it when it was broken.
Plus at £60 it's too cheap.
I did a reset and wheel change procedure but no joy

[Ice_Coffee]

point taken

[neckarsulm]

ice, found an old post of yours and you said yours sprung to life with some driving, is it all sorted now?
did you have the TPMS error warning light on back then?

[aled_31]

My car has been at the stealers for 2 weeks now, they've replaced 4 sensors, 4 valves and the antenae and they still can't get the TPMS to function corrctly. Audi Tecnical UK are now involved and trying to sort. I'm getting really cheesed off at the mo, I've only had the car 6 weeks and its been at the dealers for 2 of them!!

On the plus side, I also complained to the supplying dealer about steering wobble under braking. They diagnosed warped discs and the've fitted new discs and pads upfront gratis!! They're also sorting my airbox flap which is currently non functional.


Just can't wait to get her back!!

[neckarsulm]

My car has been at the stealers for 2 weeks now, they've replaced 4 sensors, 4 valves and the antenae and they still can't get the TPMS to function corrctly.

That just leaves the control unit which according to ETKA is in the nearside boot panel and costs a lot more than antenna!

Anyway here is a pic of antenna