Tire Pressure Monitor Systems Audi A6 С6

MODEL COVERAGE

Models Covered

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

Note. Whenever tire pressures are adjusted, the adjusted pressure has to be stored again. If tire or tire pressure sensor was changed, the TPMS must be initialized. See RESET PROCEDURES .

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SYSTEM

The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system is used for continuous monitoring of tire pressure in all 4 road wheels while the vehicle is moving. It assists the driver in checking tire pressures, and provides warning messages on the instrument cluster display in case of loss of tire pressure.

The TPMS may fail to operate correctly due to the following conditions

1. If warning indicators are displayed at the end of a learning phase, it means that the system cannot recognize which wheels are mounted on the vehicle. This may be because one or more wheels were mounted lacking a wheel sensor.
2. A wheel sensor or other component may have failed.
3. The system recognizes more than 4 wheels are present on the vehicle (i.e., when additional winter tires are being transported on the vehicle and are transmitting data).
4. A wheel was changed, and the new tire was not initialized.
5. If vehicle is being operated with snow chains, system function can be affected by the shielding effect of the chains.
6. System is not available due to a malfunction.
7. Other transmitting devices with the same frequency (i.e., headphones with integrated radio) are emitting an electromagnetic field which can cause temporary interference in the system.

Note. If system is malfunctioning due to interference, eliminate cause of interference and re-initialize system.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR WARNING DISPLAY

As soon as a wheel sensor senses a significant loss of air pressure in one or more tires, the sensor(s) sends signals (values) to the tire pressure monitoring antenna which then transfers the values to the tire pressure control module. The control module transfers the values to the driver information system in the instrument cluster which displays a flat tire symbol and text message which reads "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE". After a few seconds, the message is replaced by the regular display (press CHECK button to show message again).

The low pressure warning light in the instrument cluster illuminates when

1. Tire pressure is 7 psi (48 kPa) lower than it should be.
2. One or more wheels are installed without a tire pressure sensor.
3. Winter tires are installed.
4. Incorrect pressure sensors are installed.

When a tire pressure monitoring system malfunction occurs, it will be indicated when the ignition is turned ON and the yellow malfunction lamp in the instrument cluster will flash for one minute and then stay ON, and a yellow TPMS is shown in the display (on newer models, more explicit messages may be displayed).

RESET PROCEDURES

Note. Whenever tire pressures are adjusted, the adjusted pressure has to be stored again. See STORING TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . If tire or tire pressure sensor was changed, the TPMS must be initialized. See WHEEL CHANGE INITIALIZATION .

When the tire pressure warning light illuminates and warning message appears, immediately check air pressure of all tires and adjust to the specified pressure. Store new pressures. Ensure warning indicators go out.

STORING TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES

Note. Whenever tire pressure is adjusted, the adjusted pressure has to be stored again.

1. Ensure air pressure in all tires is properly adjusted to specification.
2. On the center instrument cluster display, press the CAR function button. (Scheme 14)
3. Select "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING".
4. Select "STORE CURR. TIRE PRESSURES".

Scheme 14

WHEEL CHANGE INITIALIZATION

Note. If tire or tire pressure sensor was changed, the TPMS must be initialized.

Note. Initialization process can take up to 20 minutes. During this time, the sensors are readjusting to the new wheel/tire combination and the monitoring system is operating at reduced sensitivity. The system will only warn when tire pressure drops below the minimum permissible specified pressure (warning symbol and message will appear).

1. Ensure air pressure in all tires is properly adjusted to specification.
2. On the center instrument cluster display, press the CAR function button. (Scheme 14)
3. Select "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING".
4. Select "WHEEL CHANGE".

DISMOUNTING/MOUNTING PROCEDURES

Note. Tire pressure is also dependent on temperature of the tire. For every 18°F (10°C) increase in tire temperature, tire pressure increases about 1.5 psi (10 kPa). Tire pressure should only be adjusted when tires are cold (about the same as ambient air temperature).

Note. Whenever tire pressures are adjusted, the adjusted pressure has to be stored again. If tire or tire pressure sensor was changed, the TPMS must be initialized. See RESET PROCEDURES .

Removal

Note. The valve insert of the tire pressure sensor must be replaced each time tire is changed.

Note. To perform this procedure, Torque Wrench (V.A.G. 1410) is required.

1. Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle.
2. Dismount tire from wheel following tire changer manufacturer's instructions while paying special attention to the following to avoid damaging the pressure sensor: Remove valve insert to release air from tire before removing tire. Press tire off both rim edges on opposite side to metal valve. Turn wheel on tire mounting equipment so that the valve/tire pressure sensor is opposite the mounting head.
3. While counterholding sensor (for example, with a 2-mm twist drill), remove tire pressure sensor. (Scheme 15)
4. While counterholding sensor, remove nut and metal valve. (Scheme 16)and (Scheme 17).

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Installation

1. To identify replacement tire pressure sensors, see «Tire Pressure Sensor Part Identification»(/audi/a6/6-2004-2008/remont/reset-procedures/#tire-pressure-monitor-systems) table. NOTE: The valve insert of the tire pressure sensor must be replaced each time tire is changed.
2. While counterholding sensor, install metal valve and tighten nut to 35 INCH lbs. (4 N.m). (Scheme 16)
3. While counterholding sensor, press tire pressure sensor against wheel rim and tighten nut to 35 INCH lbs. (4 N.m). (Scheme 15)
4. Mount tire on wheel following tire changer manufacturer's instructions, paying special attention to the following to avoid damaging tire pressure sensor: Make sure that tire does not contact tire pressure sensor while mounting tire. Turn the wheel on the tire mounting equipment so that valve/tire pressure sensor is opposite the mounting head.
5. Install tire and wheel assembly to vehicle.
6. Adjust inflation pressures of all tires (including spare tire), and balance tires. Store new tire pressures in system. See «RESET PROCEDURES»(/audi/a6/6-2004-2008/remont/reset-procedures/#tire-pressure-monitor-systems__reset-procedures).

Tire Pressure Sensor Part Identification

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• RESET PROCEDURES
• STORING TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
• WHEEL CHANGE INITIALIZATION
• Tire Pressure Sensor Part Identification