Audi tire pressure system malfunction

Fix a common Audi tire pressure system malfunction

If you have a TPMS light on or a dash message that reads: Tire Pressure System Malfunction, read this post. Audi has issued a technical service bulletin # 44 13 38 2034445/1  to address a common Audi Tire Pressure System Malfunction error message on the vehicles listed below.

This applies to these vehicles:

2010-2014 A4/S4 (B8)
2010-2014 A5/S5 (B8)
2010-2014 A5 Cab/S5 Cab (B8)
2010-2014 Q5 (B8)

The three most common causes of an Audi tire pressure system malfunction

Scenario A: You start the engine and the “TPMS” message appears briefly then turns off.

You scan the system and find no trouble code.

Scenario B: The TPMS warning message is on constantly

The message “TPMS” appears constantly and you find trouble code 03159 (tire pressure monitoring in ESP function) stored in the ABS control module, J104 (address word 03), with one or more additional DTCs.

Scenario C: The TPMS and Tire pressure: System malfunction message appears while you’re driving

You find 03159 (tire pressure monitoring in ESP function) stored in the ABS control module, J104 (address word 03), without other DTCs.

Here are the fixes for each scenario

The “TPMS” message, by itself, is NOT due to low tire pressure. The message only means that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is not active. The message can appear under the following circumstances:

To fix the tire pressure system malfunction in Scenario A:

As part of the self-check during the start of the vehicle, the tire warning display may be briefly deactivated along with the ESP. In this case, the “TPMS” message only indicates that the TPMS is not active for a short period of time. Because the vehicle is not moving at this time, there are no wheel revolution values available for the TPMS to read, even if it were active. After the self-test is completed, both the tire warning display and the ESP are fully available.

If the “TPMS” message only appears briefly after the engine is started, ignore it. Do not perform any repairs. In this case, the “TPMS” message only indicates that the TPMS is not active for a short period of time.

To fix the tire pressure system malfunction in Scenario B:

When there is a problem in the brake electronics (or a problem caused

A problem in the epb module can cause a tire pressure system malfunction

by another system, such as the engine or EPB control module the tire warning display is switched off. In addition to DTC 03159, at least one other DTC will be stored in the ABS control module, J104 (address word 03).

If DTC 03159 is stored in the ABS control module, J104 (address word 03), with another DTC, diagnose and fix the other DTC first. Once the other DTC is resolved, the tire warning display will be available again and DTC 03159 will disappear or can be deleted.

To fix the tire pressure system malfunction in Scenario C:

The message appears when there is a problem with the tire warning display, which is most likely caused by a problem with the ABS control module.

©, 2016 Rick Muscoplat