TPMS Warning Light Explained: Causes, Drivability, and Repair Costs

If your warning light comes on, read this article first
👉 VW Warning Lights Guide

If the tire pressure warning light (TPMS) suddenly comes on while driving, you may be
wondering “Puncture?”
or “Should I stop immediately?”
You will be anxious.

However, in the case of VW, this warning light
does not necessarily mean only a puncture.
It will light up even if you forget to register after changing tires, such as temperature, road environment, etc.

In this article, based on the mechanism of the TPMS installed in VW,
we explain in an easy-to-understand manner the reasons for the lighting, whether it is okay to drive, how to deal with it, and repair costs.

Meaning of Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)

Many VW models
use indirect TPMS (using ABS sensors).

Therefore,
“the sensor does not measure the actual pressure of the tires” and determines the pressure drop based on the difference in the rotation of the tires.

Lamp Condition

• Solid yellow: Air pressure may be low
• Almost no flashing (remains on when abnormal)

When the warning light comes on, it does not mean that you cannot drive immediately, but tire problems are directly related to safety,
so careful judgment is required.

3 points to check first (color/lighting pattern/situation)

(1) Is there any abnormality in the air pressure visually?

• Is the tire crushed?
• Isn’t it sinking a lot?

Checking the appearance alone is a big clue.

(2) Have you recently changed or rotated tires?

The TPMS of VW lights up when you forget to “re-register (reset)”.

(3) Has the temperature dropped significantly?

In winter and in the morning, the air pressure tends to drop naturally and the lighting increases.

Main causes of tire pressure warning light coming on (organized for VW)

(1) The air pressure is actually low.

The most common cause.
The air pressure naturally drops, so it needs to be replenished regularly.

(2) Puncture (nails, metal pieces, etc.)

There are many “slow punctures” that come out slowly, and
the warning light may turn on immediately after driving even if there is no discomfort.

(3) Pressure drop due to temperature change

This is often the pattern of turning on on a cold morning and disappearing when you start running.

(4) Lack of TPMS re-registration (reset)

After changing tires or adjusting the
air pressure, it is common to see cases where “not re-registered from the settings menu”
is common.

(5) Different wheel sizes and characteristics

The size of only one side is different, and the wear of the studless is uneven can also
cause the warning light as a rotation difference.

(6) ABS wheel sensor malfunction

Since the TPMS is indirect, it may light up due to a defect on the ABS side.

Whether or not to drive when the tire pressure warning light is on

Cases where you can drive

• The tire is not crushed on the outside
• No abnormal noises or steering wheel vibration
• Situations where you can run slowly and safely

In this case, check the air pressure at a nearby gas station.

Cases when not to drive

• The tire is clearly crushed
• Only one side is sunk
• The handle is taken
• There was a banging sound (possible burst)

In this case, stop in a safe place and
use roadside assistance.

Correct Response Procedure at VW (Indirect TPMS Assumption)

Step (1): Stop safely and check the appearance

Check if there are any nails or metal pieces stuck in it.

Step (2): Measure the air pressure

The recommended air pressure can be found on the driver’s door sticker.

Step (3): Replenish to the appropriate value

It is important to have all four bottles.

Step (4): From the menu, select “TPMS Reset”

VW always requires a “re-registration” operation after replenishment.

Examples:
“CAR”→ “Settings”→ “Tires”→ “Save Pressure”

Step (5): Run for a while and see how it goes.

After re-registration, the warning light will turn off when you run a certain distance.

Estimated repair cost (common examples at VW)

Contents	Cost estimate
Air pressure regulation (GS)	Free to 500 yen
Puncture repair (internal repair)	2,000 to 4,000 yen
Faulty ABS sensor	1 to 25,000 yen
Wheel replacement (deformation, etc.)	1 to 60,000 yen
Tire Change	5,000 to 30,000 yen (varies greatly depending on the brand)

👉Summary of maintenance and custom costs & working days of VW specialty store Nile Plus

What happens if left unattended?

Low tire pressure leads to risks such as:

• Burst on the highway
• Reduced tire life due to uneven wear
• Reduced braking performance
• Reduced straight-line stability
• Worse fuel economy

The warning light is a “sign to notice early”, so
you must check it when it comes on.

Good information to prepare before consulting with the factory

• When it was lit
• When to change tires or rotate
• When was the last time the air pressure was adjusted
• Change in temperature (was it a change of seasons?)
• Abnormal noises and vibrations while driving

Even a simple note will speed up the diagnosis.

FAQ

Q1. What should I do if it lights up while driving at high speed?

Stopping safely at the nearest SA/PA and having an appearance check is a top priority.

Q2. Why does it light up so well only in winter?

This is because when the temperature drops, the air pressure naturally decreases.

Q3. I put on air pressure but it doesn’t go away?

After replenishment, you need to “reset (re-register)”.

Q4. Can you tell for yourself if it’s a puncture?

It can be judged to some extent by visual check,
but the air pressure measurement at the factory or GS is certain.

Q5. Can I run with the warning light on?

Even if the appearance is normal, it is safer to avoid long distances.
Check the air pressure as soon as possible.

Defect details by vehicle type

Although the “way of getting out” the defect is similar, “which model has many problems” is slightly different for each car model.
Trends by vehicle model and common breakdown cases among other owners are summarized on the following page.

Golf 5	Golf 5 R32	Golf 5 GTI	Golf 5 Variant
Golf 6	Golf 6R	Golf 6 GTI	Golf 6 Variant
Golf 7	Golf 7R	Golf 7 GTI	Golf 7 Variant
Golf 8	Golf 8R	Golf 8 GTI	Golf 8 Variant

Golf Touran	POLO	POLO GTI
T-roc	T-cross	Tiguan
UP!	UP! GTI	Passat
The Beetle	Sharan	Arteon