How Do I Reset the Tire Pressure Light in a Volkswagen?
The processes are simple, but knowing which is the right one for your year and VW model is key.
Volkswagen
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Your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a valuable tool, keeping an eye on the amount of air in your tires and flashing a tire pressure lighting warning when the pressure is too high or, most often, too low.
A common misconception is that a quick tire fill-up should be enough to make the TPMS warning light go away. Most of the time you’ll have to reset the TPMS to bring your instrument display back to normal. For Volkswagen drivers, this can be done in several ways depending on the model you drive, and the year it was built.
There are various methods to reset your VW’s TPMS.
Using the TPMS Reset Button
Most 2009 to 2013 Golf/GTI, Jetta, Passat, Phaeton, Tiguan, and Touareg VW models have an easily accessible TPMS reset button inside the glove box (if you don’t find it there, consult your owner’s manual for the location).
After inflating all four tires to the recommended tire pressure, press and hold the TPMS reset for at least two seconds; you should hear an audible chime, and the TPMS warning light should shut off.
A second method for resetting the TPMS includes applying the parking brake after inflating all tires. Then, wait 20 minutes, release the parking brake, and drive the vehicle at about 16 mph.
Resetting through the Instrument Cluster
If your VW is from the early 2000s through to the 2016 model years, and you don’t have a TPMS reset in the glove box, there’s a good chance it’s accessed through the instrument cluster.
Turn the ignition on, but don’t start the engine. Then, press the “Menu” button on the instrument cluster and use the thumb knob to select “Tire Pressure,” then select “Store.” Some versions of this method recommend driving the car for about 20 minutes at or above 30 mph; others don’t. Once again, check your VW’s owner’s manual to see if this method applies to your vehicle.
Resetting the TPMS via the Infotainment System
If your VW is a 2019 model year or later, you’ll likely be able to use your infotainment system’s touchscreen in the center stack to reset the TPMS.
Again, turn the ignition on without starting the engine. Press the button that says “Car” on the touchscreen, then click on either “Setup” or “Settings.” From there, select “Tires” then “Set.” The system will flash a quick confirmation. Hitting “Confirm” should reset the TPMS.
If none of these methods work, double-check that your tires are inflated to their proper pressure. If they are, consult your preferred VW dealer or mechanic, as there may be an issue with the system itself. It’s strongly advised not to put it off, either. Tire pressure is vital to your car’s performance in terms of efficiency and safety. With the colder winter temperatures causing tire pressures to drop regularly, you will want a functional TPMS for the upcoming winter driving season.
