Tire Pressure Monitor System - Diagnostic Information
44 TPMS diagnosis with BRT-DBL4
44 09 08
2019791/3
October 21, 2009.
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 09-05 dated June 10, 2009 for reasons listed below.
Affected Vehicles
Condition
TPMS light on.
Technical Background
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems have become an industry standard and have been in Audi vehicles as optional equipment since MY 2000.
Beginning MY 2008, TPMS has been installed as standard equipment in all Audi models.
The TPMS warning indicator can illuminate for several reasons, but the most common reason being for underinflated tires. Tires may become under
inflated when:
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^ The ambient temperature changes significantly, such as with seasonal changes.
^ Tire pressure naturally decreases over time.
Until now, it has sometimes been unclear upon immediate inspection whether the TPMS warning light illuminated due to under-inflated tires or a
TPM system malfunction.
With the introduction of TPM sensor tester BRT-DBL4, it is now easier to determine if low tire pressure was the cause for the TPMS light's
illumination. The BRT-DBL4 will work on all TPM sensors since MY 2001 by reading the sensors transmitted information (for example, pressure,
temperature, sensor ID, and battery life). The BRTDBL4 will display each sensor's ID number and pressure. The battery icon on the display will also
flash when a sensor battery is low.
Additionally, the BRT-DBL4 should be used to supplement GFF diagnosis. The tool can be used to quickly identify each sensor location and serial
number, or which wheel no longer has a properly operating sensor. This is useful as a comparison to what IDs and messages display in the GFF
program.
With this TSB, Audi of America would like to offer some tips on best practices to get the most out of the new BRTDBL-4 TPM sensor tester. Please
refer to the user manual that comes with the tester for operating instructions.
Production Solution
Service
1. Upon arrival of an Audi with the TPMS light illuminated, inspect the tires to ensure there is no obvious damage causing the low pressure
condition.
- Scan all tire pressure sensors with the BRT-DBL4 tester. Remember, full size spare tires also have sensors.
- Prior to testing, it's a good idea to select the specific vehicle being tested on the BRT-DBL4 menu. By doing this, a message will display on the
tester when specific systems require some air to be released from a tire to trigger the sensor.
4. Compare the tire pressures read by the BRT-DBL4 with the vehicle's tire pressure information in the Owner's Manual or the sticker on the driver's
B-pillar.
5. If the tire pressure read by the BRT-DBL4 is lower than the tire pressure specified for this vehicle, adjust the tire pressure. The TPMS light should
extinguish after an ignition cycle, and the vehicle can be returned to the customer.
6. If the TPMS light remains illuminated after the tire pressures have been adjusted, a TPMS malfunction may be present. Further diagnosis of the
TPMS system will be necessary with Guided Fault Finding.
7. When further diagnosis is required, use the BRT-DBL4 in conjunction with GFF to determine the position of each sensor and to validate GFF
diagnosis. Each sensor returned to the WPRC will be inspected for damage and tested with the BRT-DBL4, including the use of a pressure chamber
to simulate installation inside a tire. Additionally, the diagnostic log will be reviewed to determine if sensor replacement was a valid course of action.
Tip: Please refer to the BRT-DBL4 user manual for instructions on how download sensor data to your computer. The BRT-DBL4 can be connected
to a personal computer via a USB cable, and the data can be viewed, saved and sent. For example, sensor test results can be sent in document form to
the Technical Assistance Center.
Tip: The message No TPM Found usually indicates an inoperative sensor.
Warranty
All TPM sensors replaced under warranty will be tested at the WPRC using the BRT-DBL4.
Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service
manuals for the latest information.
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