TPMS DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION – Volkswagen Golf, 2010-2019
After the TREAD Act was mandated in 2007, all vehicles manufactured in the United States beginning in 2008, must be installed with direct or indirect TPMS systems.
The Volkswagen Golf is equipped with direct and indirect TPMS systems, depending on the year. A direct TPMS system has TPMS sensors installed in the wheel. If one or more tires indicate low tire pressure, the TPMS sensors will transfer the information to the vehicle’s ECU. An indicator light (low-line TPMS system) or each tire pressure will show on the dash (high-line TPMS system). An indirect system does not have sensors in the wheels and uses the ABS system to communicate when tire pressure is low in one or more tires.
For years 2010-2011, when the Volkswagen Golf was manufactured with a direct TPMS system a TPMS relearn is recommended when changing air pressure, rotating tires, and replacing a TPMS sensor. For years 2012-2019 when the Golf was manufactured with an indirect TPMS system, a TPMS relearn or re-calibration is also recommended when changing air pressure, rotating tires, and replacing a TPMS sensor.
Type of TPMS system:
Direct TPMS, 2010-2011: TPMS sensors are installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated via radio frequency (RF) technology from the sensor to the vehicle’s ECU
Indirect TPMS, 2012-2019: TPMS sensors are not installed in the wheel, tire pressure is communicated through the ABS system measuring tire rotation speed.
OE and Aftermarket (Universal, Hybrid, Programmable, Configurable, One-to-One, OE-style) options for TPMS sensor replacement:
Only applicable for years 2010-2011
All OE, programmable, configurable, hybrid and OE-type (one-to-one) TPMS sensor options and service kits can be found in the VT56, VT46 brands, and VT36 TPMS Tools.
Type of TPMS frequency:
315MHz, years 2010-2011
Type of Relearn procedures:
Manual (stationary) relearn procedure, years 2010-2011
Indirect relearn procedure, years 2012-2019
Type of TPMS tool required for TPMS reset:
TPMS activation tools such as VT15, VT31, VT36, VT46 brands, or VT56 for manual relearn
Indirect relearn procedures are written in the VT56 or VT46 brands.
Manual relearn procedure (2010-2011 models, direct TPMS):
OBDII connector is not required
Confirm TPMS sensors are properly installed
Activate tire pressures to placard value SE and SEL models
Press MENU on right side of steering wheel to select SETTINGS
Press down arrow to TIRE PRESSURE. Press OK
Scroll to Store. Press OK
Scroll to Confirm. Press OK
Tire Pressure Stored S Model
Use rocker switch, press and hold for Menu
Select Settings, press RESET
Select Tire Pressure, press RESET
Select Confirm, press RESET
Tire Pressure Stored
Indirect TPMS relearn procedure (2011-2019):
TPMS sensors are not required
OBDII connector is not required
Adjust tire pressure to placard value
Apply parking brake
Turn ignition ON
Push and hold SET button for at least 3 seconds
Audible sound will alert when TPMS calibration is complete
Troubleshooting tips
Direct vs indirect TPMS systems
When servicing a Volkswagen Golf, perform “CHECK TPM” before working on the vehicle. Using the VT56 or VT46 brands, the tool will be able to display if the vehicle is manufactured with a direct or indirect system.
From the YEAR menu, the tool will indicate if the vehicle is an indirect system.
If the vehicle is an indirect system, no sensors are in the wheel, and an indirect relearn should be performed when changing air pressure, rotating tires, and replacing a TPMS sensor to turn the TPMS light off.
