Learn TPMS sensor on Audi A4 B9 with VCDS or OBDeleven
Your Audi A4 B9 (from model year 2015) often shows the error message “Tyre pressure monitoring system fault” after changing from summer to winter wheels or after a sensor dies. Instead of leaving a lot of money at the dealership, you can learn the TPMS sensors yourself. All you need is a diagnostic tool such as VCDS or OBDeleven, the matching sensors (OE number 4M0907275B, 433 MHz) and about 20 minutes of workshop time.
The Audi A4 B9 uses a direct TPMS – this means each sensor in the wheel measures pressure and temperature and sends the data to the control unit. Every time a sensor is changed, whether due to battery exhaustion or a tyre change, the vehicle must learn the new IDs. If this learning process is forgotten, the workshop light stays on permanently. Especially on used vehicles, you often see the mistake that the old winter wheel sensors are still programmed. With a correctly performed learning process and the right torque (wheel bolts 120 Nm, sensor nut 4 Nm), you ensure the full function of the system and safeguard yourself for every driving profile.
Tools required
- VCDS (VAG-COM) or OBDeleven — For model years from 2015 you need at least HEX-V2 from Ross-Tech or OBDeleven Pro. Both allow the basic setting to be carried out conveniently in control unit 65.
- Torque wrench — Essential: 120 Nm for wheel bolts, 4 Nm for the TPMS sensor nut. A normal socket set is not enough!
- TPMS activation tool (optional) — A trigger signal (125 kHz) wakes the sensors, e.g. EL-50448. With VCDS/OBDeleven, however, only necessary if the automatic learning mode is not sufficient.
- Vehicle battery maintainer — Connect a battery maintainer so that the voltage does not drop below 12.5 V during learning – otherwise the programming module may fail.
- Tyre valve remover — If you are fitting sensors, a valve remover is useful for removing the old unit cleanly.
Materials required
- 4× TPMS sensors (433 MHz) — Original OE number 4M0907275B (also compatible: 5Q0907275B, 3AA907275F). Make sure they are designed for 433 MHz frequency and have new sealing rings.
- Valve caps and sealing rings — New valve caps made of aluminium or plastic; the rubber sealing rings of the sensor nut should definitely be replaced as well (included in the sensor set).
- Tyre mounting paste — To ensure a tight fit when mounting the tyres – prevents corrosion on the sealing surface.
Instructions: Learn TPMS sensor on Audi A4 B9 with VCDS or OBDeleven
Step 1: Prepare the vehicle – voltage and position
Prepare the vehicle at workshop level with the diagnostic tool connected
Park the vehicle on level ground, switch off the ignition and apply the handbrake. Connect a battery maintainer to the 12 V battery in the boot – the onboard systems draw power during diagnostics and the voltage must not drop below 12.5 V. Plug the diagnostic cable (VCDS HEX-V2 or OBDeleven dongle) into the OBD2 port under the dashboard on the left. Leave all four wheels fitted with new sensors, or remove them if you are just fitting the sensors. Important: The sensors must be tightened firmly (nut at 4 Nm) before you begin the learning process.
Step 2: Start the diagnostic tool and establish a connection
VCDS software with control unit 65-tyre pressure selected
Switch on the ignition (engine off). Start VCDS on the laptop and select "Select" > "65-Reifendruck". With OBDeleven you select "Steuergeräte" > "Reifendruckkontrolle". Wait until communication is established – on first connection this can take a few seconds. In measuring value block 001, check the voltage supply of the control unit: it should be stable above 12.0 V. Before reprogramming, note down the currently stored sensor IDs (group 010) – this gives you a fallback if the new IDs are not adopted correctly.
Step 3: Read out and note existing sensor IDs
Table with sensor IDs and pressure values in the diagnostic interface
Go to the function "Messwerte anzeigen" (VCDS) or "Live Data" (OBDeleven) and select groups 011 to 014. There you will find the 7-digit ID numbers as well as the last received pressure and the temperature of each sensor. Write down all IDs together with their position (front left, front right, etc.). If a sensor is defective, you will often see "FFFF" or "---" instead of an ID. Do not clear old displayed faults in the fault memory yet, but only after the learn procedure – this way you do not lose track.
Step 4: Start basic setting for new sensor
VCDS input mask for sensor ID with numeric keypad
In VCDS, navigate to "Grundeinstellung-04". There you will find the channel "0A – Sensor ID schreiben". With OBDeleven you tap "Anpassung" and select "Neuen Sensor anlernen". The control unit now switches into a 15-minute counter mode – within this time you must trigger each sensor or enter the ID manually. With VCDS you can enter the ID of the new sensors directly (sticker on the sensor). Confirm with "Go". Repeat this for all four wheels in the specified order: VR, VL, HR, HL.
Step 5: Activate sensors via trigger (if no manual ID entry)
Hand holding TPMS trigger tool against the tyre valve
If you do not enter the IDs by hand, use a TPMS trigger tool (125 kHz). Hold the tool in front of the valve of the first wheel (front driver's side) and press the trigger button until VCDS/OBDeleven confirms a signal. The control unit then jumps to the next wheel. Go around the vehicle anticlockwise: VL, HL, HR, VR. Each successful trigger shows the new ID on the display and a short beep. If the sensor does not respond, check the distance (max. 3 cm) and the battery of the tool.
Step 6: Complete the learn procedure and confirm storage
Diagnostic screen showing all four correctly learned sensors with pressure values
As soon as all four IDs have been detected or entered, end the basic setting via "Stop". VCDS acknowledges successful completion with the message "Grundstellung beendet". With OBDeleven tap "Übernehmen" and then "Speichern". Then go to the function "Geber prüfen" to check whether all sensors are sending current pressure values (approx. 2.4–2.7 bar depending on load) and temperatures. Wait 30 seconds until the display has stabilised – the new IDs should now appear permanently in the measuring value block.
Step 7: Read out and clear the fault memory
Fault memory list in the diagnostic device before clearing
Now call up the function "Fehlerspeicher 02" in control unit 65. Here only passive faults such as "Datenbus fehlende Botschaft" should remain. Read all entries, note them down if desired, and clear the fault memory by clicking "Löschen". Do not start the vehicle, but first close the diagnostic session properly. A remaining fault "System nicht angelernt" indicates that an ID is wrong – compare with your note and repeat steps 4-6 for the wheel in question.
Step 8: Check tyre pressure and adjust to target value
Digital tyre pressure gauge showing 2.4 bar on one wheel
Use a calibrated tyre pressure gauge to check the ACTUAL pressure of each tyre. Guide value at partial load: front 2.4 bar, rear 2.2 bar (see fuel filler flap sticker). If the sensors show deviating values (more than 0.1 bar), adjust the pressure and carry out another sensor check in VCDS/OBDeleven. The sensors compensate for temperature fluctuations themselves – do not recalibrate manually. Note down the corrected pressures in case another adjustment is needed later.
Step 9: Test drive with system check
Audi A4 B9 dashboard with TPMS warning light extinguished
Close the driver's door, start the engine and carry out a short test drive (500 m) at a maximum of 25 km/h. During the drive the system monitors the sensors continuously – which is why the warning light often only goes out after a few hundred metres. If the TPMS warning light in the instrument cluster remains yellow, stop and read out the fault memory again (leave the engine running, leave the diagnostic cable connected). In 90 % of cases it is a brief data interruption that is remedied by clearing.
Step 10: Complete wheel installation with torque
Torque wrench fitted to wheel bolts in a crosswise pattern
If you have not yet fitted the wheels, tighten the wheel bolts now in a crosswise pattern with a calibrated torque wrench: tightening torque 120 Nm. For sensors you have fitted yourself, check again that the sensor nut is firmly seated (4 Nm). Too high a torque destroys the seal or the sensor – stay exactly with the manufacturer's figures. Fit the wheel caps completely to keep moisture away from the valve bore.
Step 11: Final check and long-term inspection
Diagnostic screen with stable pressure readings from all four sensors after two days
After 2–3 days of normal driving, access control unit 65 again and call up measured values 011–014. The pressures should not have changed, and all sensors must transmit a temperature value. If a sensor has failed (ID = "FFFF"), you have statutory defect claims – the sensors are usually maintenance-free and designed for 7–10 years. Finally, drive for at least 30 minutes without stopping so that the system adapts to the new transmitters and remains fault-free in the long term.
Now you know all the details to teach the TPMS sensors of your Audi A4 B9 yourself – on the safe side with VCDS or OBDeleven and suitable sensor torques (4 Nm for the sensor nut, 120 Nm for the wheel bolts). If you still need the right spare parts: at electronicx.de you will quickly find the OE no. 4M0907275B or compatible variants. So: have the courage to do your own workshop work, save costs and gain the good feeling of having your car's technology under control.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I have to teach all four sensors or is one defective one enough?
The Audi A4 B9 system expects a complete, consistent data basis. Even if only one sensor is defective, it is advisable to teach all four sensors of the new set at once – otherwise old IDs often interfere with the internal memory management. However, you can also teach individual sensors if you use exactly OE number 4M0907275B and carry out the self-learning procedure (basic setting) for this wheelbase.
Do I absolutely need a trigger tool to teach TPMS sensors?
Not if you type the sensor IDs in manually via VCDS/OBDeleven. The tool is only necessary if you use the automatic learning mode, in which the control unit waits for radio signals. With manual ID entry it saves time and ensures correct assignment – so manual entry is recommended.
Can I also use sensors with a different OE number but the same frequency?
In theory, 433 MHz sensors are often identical in design, but the protocol must match the control unit. Use only the OE number 4M0907275B approved for the A4 B9 or the compatible replacement numbers 5Q0907275B or 3AA907275F – anything else leads to sporadic failures or error messages that are difficult to diagnose.
How long do the batteries in the TPMS sensors last?
The encapsulated cells typically last 5–10 years, depending on the driving profile and ambient temperature. On an A4 B9 from the first model years (2015/2016), battery exhaustion may therefore well be imminent – the measured values then show a sensor dropout despite a constant power supply.
What should I do if the teaching process aborts and the warning light stays on?
Force a complete system reset: switch the ignition off for 5 minutes, connect the diagnostic device again and start the basic setting completely from scratch. Check every sensor with the activation tool to see whether it transmits at all. The problem is often a reversed or flat vehicle battery – at least 12.5 V is mandatory.
Can I also carry out the teaching process while driving?
No, it must be done while stationary with the ignition on. While driving, the diagnostic protocol is blocked and there is also a risk of data loss. The test drive only serves as final verification, not for the actual programming process.