Quick Q, 2005.05 B7 S4, dead stock; is the TPMS = Valve stem or ABS? many thanks.

 

TPMS = Tire pressure monitoring system

You will know if you have TPMS if there is a silver metal valve stem, the sensors attach to the steel valve stem. If you have the black rubber ones, then you don't.

 

thanks

 

I just checked and i have the black rubber valve stems. but from what Ive pulled up so far, 2001 and on Audi A8 and all Quattros have TPMS. Its just a matter of whether the TPMS is an ABS-based system or as you have pointed out a Valve stem application (direct system TPMS). To further complicate the scenario, on the Direct System TPMS, pressure sensors could either be Valve Stem mounted or on the rims' drop center.

I looked at the manual and it definitely says my car has a TPMS system and the on board diagnostic program also checks the tire pressure when the Check button on the dash is pressed.

But i do not have the silver metal valve system on my tires. So I am confused because i am not sure if this car has an indirect system or a direct system mounted on the rim's drop center.

The reason for my concern is what if i change to aftermarket wheels and with a different size from the 235/40/18 stockers? Wouldnt it upset the TPMS system? I, for one, do not like warning lights on. I like the vehicle's electronics to function as they were meant to be and not having to ignore warning light after warning light knowing its no big deal at all since I know the reason why its warning in the first place.

 

If you have the rubber valve stems then you don't have any TPMS sensors, no audi uses an ABS system as you say. Now its possible someone changed out the tires way back and didn't have the sensors put back in, its also possible that your car never had a TPMS system to begin with because NOT all A8's had it. If you currently have a active TPMS module and there was no sensors, you would be getting all kinds of beeping and a flashing warning light from your instrument clutster telling you your tires are flat.
If your not getting a warning light then the system is either turned off via the switch by the arm rest or you don't have a active TPMS system which is what im thinking.

 

this is not an A8. its a 2005.5 S4. this is where i read about it...

http://www.aa1car.com/library/tire_monitors.htm

 

TPMS is also being offered on the following vehicles that have conventional tires: 2003 Ford Explorer, Mountaineer, and Lincoln Navigator, 2000 Cadillac Seville & DeVille, 2003 Chrysler 300M, Town & Country minivan and Dodge Viper, and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty. Import applications include 2001 and up Audi A8 and Quattro, 2001 and up BMW M3, 2003 and up BMW 3-Series, &-series and Z4 roadster, 2000 and up Nissan Quest minivan, 2003 and up Nissan 350Z and Murano SUV, and 2004 Toyota Sienna.

-excerpt from the link above...

 

Oh you have an S4, no you don't have tire pressure monitoring then, im sure of it.

Once again, you would have warning lights flashing all over the place with rubber valve stems installed, the sensors attach to the stems.

 

ok, thanks...i know you wouldnt probably know the answer to this but whenever i go on to Tire Rack.com, its prompting me to select a model with either ABS TPMS or Valve Stem TPMS. I guess I should select the ABS TPMS model.

 

Niether if its an option LOL. If they only give you those two options then pick the ABS option.