2008 A4 Quattro s-line

ok so my tpms light/icon came on the other day. i did the usual checks and all the pressures where fine so i reset the system but the light came back on. i tried doing the wheel change option too but that didnt fix it. just to be sure though, what does the 'malfunction' light/icon look like compared to the 'low pressure icon'? my dash is showing the tire cross section with the dashes (air) coming out of the top and the owners manual says the malfunction indicator is different, its supposed to flash and show words too.

also, thru some research iv found out there are batteries in the sensors that die (is 3 years too soon thou?) hopefully its just a dead battery, if so what are my options for replacement? what would be the cheapest? i assume the tire has to be removed from the rim and all 5 should be replaced at the same time?

 

That would be a very short life for a TPMS sensor. They typically last 6-7 years before needing a new battery or to be replaced altogether.

I carry the stock Beru 433mhz stock sensor for $73.00 and the valve for $8.00. I would have the sensors checked at an Audi dealership so that you know how many need replacing. You do not have to replace them all at once so you can save your cost by knowing which is giving you problems.

The tire would need to be off of the wheel in order to replace the sensor so anticipate a mount and balance cost for how ever many sensors you need to replace.

 

how easy is it to find the 'dead' sensor?
whats the deal with the spare tire? i read somewhere that it is on the same channel or whatever as the rear passenger tire. is that true? if the spare sensor died would that show as a malfunction even if the four driving tires were ok?


i see you work with tirerack, is there anyway to get a good discount on 4 new tires and 4 new sensors? cuz $81 per sensor is way higher than others i've found

 

I have not done the reprogram myself so I could not honestly tell you how easy or hard the process is. The tool used fits up against the valve so there is no confusion as to which signal it is reading.

Unfortunately there is not a better cost option for the sensors, even if tires are being purchased simultaneously.