2013 Volkswagen Routan Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Tire Pressure Warning Light in 2013 Volkswagen Routan: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Tire Leaking Air
0%
30% chance it's the
Wheel Leaking Air
0%
15% chance it's the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
0%
15% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2013 Volkswagen Routan tire pressure warning light stays on are a leaking tire, a wheel that no longer holds air, or a faulty tire pressure monitoring system.
  • Tire Leaking Air: A puncture, valve stem issue, or rim damage can cause a tire to leak air, leading to loss of pressure.
  • Wheel Leaking Air: A puncture or damage to the tire or rim can cause air to leak, resulting in a loss of tire pressure.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system can be caused by faulty sensors or a dead battery in the sensor units.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2013 Volkswagen Routan tire pressure warning light stays on?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

When a tire pressure monitoring sensor fails, the tire pressure monitoring system control module will recognize a loss in communication and turn on the warning lamp which indicates the failure. This is most often the case. However, the tire pressure monitoring sensor may also fail by reporting incorrect tire pressures. This could cause a flat tire to go unrecognized, or a properly inflated tire to signal a low or high tire pressure warning.

When a relearn is needed, for any reason, the TPMS warning light will illuminate, and many vehicles will display a message relating to the TPMS system being inoperative or loosing communication. It is important to keep a watchful eye on tire pressures when this system is having issues because there is no warning available for underinflation or overinflation of the tires.

Wheels offer very few symptoms, but these symptoms should never be ignored. Visible cracks on the wheels may appear, especially after hitting a large bump, Most often, this will also be accompanied by loss of air from the tire on that wheel. Also, vibration in the steering wheel is very common when the tire is out of balance, and improper wheel nuts or bolts can cause creaking and popping noises to develop. Again, there are very few symptoms, but they should not be ignored.

The only symptoms of a TPMS control module failure are failing to alert the driver of underinflation or overinflation of one or more tires, failure to communicate with the body control module or TPMS sensors, or erroneously reporting incorrect tire pressure.

The only symptoms requiring diagnosis for the tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp is if the warning lamp has illuminated while the tires have correct air pressure, or if the air pressure for the tires is out of specification and the warning lamp is off. This is because the overwhelming majority of cases where the TPMS lamp illuminates is due to the change in ambient temperature.

What are the initial steps to diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on a 2013 Volkswagen Routan?

To effectively diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2013 Volkswagen Routan, start with the simplest and most common issue: tire pressure. Begin by checking that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, as low pressure is often the primary culprit behind such warnings. Next, visually inspect each tire for any signs of damage, such as punctures or cuts, which could indicate a slow leak. If the tires appear to be in good condition, proceed to reset the tire pressure monitoring system following the instructions in your vehicle's manual; this can sometimes clear false alerts. Additionally, examine the tire pressure sensors for any signs of malfunction or damage, as faulty sensors can also trigger the warning light. If, after these steps, the warning light remains illuminated, it may be time to seek professional assistance for a more comprehensive diagnosis. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently troubleshoot the issue and potentially save on repair costs.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to remain on in a 2013 Volkswagen Routan?

When the tire pressure warning light stays on in a 2013 Volkswagen Routan, it can be frustrating for DIYers trying to diagnose the problem. One of the most frequent culprits is low tire pressure, which can easily be checked with a tire pressure gauge. Ensuring that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels is a straightforward first step. If the pressure is adequate and the light persists, the issue may lie with a faulty tire pressure sensor. In this case, inspecting the sensors for damage or wear is essential, and replacement may be necessary if they are malfunctioning. Additionally, the tire pressure monitoring system might require recalibration, which can often be done by following specific procedures outlined in the vehicle's manual. Electrical faults within the system can also trigger the warning light, so checking for any loose connections or damaged wiring is advisable. Lastly, external interference, such as dirt or debris obstructing the sensors, can disrupt their function, so keeping the area around the sensors clean is crucial. If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic may be the best course of action to ensure safety and proper vehicle operation.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2013 Volkswagen Routan?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light in your 2013 Volkswagen Routan is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety issue that demands immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious safety concerns, as low tire pressure significantly impacts vehicle handling and braking, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, driving on underinflated tires accelerates uneven wear, which not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also raises the risk of a blowout while on the road. This situation can be particularly dangerous, especially at high speeds or during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, underinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, resulting in higher fuel costs over time. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to alert you to these issues, and neglecting the warning can lead to further complications, including potential system failure. Therefore, it is essential to check and adjust your tire pressure promptly, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and efficient on the road.

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