Reset the Tyre Pressure Monitor (TPMS)

Last updated: June 4, 2026

When the tyre-pressure warning light comes on in your Audi A3 (8V, 2012–2020), it usually means the system needs to store your current pressures as the new reference — not that a sensor has failed. You re-set it after adjusting pressures or changing wheels. The A3 lets you do it two ways: through the driver information display using the wiper-stalk buttons, or through the MMI screen. This guide covers both.

Which TPMS Does Your A3 Have?

Most A3 8V models use an indirect tyre-pressure monitoring system that watches the ABS wheel-speed signals rather than using a sensor in each wheel. Because it works from a stored baseline, it must be re-set whenever you change the pressures — you are simply storing a new reference. Some cars with the “tyre pressure monitoring” (direct) option behave similarly from the menu.

When to Reset

• After checking or adjusting the tyre pressures (including seasonal changes).
• After changing one or more wheels or tyres.
• After rotating the wheels front-to-back.

Set Your Pressures First

The reset stores whatever pressures are in the tyres at that moment, so they must be correct first. Set all four (cold) to the placard figures on the driver’s door pillar or behind the fuel flap, using the laden column if carrying a full load. Never reset with a tyre already low.

Method 1 — Driver Information Display (Wiper Stalk)

1. Make sure all four tyres are at the correct cold pressure.
2. Switch the ignition on.
3. Press the menu button on the end of the wiper stalk to open the driver-information menu.
4. Use the stalk scroll/roller to scroll through the list and select “Store tyre pressures”.
5. Confirm the selection. The new pressures are stored.
6. Turn the ignition off. The system is reset.

Method 2 — MMI Screen

1. Set the correct cold pressures and switch the ignition on.
2. Press the “CAR” button.
3. Select the “Systems” menu.
4. Select “Servicing and checks”, then “Tyre pressure monitoring”.
5. Choose to store the current pressures as the new reference.

After either method the car finishes learning over the first few miles, so the light can take a short drive to confirm.

Light Won’t Go Out? Work Through This

• A tyre is genuinely low: the system is doing its job — find and fix the leak, re-inflate, then reset.
• Reset not stored: repeat the steps and make sure you confirm “Store tyre pressures”.
• Big front-to-rear split: set them to the placard figures; indirect systems dislike large mismatches.
• Direct-sensor car flashing (not steady): a flashing light points to a sensor fault rather than a low tyre — the car may store a code you can look up on autodtcs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the A3 8V have a sensor in each wheel?

Most use an indirect system that relies on the ABS wheel-speed sensors, so there is nothing inside the wheel. The reset is done from the driver display or the MMI either way.

How do I open the tyre menu on the wiper stalk?

Press the menu/select button on the end of the wiper stalk to open the driver-information menu, then scroll to “Store tyre pressures”.

Why does the light return after a few days?

Either a tyre is slowly losing air, or you reset while a tyre was already low. Re-check all four cold pressures and reset again.

Do I need to reset after just topping up the air?

Yes — any pressure change shifts the baseline an indirect system relies on, so re-store the values after any adjustment.

After tyre or seasonal-wheel work it is worth confirming the service reminder is clear — see our Audi A3 8V service indicator reset guide.