Losing faith - Import wife's 08 GTI from Canada

duckdive

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2006
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
TDI
05 VW Golf TDI, 11 VW Touareg TDI
This has been quite a saga. My wife (Canadian, married Oct 10) and I drove her 08 GTI (great condition, low miles) from Calgary to California.

We understand that we need to import it with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) (meeting EPA and DOT/NHSTA reg). We found out that TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) is not active on that year GTI. In order to comply, the TPMS must be present and a "Letter of Conformity" is required when you visit the CBP office.

The GTI is capable of Indirect TPMS via VAG-COM code change (http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?6035474-MKV-Indirect-TPMS).

We also confirmed with with a service rep named, Jens, at Clarkdale VW in BC, Canada. He stated that they have performed that exact procedure many times.

I also contacted every single Registered Importer on the CBP's list with a form letter asking about importing the vehicle. The responses were so different (not possible, too expensive, have to add Direct TPMS), and some very sketchy (give us $1500, and we can do it). So there didn't seem to be much to go on there, or at least I thought we'd try through VW first.

Thus, I contacted our local VW dealer, service manager, Bill McAuliffe, Herman Cook VW, 760-753-6256, WMCAULIFFE@COOKVW.COM to ask about turning on the Indirect TPMS. Upon the first inquiry, he stated something to the effect that he could do it, but it would be cost prohibitive (assuming that he was talking about adding Direct TPMS, sensors, Comfort Control Module).

I then spoke with the ClarkDale VW (Canada) rep again, and he offered to explain the enabling of Indirect TPMS to my local service guy, Bill. Jens called Bill. Jens told me that Bill stated that he is unable to perform the enabling of Indirect TPMS for legal reasons.

In the meantime, I have a friend (GTI_Matt) who lives in San Diego and has a VAG-COM. He and I enabled Indirect TPMS, and now the dash indicator shows up. I have also confirmed that if the tire drops below 25% of spec'd pressure, the indicator comes on. It works!

So then, we explain to Bill that TPMS is on and if he will go to bat with VW of America to help us get a "Letter of Conformity". He stated that he is unable to assist if their scan (apparently they do not use VAG-COM for their scan) doesn't show TPMS is enabled.

I'm stuck. Sharing this for others and in case somebody has anything to add.

I intend to hit RossTech forums to see if somebody can help as well.

John
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
Not sure if it will work (probably not), but you can buy a standalone TPMS kit that you can attach to ANY car. Would that work? Then you can just take it back off if you do not like it (I would not want it).

They are $250-350 or so. Some are fancier than others.
 

Windex

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 1, 2006
Location
Cambridge
TDI
05 B5V 01E FRF
So the guy at cook VW is not willing to observe you letting air out of a tire and confirm that the TPMS activated? I would find another dealer.
 

tadawson

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2013
Location
Lewisville, TX
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL, 2015 Passat TDI SEL
VCDS or whatever should not matter. If the feature is on, it should show on a scan . . .
 

duckdive

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2006
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
TDI
05 VW Golf TDI, 11 VW Touareg TDI
To be honest, I don't know how to read a scan. I've posted in RossTech newbies, but I'll post here at bottom as well.

In addition, here is a video I took that shows the indicator on the dash.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zEqrvipbSvaeHYoG2
So, I can't understand why VW will not help us.

Here is the scan. If anybody can tell or point to a section that indicates any status of TPMS, I'd really appreciate it... but I've searched, and I didn't find anything.


Friday,29,December,2017,11:36:49:49819
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 7 x86
VCDS Version: 17.8.1.0
Data version: 20171130 DS276.6
www.Ross-Tech.com


VIN: WVWEV71K88W168445 License Plate:
Mileage: 107460km-66772mi Repair Order:



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chassis Type: 1K (1K0)
Scan: 01 03 08 09 0F 15 16 17 19 1C 25 42 44 46 52 55 56

VIN: WVWEV71K88W168445 Mileage: 107460km-66772miles

01-Engine -- Status: Malfunction 0010
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
0F-Digital Radio -- Status: Malfunction 0010
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
1C-Position Sensing -- Status: OK 0000
25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
55-Headlight Range -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels:. 06F-907-115-AXX.clb
Part No SW: 1K0 907 115 S HW: 8P0 907 115 B
Component: 2.0l R4/4V TFSI 0020
Revision: 5BH16--- Serial number: VWX7Z0GN3N67YR
Coding: 0403010A18070160
Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
VCID: 366302674185E6F67B-8062

1 Fault Found:
008577 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
P2181 - 008 - - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00101000
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 255
Mileage: 106103 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 02:03:52

Freeze Frame:
RPM: 3159 /min
Load: 39.6 %
Speed: 108.0 km/h
Temperature: 75.0°C
Temperature: 24.0°C
Absolute Pres.: 1000.0 mbar
Voltage: 14.351 V

Readiness: 0000 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 1K0-907-379-MK60-F.lbl
Part No SW: 1K0 907 379 AC HW: 1K0 907 379 AC
Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0101
Revision: 00H11001
Coding: 0004738
Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
VCID: 73E5FB731277B3DE9C-8026

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: 1K0-907-044.lbl
Part No SW: 1K0 907 044 CQ HW: 1K0 907 044 CQ
Component: ClimatronicPQ35 130 1212
Revision: 00130022 Serial number: 00000000000000
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 78FFCC5F0B11D086A9-802C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. Labels:. 3C0-937-049-30-H.lbl
Part No SW: 3C0 937 049 AJ HW: 3C0 937 049 AJ
Component: Bordnetz-SG H54 2202
Revision: 00H54000 Serial number: 01000007715840
Coding: 178D8F214004150047140000001400000028770B5C000100000000000000
Shop #: WSC 91511 999 72883
VCID: 71E9F17B686B81CE6E-8024

Subsystem 1 - Part No: 1K1 955 119 E Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB
Component: Wischer 071107 021 0501
Coding: 00038805
Shop #: WSC 91511

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 0F: Digital Radio Labels: 8E0-035-593-SIR.lbl
Part No SW: 8E0 035 593 H HW: 8E0 035 593 H
Component: SDAR SIRIUS H06 0080
Revision: 00000000 Serial number: AUZ4Z7G0179201
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 2E532A07B9D5DE3633-807A

1 Fault Found:
02635 - Tuner Not Enabled/Activated
000 - -
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100000
Fault Priority: 7
Fault Frequency: 20
Reset counter: 182
Mileage: 104495 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 13:35:22


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: 1K0-909-605.lbl
Part No SW: 1K0 909 605 AB HW: 1K0 909 605 AB
Component: 6L AIRBAG VW8R 034 8000
Revision: 05034000 Serial number: 003B6D09VZWB
Coding: 0013900
Shop #: WSC 01269 785 00200
VCID: 6CD7E00F4F496C265D-8038

Subsystem 1 - Serial number: 6332MSME315748627

Subsystem 2 - Serial number: 6342MSME31530F087

Subsystem 3 - Serial number: 6352QSME42232131

Subsystem 4 - Serial number: 6362QSME446E0A0FV

Subsystem 5 - Serial number: 63727SME107C4807%

Subsystem 6 - Serial number: 63827SME0F1F2E61F

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel Labels: 1K0-953-549-MY8.lbl
Part No SW: 1K0 953 549 BD HW: 1K0 953 549 BD
Component: J0527 036 0070
Coding: 0002022
Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
VCID: 75E1C56B1C03ADEEB2-8020

Subsystem 1 - Part No: XXXXXXXXXXX
Component: E0221 002 0010

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 1K0-920-xxx-17.lbl
Part No SW: 1K6 920 874 A HW: 1K6 920 874 A
Component: KOMBIINSTRUMENT VDD 1216
Revision: V0002000 Serial number: VWX7Z0GN3N67YR
Coding: 0007303
Shop #: WSC 19410 444 98964
VCID: 3169317BA8EBC1CE2E-8064

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels:. 1K0-907-530-V3.clb
Part No SW: 1K0 907 530 L HW: 1K0 907 951
Component: J533__Gateway H15 0180
Revision: H15 Serial number: 1400K07A27014F
Coding: E9811F060013020000
Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
VCID: 306F347FA3E1C8C621-8064

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 1C: Position Sensing Labels: 1Kx-919-xxx-1C.lbl
Part No SW: 1K6 919 879 HW: 1K6 919 879
Component: Kompass 001 0003
Revision: 00001000 Serial number: 1225223T28PM03
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 7DF1DD4B2433F5AEFA-8028

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 25: Immobilizer Labels: 1K0-920-xxx-25.clb
Part No SW: 1K6 920 874 A HW: 1K6 920 874 A
Component: IMMO VDD 1216
Revision: V0002000 Serial number: VWX7Z0GN3N67YR
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 3169317BA8EBC1CE2E-8064

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver Labels:. 1K0-959-701-MIN3.clb
Part No SW: 1K0 959 701 M HW: 1K0 959 701 M
Component: Tuer-SG 006 1207
Coding: 0001077
Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
VCID: 387F0C5F4B91108669-806C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 44: Steering Assist Labels: 1Kx-909-144-G2V3.clb
Part No: 1K1 909 144 M
Component: EPS_ZFLS Kl.074 H08 1901
Shop #: WSC 00000 028 00001
VCID: 3561056B5C83EDEE72-8060

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. Labels:. 1K0-959-433-MAX.clb
Part No SW: 1K0 959 433 CA HW: 1K0 959 433 CA
Component: KSG PQ35 G2 020 0204
Revision: 00020000 Serial number: 00000000000000
Coding: 939006885103281B0904058FB0080A0488BC00
Shop #: WSC 00000 785 00200
VCID: 71E9F17B686B81CE6E-8024

Subsystem 1 - Component: Sounder n.mounted

Subsystem 2 - Component: NGS n.mounted

Subsystem 3 - Component: IRUE n.mounted

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. Labels:. 1K0-959-702-MIN3.clb
Part No SW: 1K0 959 702 M HW: 1K0 959 702 M
Component: Tuer-SG 006 1207
Coding: 0001076
Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
VCID: 3979095B709B098E96-806C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 55: Headlight Range Labels: 1T0-907-357.lbl
Part No: 1T0 907 357
Component: Dynamische LWR 0003
Coding: 0000003
Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
VCID: 74E7F86F1779B4E685-8020

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio Labels: 1K0-035-1xx-56.lbl
Part No SW: 1K0 035 180 L HW: 1K0 035 180 L
Component: Radio PM6 130 0037
Revision: 00130000 Serial number: VWZ5Z7I2297042
Coding: 0040401
Shop #: WSC 39612 828 149130
VCID: 2959D91B803BB90EE6-807C

1 Fault Found:
00870 - Bass Speaker Front Left (R21)
011 - Open Circuit
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01101011
Fault Priority: 3
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 33
Mileage: 107460 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 11:44:21


End-------------------------(Elapsed Time: 02:02)--------------------------
 

dubStrom

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Location
Kansas City Missouri
TDI
2003 A4 Jetta (sold), 2010 JSW (sold), 2013 Passat 6MT traded for 2014 JSW with 6MT-TOTALED in November 2016, 2003 ALH 5MT conversion (sold), wheezing 2015 GSW/DSG and a new 2021 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 p'up
quick fix

If you aren't able to get the onboard TPMS operational using VCDS (assuming the receiver system is activatable/present at all), you can just get a $70 4 wheel TPMS system and plug it in (lighter socket, with four sender caps).

Once you pass the inspection, remove it and carefully store it until/if you need to demonstrate compliance again.

There is even one for $60 that only comes with sender caps and an app for your cell phone! Cheaper still, less than $50 for other models.

Options:Kufung (Asin) TPMS-68A -this is the app type
Fullele M6CL201 (Asin) with receiver
Zeepin C220 (less than $50)

There are many others. Check Amazon
 
Last edited:

Lightflyer1

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 13, 2005
Location
Round Rock, Texas
TDI
2015 Beetle tdi dsg
From my reading here it has been almost impossible for anyone to import a car like this in from Canada. VW seems to be unwilling to issue the LOC (Letter of Conformity). No matter what you do to get the car meeting specs. Good luck! I will continue watching to see if you succeed where others have failed.
 
Top