C1708 on 2012-2013 Infiniti QX56: TPMS 'No Data' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2013 Infiniti QX56

The second-generation Infiniti QX56 (Z62 platform) and its platform-mate, the 2017+ Nissan Armada, are explicitly mentioned in Technical Service Bulletin ITB13039A for their TPMS system's susceptibility to radio frequency (RF) interference. This interference, often from low-quality aftermarket devices like "smart cell phone chargers," wireless chargers, or dash cams plugged into the 12V outlets, can drown out the 315 MHz signal from the TPMS sensors, triggering a C1708 code. This makes ruling out RF interference 🎬 Watch: How to avoid TPMS signal interference and limitations a critical and unique first diagnostic step for this specific vehicle before assuming a part has failed.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• TPMS warning light on the dashboard flashes for about a minute on startup, then stays on solid.
• Inability to see the pressure reading for one or more tires on the vehicle's information display.
• A "Check Tire Pressure" message may appear in the vehicle information display.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor TPMS sensor batteries have a finite, non-serviceable lifespan, typically 5-10 years. For a 2012-2013 vehicle, the original sensors are at or beyond their expected service life, making battery failure the most common cause.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to try and activate or 'ping' the sensor. If the tool gets no response or shows a 'low battery' status, the sensor's battery is dead.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty TPMS sensor. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once if they are original, especially if getting new tires, to avoid repeat repairs and labor costs.
   Est. part cost: $40-$85 per sensor (aftermarket), $80-$115 (OEM)
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As documented in TSB ITB13039A, aftermarket devices (especially low-quality "smart cell phone chargers", wireless chargers, or dash cams) plugged into the power outlets can emit RF noise that blocks the 315 MHz TPMS sensor signals.
   How to confirm: Unplug ALL aftermarket accessories from the 12V power outlets. Clear the codes (if possible) and drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes at speeds above 25 mph to see if the TPMS light goes out and the code does not return.
   Typical fix: Identify and remove the source of the RF interference. Replace low-quality aftermarket chargers with higher-quality, shielded ones.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Faulty or Damaged TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Beyond the battery, the sensor electronics can fail due to age or vibration. They are also susceptible to physical damage from potholes, improper tire service (e.g., deflating the tire with the sensor at the 6 o'clock position), or corrosion from aftermarket tire sealants.
   How to confirm: A TPMS tool may be able to read the sensor but show erratic data. If the sensor responds but the code persists and RF interference is ruled out, the sensor itself is likely faulty. Visual inspection after dismounting the tire may show physical damage or corrosion.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty TPMS sensor and register the new one with the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $40-$85 per sensor

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty TPMS Control Module / Receiver: If all four sensors have been replaced with known-good units and RF interference has been ruled out, but codes C1708-C1711 persist, the central receiver module may be at fault. This is uncommon, but has been noted in forums where a dealer diagnosed an 'electrical issue' after new sensors failed to fix the problem. The system uses a main BCM but also has a separate rear TPMS antenna (Part # 40740-1LA0A) that could be a point of failure.
• Low Vehicle Voltage / Poor Grounding: A weak main vehicle battery or faulty wiring can cause widespread communication errors across various modules. One owner on Reddit reported codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711 appearing simultaneously after a battery died and an aftermarket remote starter was improperly removed, suggesting a systemic electrical issue rather than a TPMS-specific one. A service manual procedure exists to test the BCM power at connector M70, pin 70 and ground at M70, pin 67.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the symptom: Confirm the TPMS warning light flashes for approximately one minute at startup before staying on solid. This indicates a system fault, not just low pressure.
2. Rule out RF Interference: This is a critical first step. Unplug ALL aftermarket devices from the 12V power outlets (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS, etc.). Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes to see if the system resets and the light turns off.
3. Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C) codes to confirm C1708 is present. A dealer-level tool like CONSULT may show more specific codes like C1712 (Checksum Error).
4. Identify the Faulty Sensor: Use a TPMS activation tool (e.g., Autel, ATEQ) to scan each wheel. The sensor that does not respond with its ID, pressure, and battery status is the faulty one.
5. Confirm with Tire Rotation (Optional): If a TPMS tool is not available, you can rotate tires (e.g., front-left to front-right). If the code changes from C1708 (Front-Left) to C1709 (Front-Right), you have confirmed the sensor in that wheel is bad.
6. Inspect Sensor: If a sensor is identified as faulty, have a tire shop dismount the tire and visually inspect the sensor for physical damage or corrosion before replacing.
7. Replace the Sensor: Once identified, have a tire shop replace the non-responsive sensor.
🎬 See this full guide on finding and replacing bad sensors
8. Register New Sensor: The tire shop must use a TPMS tool connected to the OBD-II port to perform a 'relearn' procedure, registering the new sensor's unique ID to the vehicle's BCM to complete the repair. 🎬 Watch: Professional programming instructions for Nissan and Infiniti sensors The factory CONSULT tool uses an 'ID Read & Registration' function for this process.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-1LA0E (supersedes 40700-1LA0A, 40700-1LA0B, 40700-1LA0C, 40700-1LA0D)) — This is the most common cause of failure. The internal battery is not serviceable, so the entire unit must be replaced when the battery dies after 5-10 years.
  Trusted brands: Infiniti (OEM), Denso, Schrader, Continental/VDO
  OEM price range: $80-$115
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$85

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1709, C1710, C1711 — These codes correspond to the other three wheel sensors (Front-Right, Rear-Right, Rear-Left). If multiple or all four codes are present, it strongly suggests a systemic issue like widespread radio frequency interference, a faulty central TPMS receiver, or a vehicle-wide electrical problem, rather than multiple sensors failing at the exact same time.
• C1712, C1713, C1714, C1715 — These are dealer-level codes indicating a 'CHECKSUM ERR' from a specific wheel sensor. This means a signal was received, but the data was corrupted. This points more specifically to a faulty sensor or severe RF interference, rather than a simple 'No Data' condition.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• ITB13039A: Details diagnostic information for the Low Tire Pressure Warning System, including troubleshooting for 'No Data' conditions (C1708-C1711) caused by radio frequency interference from devices like 'smart cell phone chargers'. It also provides warnings about sensor damage from tire sealants and improper service procedures.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Infiniti Technical Service Bulletin ITB13039A was issued to address diagnostic procedures for the TPMS system, specifically highlighting that radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics can cause "No Data" conditions, resulting in codes C1708, C1709, C1710, or C1711.
• The same TSB also warns that some aftermarket tire sealants can contain chemicals that damage TPMS sensors, and such damage is not covered by warranty.
• The TSB notes that TPMS sensors can be damaged if they are at the 6 o'clock position (bottom of the wheel) when the tire is being deflated for service.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• BCM Power Supply Voltage — expected: Battery Voltage. Failure: Voltage significantly below battery voltage indicates a wiring or fuse issue.
• BCM Ground Circuit Continuity — expected: Continuity to ground (near 0 ohms). Failure: High or infinite resistance (open circuit) indicates a bad ground connection.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C1712, C1713, C1714, C1715: Indicates a 'CHECKSUM ERR' from the FL, FR, RR, or RL wheel sensor, respectively. This means the BCM received a signal, but the data within the signal was corrupted or failed its integrity check. (see via Typically requires the Infiniti CONSULT-III dealer scan tool or an advanced professional scanner.)
• C1716, C1717, C1718, C1719: Indicates a 'PRESSDATA ERR' (Pressure Data Error) from the FL, FR, RR, or RL wheel sensor, respectively. The signal was received, but the pressure information was illogical or out of range. (see via Typically requires the Infiniti CONSULT-III dealer scan tool or an advanced professional scanner.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Infiniti CONSULT-III: ID Read & Registration — This is the factory procedure used after replacing one or more TPMS sensors. The tool places the BCM into 'execution mode', and a tech uses an activator at each wheel. The CONSULT screen confirms when each new sensor ID has been successfully registered to its position.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located in the passenger side footwell, typically behind or below the glove box area.. The BCM is the central computer that receives and interprets the signals from all TPMS sensors. A fault with the BCM, its power, or its ground can cause TPMS codes.
• BCM Connector M70 — The main harness connector plugging into the BCM.. Pin 70 is the main power supply and Pin 67 is the main ground for the BCM. Testing these pins is a key step in diagnosing a BCM that appears dead or is causing communication faults.
• TPMS Diagnostic Connector — A single-wire connector, often white, typically taped to the OBD-II port wiring harness under the driver's side dashboard.. This connector provides a manual way to put the TPMS system into a self-diagnostic or relearn mode by grounding the wire in a specific sequence. This can be used for troubleshooting without a scan tool on some models.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-1LA0A, 40700-1LA0B, 40700-1LA0C, 40700-1LA0D → 40700-1LA0E — Standard part revision and updates by the manufacturer.
• 40740-1LA0A → — This is the part number for the separate rear TPMS antenna, which is a distinct component from the wheel sensors.
  Heads up: This part is specific to the rear signal reception and would not be the cause for front-only sensor codes like C1708/C1709.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2013: Compared to the previous generation, the 2011-2013 (Y62 platform) QX56 features a more advanced vehicle information display that can show the individual pressure reading for each tire, whereas the older system might only have a single warning light. The underlying 315 MHz direct TPMS technology is functionally similar.