C1708 on 2014-2015 Infiniti QX80: TPMS 'No Data' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2015 Infiniti QX80

The Infiniti QX80 (and its Nissan Armada platform mate) is specifically mentioned in Technical Service Bulletin ITB13039A for being susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference that can trigger TPMS codes like C1708. This interference often originates from low-quality aftermarket accessories, such as phone chargers, dash cams, or even some LED bulbs, plugged into the 12V power outlets. 🎬 Watch: How electronic noise and interference can block TPMS signals. These devices can emit electronic noise that disrupts the 315 MHz signal from the TPMS sensors, leading to a 'No Data' fault even when the sensor itself is functional. This makes unplugging all such devices the critical first diagnostic step.

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 flashes for approximately one minute, then stays on solid.
• "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE" warning message in the vehicle information display.
• Inability to view the pressure reading for the front-left tire on the information screen.
• The horn may not beep once when inflating the affected tire to the correct pressure, which is part of the Tire Inflation Indicator feature.
🎬 See how the Tire Inflation Indicator and TPMS display work.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed TPMS Sensor (Dead Battery) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor TPMS sensor batteries have a finite lifespan, typically 5-10 years. A 2014-2015 vehicle is at an age where battery failure is the most common cause of sensor failure. The batteries are integrated into the sensor and are not serviceable, requiring replacement of the entire unit.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS activation tool to try and read the sensor at the wheel. If the tool cannot get a response (ID, pressure, battery status), or if it explicitly shows a low battery status, the sensor has failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the TPMS sensor in the affected wheel. The new sensor must be registered to the vehicle using a TPMS tool. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once if they are original, as the others are likely to fail soon, saving on future labor costs.
   Est. part cost: $30-$115
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As documented in TSB ITB13039A, these vehicles are known to be sensitive to RF interference from aftermarket electronics plugged into the 12V power outlets (e.g., phone chargers, dash cams). Cheaply made chargers often lack proper RF shielding and generate electronic noise that blocks the TPMS signal.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket accessories from all 12V outlets. Clear the code (if possible) and drive the vehicle for several minutes above 16-25 MPH to see if the light turns off and the code does not return. If the light goes out, one of the unplugged devices was the cause.
   Typical fix: Identify and remove or replace the interfering device with a higher-quality, better-shielded alternative.
   Est. part cost: $0

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty TPMS Receiver / BCM: This is rare for a single sensor code. A faulty receiver or Body Control Module (BCM) would typically cause codes for multiple or all sensors to appear simultaneously (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711). This should only be considered after ruling out RF interference and individual sensor failure. The TPMS receiver is integrated into the BCM on this platform.
• Smart Charging System/Low Battery Voltage: Some owners have reported various electrical gremlins, including TPMS faults, related to the 'smart charging' system not adequately maintaining battery voltage. A weak or dying vehicle battery can cause unpredictable behavior in various control modules. If multiple, seemingly unrelated codes appear with the TPMS fault, check the vehicle's main battery and charging system health.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code using an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C-codes) from the Body Control Module (BCM).
2. Check the TPMS warning light behavior. A light that flashes for a minute on startup before turning solid indicates a system fault like C1708, not just low pressure.
3. Perform the RF Interference check: Unplug ALL aftermarket accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS units, etc.) from ALL 12V power outlets. Drive the vehicle above 25 MPH for 10-15 minutes to see if the system resets and the light goes out.
4. If the light remains, use a TPMS activation tool to scan the front-left wheel. Attempt to 'wake up' the sensor and read its ID, pressure, and battery status.
5. If the tool gets no response from the sensor, or reports a low/dead battery, the sensor has failed and needs to be replaced.
6. If the tool can read the sensor but the car cannot, the issue may be with the vehicle's TPMS receiver (part of the BCM) or a registration problem. This is less common for a single-sensor code.
7. Replace the faulty sensor. This involves breaking the tire bead and removing the old sensor from the wheel.
8. Install the new sensor and re-mount/balance the tire.
9. Using a TPMS-capable scan tool connected to the OBD-II port, register the new sensor's unique ID to the vehicle's BCM. This is a required step.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-1LA0D) — This is the direct cause of the code when the internal, non-replaceable battery dies after years of service. The original part 40700-1LA0D has been superseded by 40700-1LA0E.
  Trusted brands: Infiniti/Nissan (OEM), VDO, Bosch, Schrader, Denso, Dorman
  OEM price range: $80-$115
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1709 — This code is for the Front-Right sensor. Seeing them together suggests either multiple sensors are failing from age or there is a systemic issue like RF interference.
• C1710 — This code is for the Rear-Right sensor. When multiple TPMS codes appear, it points towards a common cause like RF interference or simply that all sensor batteries are failing around the same time.
• C1711 — This code is for the Rear-Left sensor. The presence of all four codes (C1708-C1711) strongly indicates a problem with the TPMS receiver or significant RF interference, after confirming the sensors themselves are good.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• ITB13039A: Addresses radio frequency interference causing a 'No Data' condition for the TPMS system, specifically mentioning codes C1708-C1711 and providing diagnostic guidance.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Per TSB ITB13039A, this vehicle is known to be sensitive to radio frequency interference from aftermarket accessories, which can cause intermittent 'No Data' conditions and trigger codes C1708, C1709, C1710, or C1711. Forum users and mechanics frequently cite cheap USB phone chargers as the primary culprit.
• The automatic relearn process after sensor replacement requires driving above a certain speed (typically 16-25 mph) for up to 10-15 minutes for the BCM to recognize the new sensor ID. If this fails, a manual registration with a scan tool is necessary.
🎬 Watch: How to program and activate a new TPMS sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT III Plus: ID Reg. (Work Support for BCM) — This function is required after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new sensor's unique ID into the Body Control Module (BCM). The tool guides the technician to activate each sensor in sequence (LF, RF, RR, LR) to register their positions correctly.
• Aftermarket TPMS Scan Tool (e.g., Autel, Bartec): OBD Relearn / Write Sensor IDs — Used to upload the new sensor IDs, which were read from the wheels, directly to the vehicle's BCM via the OBD-II port. This is the standard procedure for most professional shops when an OEM tool is not used.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• BCM (Body Control Module) — On the 2014-2015 QX80, the BCM is located in the passenger side footwell, often behind the glove box or kick panel. It also serves as the interior fuse box.. The BCM is the central control unit for the TPMS. It contains the receiver that listens for signals from the wheel sensors. A fault with the BCM, its power supply, or its ground connection can prevent it from receiving data, potentially mimicking a failed sensor.
• Ground Points B219, B222, B33, B57 — Various ground points for chassis and body components. B219 is at the right 'C' pillar, B222 is under the front passenger's seat, B33 is under the driver's seat, and B57 is in the left rear quarter panel.. The BCM relies on solid ground connections to function. While a total BCM failure is unlikely to cause a single C1708 code, a poor ground could introduce electrical noise or intermittent faults affecting the sensitive TPMS receiver circuitry within the module.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-1LA0D → 40700-1LA0E — Standard part revision by the manufacturer. Often includes minor improvements in design or materials.
  Heads up: The parts are interchangeable. 40700-1LA0E is the correct service replacement for 40700-1LA0D and its predecessors (1LA0A, 1LA0B, 1LA0C).