C1708 on 2004-2011 Nissan Altima: TPMS 'No Data' Fault Causes and Fixes
On a 2004-2011 Nissan Altima, code C1708 almost always means the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor in the front left wheel has failed, usually due to a dead battery. The TPMS warning light will typically flash for one minute at startup then stay solid. The fix is to replace the sensor and have it registered to the vehicle, costing around $50-$100 for the part and about one hour of labor.
- C1708 on a 2004-2011 Altima means the front left TPMS sensor is not communicating, usually indicated by a flashing, then solid, TPMS light.
- The most likely cause is a dead battery in the original sensor, as they are past their expected 7-10 year service life.
- Before buying parts, unplug all phone chargers and aftermarket electronics to rule out radio frequency (RF) interference, a known issue cited by Nissan.
- Replacement requires a new sensor and a specialized TPMS tool to register the new ID to the car's computer.
- It is often cost-effective to replace all four sensors at once if they are original.
What's Unique About the 2004-2011 Nissan ALTIMA
For this generation of Nissan Altima, the C1708 code is extremely common simply due to the age of the vehicle. The original TPMS sensors have internal, non-serviceable batteries with a finite lifespan of about 7-10 years, and these cars are now well past that mark. Additionally, Nissan has officially acknowledged in Technical Service Bulletin NTB13-088A that radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices like phone chargers can also cause this 'No Data' condition, a notable quirk for this system. Some owners have also reported that a failing HVAC blower motor can create enough electrical noise to trigger this code, a unique and surprising cause documented in TSB NTB10-111 for the related Versa platform.
Diagnostic Flowchart
Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.
Generation note: This range covers the end of the third generation (2004-2006) and the majority of the fourth generation (2007-2011). The direct TPMS system functions similarly across both generations, using 315 MHz sensors, and the primary cause of failure is the age of the sensors' internal batteries.
Symptoms You May Notice
- Solid TPMS warning light on the dashboard (the light may flash for about a minute upon startup before staying solid, which specifically indicates a system fault rather than low pressure).
- Inability to see the tire pressure reading for the front left wheel on the vehicle's information display (if equipped).
- The TPMS light may come on intermittently at first as the sensor battery dies, eventually staying on permanently.
- Replacing the wrong wheel's sensor. The code C1708 specifically points to the Front Left wheel. It's crucial to confirm which wheel corresponds to which code before replacement, as tires may have been rotated without relearning the sensor positions. A TPMS tool should be used to trigger each sensor at its current location to verify which one is not responding before any parts are replaced.
Most Likely Causes
- Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The sealed, non-serviceable batteries inside the original sensors have a typical lifespan of 7-10 years. Vehicles in the 2004-2011 range are at or beyond the expected end-of-life for their original sensors, making this the most common cause by a wide margin.
How to confirm: A professional TPMS diagnostic tool can attempt to read the sensor. If the tool cannot get a response, or if it shows a 'low battery' status, the sensor has failed. In many cases, multiple sensors will fail around the same time, leading to additional codes like C1709, C1710, etc. 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing multiple 'No Data' sensor codes on an Altima.
Typical fix: Replace the front left TPMS sensor and register the new sensor to the vehicle. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once if they are original, as the others are likely to fail soon.
Est. part cost: $40-$100 - Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability Nissan issued TSB NTB13-088A specifically mentioning that aftermarket electronics (like 'smart' phone chargers, dash cams, or GPS units) can transmit signals that interfere with the 315 MHz frequency used by the TPMS sensors, causing a 'No Data' condition. The TPMS antenna's location in the passenger-side A-pillar on 2007-2011 models can make it particularly susceptible to interference from devices plugged into the nearby 12V power outlet.
How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket accessories from the 12V outlets (cigarette lighters). Clear the code and drive the vehicle to see if the TPMS light stays off. If it does, one of the accessories was the cause.
Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device with a higher-quality, well-shielded alternative.
Est. part cost: $0-$50 - Faulty TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Physical damage from hitting potholes, curbs, or improper handling during a tire change can break the sensor. Corrosion of the valve stem, especially in areas with road salt, can also damage the sensor's electronics. Using aftermarket tire sealants can also damage the sensor.
How to confirm: A visual inspection during a tire dismount may reveal a cracked or corroded sensor. A TPMS tool will fail to read the sensor even if the battery is supposedly good.
Typical fix: Replace the damaged TPMS sensor and register the new one.
Est. part cost: $40-$100
Rare But Worth Checking
- Faulty TPMS Control Module (BCM): This is very rare. Before suspecting the control module, all other possibilities, especially the sensor itself, should be thoroughly ruled out. This would typically be accompanied by other seemingly unrelated electrical issues.
- Failing HVAC Blower Motor: → Shop HVAC Blower Motor Extremely rare, but documented in Nissan TSBs for similar platforms (NTB10-111 for Versa, NTB19-062 for 370Z/GT-R). A failing blower motor can create significant RF interference when running on high speed, causing intermittent TPMS communication loss. If the C1708 code only appears when the HVAC fan is on high, this could be the cause.
Diagnosis Steps
- Verify the TPMS warning light is on. Note if it flashes for about a minute before staying solid, which indicates a system fault.
- Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C) codes to confirm C1708 is present.
- As a simple first step, unplug all aftermarket devices from 12V power outlets (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.) to eliminate potential RF interference. Clear codes and test drive.
- If the light returns, use a dedicated TPMS diagnostic tool at the front left wheel to attempt to read the sensor's data (ID, pressure, temperature, battery status).
- If the tool cannot get a signal from the sensor, the sensor has failed (most likely a dead battery) and needs replacement. It's wise to test all four sensors to check their battery status.
- If the tool *can* read the sensor, the issue may be intermittent. Test for RF interference by turning the HVAC fan to high and driving to see if the code reappears, which could indicate a faulty blower motor.
- Before replacing, confirm the non-responsive sensor is physically located at the front left wheel, as tires may have been rotated.
- If replacing the sensor, the tire must be dismounted. After installing the new sensor, it must be 'registered' or 'relearned' to the vehicle's computer using a TPMS tool and the OBD-II port.
- After repair, clear all DTCs and ensure the TPMS light goes out and stays out after driving for several minutes above 25 MPH. 🎬 Watch: How to reset the TPMS light without a scan tool.
Parts You'll Likely Need
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor
(OEM #40700-JA01C, 40700-1LA0C)— This is the component that fails, most often due to its internal battery dying after 7-10 years of service. The code C1708 directly points to the failure of this part in the front left wheel. Part number 40700-JA01C is a common fit for this generation. 40700-1LA0C is a superseding part number that replaces several older versions.
Trusted brands: Schrader, Continental/VDO, Dorman, Autel, Huf/BH SENS
OEM price range: $80-$120
Aftermarket price range: $40-$70
Related Codes That Often Appear With This One
- C1709 — This code indicates 'No Data from Front Right Sensor'. It's common to see multiple TPMS codes appear around the same time as the sensor batteries have a similar lifespan and tend to fail within a short period of each other.
- C1710 — This code indicates 'No Data from Rear Right Sensor'. Like C1709, its appearance with C1708 suggests multiple sensors are reaching the end of their battery life.
- C1711 — This code indicates 'No Data from Rear Left Sensor'. Seeing C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711 together points to a systemic issue, like widespread battery failure or significant RF interference.
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls
- NTB13-088A: Discusses TPMS diagnostics and highlights that a 'No Data' condition (C1708-C1711) can be caused by radio frequency interference from accessories like cell phone chargers.
- NTB10-111: While for the Nissan Versa, this TSB is relevant as it identifies the HVAC blower motor as a potential source of RF interference causing intermittent C1708-C1711 codes, a valuable data point for hard-to-diagnose cases.
- NTB19-062: Confirmed that C1708 corresponds to the Front Left (FL) wheel position and also points to the HVAC blower motor as a potential cause on other Nissan models.
Platform-Specific Known Issues
- Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB13-088A specifically addresses codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711 being caused by radio frequency interference from accessories plugged into the vehicle's power outlets.
- A less common but documented issue on similar Nissan platforms is RF interference from a failing HVAC blower motor, which can also trigger these codes.
Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values
- TPMS Sensor Operating Frequency — expected: 315 MHz (for North American models). Failure: A TPMS tool will show 'No Signal' or 'No Data' from the sensor.
- Low Pressure Warning Threshold — expected: Above 27 psi (190 kPa). Failure: A solid TPMS light will illuminate if pressure drops below this threshold.
Scan Tool Commands That Help
- Nissan CONSULT-III / CONSULT-III plus: BCM > AIR PRESSURE MONITOR > WORK SUPPORT > ID REGIST — This function is required after replacing a TPMS sensor to register the new sensor's unique ID to the Body Control Module (BCM). Failure to perform this step will result in the TPMS light remaining on.
- Aftermarket TPMS Tool (e.g., Autel, Bartec): OBD Relearn / TPMS Registration — Used to write the new sensor IDs directly to the BCM via the OBD-II port after replacement. This is the standard procedure for most shops when a CONSULT tool is not used.
Wiring & Ground Locations
- TPMS Receiver Antenna — Inside the passenger-side front A-pillar (for 2007-2011 models).. This is the component that receives the signal from all four tire sensors. Its location near the dashboard and 12V outlets makes it susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket electronics, a known cause for C1708.
- BCM (Body Control Module) — Behind the left side of the dashboard, near the instrument cluster or driver's kick panel.. The BCM is the central computer that receives data from the TPMS antenna, interprets it, and triggers the C1708 code and warning light. A poor connection or ground at the BCM could cause communication issues, though this is rare.
- Ground Point M57 — Behind the left end of the dashboard.. This is a major ground distribution point for many interior electronics, including the BCM. A loose or corroded ground here could potentially cause a variety of electrical issues, including TPMS faults.
- TPMS Reset Connector — A single-wire white pigtail connector, often taped near the OBD-II data link connector under the dash (more common on earlier models in this range).. On some models, this connector can be used to manually initiate the TPMS relearn mode by grounding it to the chassis multiple times. This is a DIY method to force the system into learning mode without a scan tool.
Real Owner Repair Stories
- Astro Auto Repairs, YouTube (2007 Nissan Altima) — TPMS light was on, codes C1708 (FL), C1709 (FR), and C1711 (RL) were present.
❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner had likely tried inflating tires, but the flashing light indicated a system fault.
✅ What actually fixed it The mechanic used a TPMS tool to confirm no signal from the three wheels and a low battery reading from the fourth. He replaced all four sensors with aftermarket units and registered them to the vehicle using the scan tool's OBD relearn function. He specifically stressed the importance of using a tool to check the sensor at its physical location before replacement, as tires are often rotated, and the code's location (e.g., 'Front Left') may no longer be accurate. - NissanClub.com forum user (Nissan vehicle with TPMS) — Flashing TPMS light with codes C1708, C1709, C1710.
❌ Tried (didn't work) Reading codes without driving the car first.
✅ What actually fixed it A forum expert clarified that the scanner showing some codes as 'historical' meant only the 'current' code indicated the presently failed sensor. The fix was to replace the one failed sensor. It was also noted that the sensor batteries are embedded and cannot be replaced separately, requiring a full sensor replacement. The advice was to replace all four if they are original, as the others would likely fail soon.
OEM Part Supersession History
40700-JA01B, 40700-JA01C→40700-JK01C, among others— Part revision and consolidation by Nissan over time.
Heads up: While many part numbers have superseded older ones, the critical factor for compatibility is ensuring the sensor operates on the 315 MHz frequency required for the North American market. Using a sensor with the wrong frequency will result in a failure to register.
Model Year Variations Within This Range
- 2007-2011 (4th Generation): The TPMS receiver antenna is specifically located in the passenger-side front A-pillar, which is a key detail for diagnosing RF interference issues.
- 2004-2006 (3rd Generation, primarily): Some earlier Nissan models are more likely to have the single-wire TPMS reset connector near the OBD-II port, allowing for a manual (non-scan tool) relearn initiation procedure. Later models in the range rely almost exclusively on an OBD scan tool for registration.
Helpful Videos
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan ALTIMA:
- 🧭 Diagnostic Flowchart
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- What's Unique About the 2004-2011 Nissan ALTIMA
- Symptoms You May Notice
- Most Likely Causes
- Rare But Worth Checking
- Diagnosis Steps
- Parts You'll Likely Need
- Related Codes That Often Appear With This One
- Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls
- Platform-Specific Known Issues
- Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values
- Scan Tool Commands That Help
- Wiring & Ground Locations
- Real Owner Repair Stories
- OEM Part Supersession History
- Model Year Variations Within This Range
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