C1708 on 2013-2016 Nissan Frontier: TPMS 'No Data' from Front Left Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2016 Nissan FRONTIER

The Nissan Frontier of this era is known for two key TPMS characteristics. First, it is notoriously susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket accessories like phone chargers, which can block the 315 MHz sensor signals and trigger this code, a fact highlighted in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB13-088A. Second, while professional scan tools are the standard, this platform has a well-documented manual "relearn" procedure. This DIY method involves grounding a specific single-wire connector near the OBD-II port (often a white connector taped to the harness 🎬 Watch: How to perform the free manual relearn procedure.) six times with a paperclip to put the BCM into learning mode.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• The TPMS warning light on the dashboard flashes for approximately one minute after starting the vehicle, then remains illuminated solid.
• Inability to get a pressure reading from the front-left tire using a dealership or advanced TPMS scan tool.
• A capable OBD-II scanner will find code C1708 stored in the Body Control Module (BCM), not the Engine Control Module (ECM).

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor TPMS sensor batteries are sealed, non-serviceable, and have a finite lifespan of 5-10 years. Vehicles from the 2013-2016 model years are now at an age where battery failure is the most common cause of sensor failure.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to 'trigger' or 'wake up' the sensor at the front-left wheel. If the tool receives no response, the sensor is dead. Many tire shops will perform this check for free or a small fee.
   Typical fix: Replace the front-left TPMS sensor. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at the same time if they are original, as the others are likely to fail soon.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As noted in Nissan TSB NTB13088A, aftermarket electronics (especially cheap phone chargers, dash cams, or power inverters) plugged into the 12V outlets can emit RF noise that jams the 315 MHz frequency used by the TPMS sensors. Owners on forums frequently report this exact issue resolving after unplugging a newly installed device.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket electronic devices from the vehicle's power outlets. Clear the codes if possible, then drive the vehicle for several minutes above 16 mph to see if the TPMS light turns off.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering device with a higher-quality, better-shielded alternative. Sometimes using a power cable with a ferrite choke can solve the problem.
   Est. part cost: $0-$50
3. Damaged TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor
   How to confirm: This usually occurs immediately after a tire change or a significant pothole impact. Visual inspection after dismounting the tire will show physical damage to the sensor body or valve stem.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged TPMS sensor.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or TPMS Receiver: → Shop Body Control Module This is extremely rare. Before suspecting the BCM, all other possibilities, especially the sensor itself and RF interference, must be exhaustively ruled out. This fault would likely be accompanied by other strange electrical issues and multiple TPMS codes.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis/BCM codes to confirm C1708 is present. A basic engine scanner will not see this code.
2. CRITICAL FIRST STEP: Unplug all aftermarket accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS, etc.) from all 12V power outlets to eliminate RF interference.
3. Adjust all tires to the cold pressure listed on the door jamb sticker.
4. Drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes at speeds above 16-25 mph to see if the light resets. If it does, the issue was RF interference.
5. If the light remains, use a TPMS activation tool at the front-left wheel to check if the sensor responds. A lack of response confirms a dead or faulty sensor.
6. If the sensor responds to the tool but the code persists, there may be an issue with the vehicle's TPMS receiver or wiring, but this is uncommon.
7. If the sensor is confirmed dead, proceed with replacement and registration.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• TPMS Sensor (OEM #40700-3AN0B) — This is the sensor unit that fails, most often due to its internal battery dying. It transmits the tire pressure data to the vehicle. The vehicle uses a 315 MHz frequency sensor. This part number replaces the previous number 40700-3AN0A.
  Trusted brands: Schrader (often the OEM supplier), Continental/VDO, Autel, Dill Air Control, Duralast
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1709, C1710, C1711 — These codes correspond to the other wheel sensors (Front-Right, Rear-Right, Rear-Left). If multiple codes are present, it could point to widespread sensor age (batteries failing around the same time), a significant RF interference problem, or a fault with the central TPMS receiver.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-088A / WT13-005a - This is the primary bulletin covering TPMS diagnostics. It explicitly states that 'Radio frequency interference causing a “No Data” (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition' is a common issue. It advises technicians to remove all aftermarket devices like 'Smart cell phone chargers' and 'aftermarket DVD's players' before performing any other diagnostics. It also confirms the flashing-then-solid light behavior indicates a system malfunction.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan TSB NTB13-088A specifically identifies RF interference from devices like 'Smart cell phone chargers' and aftermarket DVD players as a known cause for C1708 and related TPMS codes on this platform.
• The manual relearn procedure, while possible, can be tricky. It requires setting specific, different pressures in each tire (e.g., FL 34, FR 31, RR 29, RL 26 psi), then grounding the TPMS reset wire 6 times in 10 seconds to initiate the process, followed by driving. Failure during the drive cycle often means the pressures weren't set correctly or the sensor is truly dead.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Manual TPMS Relearn Tire Pressures — expected: Front-Left: 34 psi, Front-Right: 31 psi, Rear-Right: 29 psi, Rear-Left: 26 psi. Failure: If pressures are not set to these specific, staggered values, the BCM will not enter or complete the manual relearn mode.
• BCM Power Supply Voltage (at connector) — expected: Battery voltage (~12.6V) at pins 57 and 70 of connector M20 with ignition off.. Failure: No voltage indicates a blown fuse (10A #21, 50A #G) or a wiring issue between the fuse block and the BCM.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III / CONSULT-III plus: BCM > AIR PRESSURE MONITOR > WORK SUPPORT > ID REGIST — This is the official dealership-level command required after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new, unique sensor ID into the Body Control Module (BCM).
• Aftermarket TPMS Tool (e.g., Autel, Bartec): OBD Relearn / TPMS Registration — This is the standard function used by independent tire shops to write new sensor IDs to the BCM through the OBD-II port after sensor replacement.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TPMS Relearn Connector — A single-wire white female connector, often taped to the main wiring harness near the OBD-II data link connector under the driver's side dashboard.. This connector must be momentarily grounded to a chassis ground six times within 10 seconds (with key on, engine off) to initiate the manual TPMS relearn procedure.
• BCM Ground M67 — The primary ground for the Body Control Module is located behind the left side of the dashboard.. A poor ground at this location can cause a host of erratic electrical issues, including the BCM's inability to properly receive and process signals from the TPMS receiver, potentially causing C1708 or other codes. Continuity can be checked between pin 67 of BCM connector M20 and a chassis ground.
• TPMS Receiver / Antenna — On similar Nissan platforms, the TPMS receiver is often located inside the passenger-side A-pillar or under the passenger-side dashboard, near the glove box.. This component receives the 315 MHz signals from all tire sensors. Its proximity to the dashboard and 12V power outlets makes it the component most affected by RF interference from aftermarket accessories.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Project:Keira (Nissan/Infiniti enthusiast blog) (Nissan Frontier (2nd Gen)) — TPMS light on after a tire shop broke the original front-left sensor during a tire rotation.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the sensor with a cheap eBay part. A dealership's TPMS tool confirmed the eBay sensor was faulty and not transmitting., Attempting to have the dealership program the faulty sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner purchased a genuine OEM Nissan TPMS sensor from a dealership. After installation, he successfully performed the manual relearn procedure himself by setting the staggered tire pressures and using the 'paperclip method' to ground the white TPMS reset connector near the OBD-II port.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-3AN0A → 40700-3AN0B — Standard part revision, likely for improved reliability or manufacturing process.
  Heads up: The parts are interchangeable. 40700-3AN0B is the correct service replacement for 40700-3AN0A. Be aware that many other part numbers (like 40700-1AA0D, 40700-JA01B, etc.) were also superseded by this series, but 3AN0A/B are the most direct replacements for this vehicle era.