C1708 on 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder: TPMS 'No Data' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2005-2012 Nissan PATHFINDER

For this generation of Pathfinder, Nissan issued a Technical Service Bulletin (NTB13088A) that highlights a unique and common cause for C1708: radio frequency (RF) interference. Before assuming the sensor is bad, unplug any aftermarket devices like cell phone chargers, dash cams, or DVD players plugged into the 12V outlets. These devices, especially cheaper ones, can transmit RF noise that blocks the TPMS signal. This simple check can save you from an unnecessary repair.

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 flashes for approximately one minute after starting the vehicle, then stays on solid.
• The vehicle's information display may show a 'TPMS Error' or 'Check Tire Pressure' message.
• A scan tool will read code C1708 stored in the Body Control Module (BCM).

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The sensors' internal batteries are non-rechargeable and have a lifespan of 5-10 years. Vehicles in this 2005-2012 year range are now well past the expected lifespan of their original sensor batteries, making this the most common cause of failure.
   How to confirm: A tire shop can use a TPMS activation tool to try and 'wake' the sensor. If the sensor does not respond or shows a low battery status, its battery is dead. The batteries are sealed within the sensor and are not serviceable.
   Typical fix: Replace the TPMS sensor in the front left wheel. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at the same time, as the others are likely near the end of their service life. The new sensor must then be registered to the BCM.
   Est. part cost: $40-$90 per sensor
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As noted in Nissan TSB NTB13088A, aftermarket electronics (especially cheap phone chargers, dash cams, or DVD players) plugged into the vehicle's power outlets can emit RF noise that jams the 315MHz signal from the TPMS sensors.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket electronic devices from the vehicle's 12V power outlets. Clear any stored DTCs with a scan tool. Turn the vehicle off and on again. If the TPMS light goes out after a short drive, RF interference was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering device with a higher quality, better-shielded alternative.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Faulty TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Sensors can be physically damaged during tire installation or removal, or they can fail electronically due to internal corrosion or component failure. A user on a Nissan forum described breaking a sensor during a tire change, which is a common scenario.
   How to confirm: If the sensor does not respond to an activation tool, even after ruling out RF interference, it is considered faulty. Sometimes a sensor may work intermittently, failing at high speeds or with temperature changes before failing completely.
   Typical fix: Replace the front left TPMS sensor and perform the ID registration procedure.
   Est. part cost: $40-$90

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) / TPMS Receiver: → Shop Body Control Module If all sensors are confirmed to be working (or have been replaced) and there is no RF interference, the BCM, which acts as the TPMS receiver, 🎬 Watch a technician diagnose multiple 'No Data' TPMS codes. could be at fault. This is rare and should be the last item to be diagnosed.
• Wiring Harness Issue: A break or short in the wiring related to the BCM or the TPMS receiver could cause this code, but it is highly unlikely compared to sensor failure. A poor ground connection for the BCM has been noted as a potential, though rare, cause of TPMS faults.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the symptom: Start the vehicle and observe the TPMS light. A flash for approximately one minute followed by a solid light indicates a system fault, not just low pressure.
2. Rule out RF Interference: Unplug ALL aftermarket devices from 12V power outlets (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS units, etc.).
3. Reset and Test Drive: Clear the codes using a capable OBD-II scanner. Drive the vehicle for several minutes above 25 mph. If the light does not return, an aftermarket device was the cause.
4. Test the Sensor: If the light returns, use a TPMS activation tool to test the front left sensor. The tool will try to command a transmission from the sensor.
5. Confirm Failure: If the activation tool shows 'Trigger Failed' or similar, the sensor's battery is dead or the sensor has failed. It needs to be replaced.
6. Advanced Diagnosis: If the sensor *does* respond to the tool but the C1708 code persists, the problem may lie with the vehicle's TPMS receiver (BCM) or its wiring. This requires more advanced diagnostics, likely with a factory service manual. A rare but documented cause for multiple TPMS codes is RF interference from a failing HVAC blower motor.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-JA01C) — This is the component that fails most often, usually due to its internal battery expiring after 5-10 years.
  Trusted brands: Schrader (OEM Supplier), Denso, Hitachi, Continental/VDO, Autel
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1709, C1710, C1711 — These are the codes for the other three wheels (Front Right, Rear Right, Rear Left). If multiple codes appear at once, it strongly points towards a central issue like widespread RF interference or a problem with the BCM/receiver, rather than multiple sensors failing simultaneously.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13088A: This bulletin is a summary of common TPMS issues. It specifically calls out 'Radio frequency interference causing a “No Data” (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition' and advises technicians to unplug all aftermarket accessories (like phone chargers) before beginning diagnostics.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The platform is known to be sensitive to radio frequency interference, as documented in Nissan TSB NTB13088A.
• Owners on Reddit and other forums report intermittent sensor failure at high speeds or during extreme temperature shifts, which can also trigger a C1708 code before the sensor fails completely.
• A manual relearn procedure exists for this platform, which can save a trip to the dealer. It involves grounding a single-wire connector near the OBD-II port six times in a specific sequence to put the BCM into learning mode.
🎬 Watch: How to perform this manual TPMS relearn for free.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III / CONSULT-III+: ID REGISTRATION — This function is used after replacing a TPMS sensor to register the new sensor's unique ID with the BCM. It is found under BCM > AIR PRESSURE MONITOR > WORK SUPPORT. The tool then prompts the technician to use a transmitter activation tool at each wheel in sequence (LF, FR, RR, LR) to complete the registration.
• Signal Tech II (or similar TPMS tool): Sensor Activation / Trigger — This is the first step in diagnosing a C1708. The tool is held near the valve stem to command a transmission from the sensor. If the tool fails to get a response ('Trigger Failed'), it confirms the sensor is not transmitting, likely due to a dead battery or internal failure. This test rules out a receiver-side problem.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TPMS Receiver (BCM) — The TPMS receiver is integrated into the Body Control Module (BCM). On the R51 Pathfinder, the BCM is located in the dashboard, behind the combination meter (instrument cluster).. This is the central unit that receives signals from all four tire sensors. While BCM failure is rare, a fault here or in its wiring/ground connection could prevent it from receiving a signal from an otherwise good sensor.
• Tire Pressure Warning Check Connector — This is a single-wire, typically white, female plug that is taped to the main wiring harness near the OBD-II diagnostic port under the driver's side dashboard.. This connector is essential for the DIY manual relearn procedure. By grounding this wire to a chassis ground (like the metal OBD-II port bracket) six times with the ignition on, the BCM is put into 'learning mode,' allowing it to register new sensor IDs without a CONSULT scan tool.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• NICOclub Forums (Nissan Frontier (same platform/system as Pathfinder)) — TPMS light on after a tire shop broke the front-left sensor during a tire rotation.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the broken sensor with a cheap aftermarket sensor purchased from eBay. The new sensor would not program, even when a Nissan dealership attempted to register it with their dealer tool; the tool could not get a reading from it.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner purchased a new OEM Nissan TPMS sensor from a dealership for $40. After installation, they successfully performed the manual relearn procedure themselves. This involved grounding the TPMS reset plug near the OBD-II port 6 times to enter learning mode, then driving the vehicle until the light turned off.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2009-2012: Models from 2009 and newer may recognize corrected tire pressures more quickly after inflation without needing to be driven, compared to earlier models. However, the fundamental diagnostic and repair procedures for code C1708 remain the same across the 2005-2012 generation.