C1708 on 2004-2011 Nissan TITAN: TPMS Sensor Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2004-2011 Nissan TITAN

For the first-generation (2004-2011) Nissan Titan, the most common cause of a C1708 code is simply the age of the vehicle. The TPMS sensors use non-replaceable, sealed-in batteries with a typical lifespan of 5-10 years. Given the age of these trucks, they are all operating on borrowed time with their original sensors. Additionally, Nissan has specifically noted in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB NTB13-088a) 🎬 Watch: Diagnostic walkthrough for C1708 and no data codes that these vehicles can be susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket electronics like phone chargers, which can also trigger this code by blocking the sensor's signal.

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 flashing for approximately one minute upon startup, then remaining solidly lit.
• Inability to get tire pressure readings for the front left tire (if equipped with a multi-tire display).
• A TPMS diagnostic tool will show 'No Data' or fail to activate the front left sensor.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The sealed-in batteries last 5-10 years. Vehicles in this year range are well beyond the typical sensor lifespan. The battery is potted in epoxy and not designed to be serviced, making sensor replacement the only practical repair.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to 'wake up' or read the sensor at the front left wheel. If it does not respond or shows a 'low battery' status, the battery is dead.
   Typical fix: Replace the front left TPMS sensor and register the new sensor to the vehicle. Many owners opt to replace all four sensors at once, as the others are likely to fail soon.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability Nissan TSB NTB13-088a specifically calls this out. Aftermarket devices (especially cheap or poor-quality phone chargers, dash cams, and wireless chargers) can transmit RF noise on a similar frequency (315 MHz) and block the sensor signal.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket 12V accessories and electronic devices. Clear the code (if possible) or drive the vehicle to see if the code and light go away. If the problem disappears, plug devices back in one by one to isolate the offender. Using high-quality, shielded (ferrite core) charging cables can prevent the issue.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device with a higher-quality one.
   Est. part cost: $0-$30
3. Faulty TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor While less common than a dead battery, the sensor's electronics can fail from vibration, shock from potholes, or internal corrosion.
   How to confirm: If the sensor responds to a TPMS tool but provides erratic or incorrect data, or if it works intermittently, the sensor itself has likely failed internally.
   Typical fix: Replace the front left TPMS sensor and register the new one.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or TPMS Receiver: → Shop Body Control Module This is very rare. The TPMS receiver/antenna is located in the passenger-side front pillar. If a new, correctly programmed sensor still won't communicate with the vehicle (and other sensors work fine), the BCM or its receiver may be the issue. This should only be considered after all other possibilities are exhausted and typically requires dealer-level diagnostics.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Note the TPMS light behavior: a flashing light for ~60 seconds followed by a solid light indicates a system fault like C1708; a solid light on its own indicates low pressure.
2. Scan the Body Control Module (BCM) with a scan tool capable of reading manufacturer-specific 'C' codes to confirm C1708 is present. A basic OBD-II reader will not see this code.
3. Unplug all aftermarket 12V accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, USB adapters, etc.) to eliminate potential RF interference.
4. Using a dedicated TPMS diagnostic tool, go to the front left wheel and attempt to activate and read the sensor's data (ID, pressure, temperature, battery status).
5. If the tool cannot get a response from the sensor, the sensor has failed (likely a dead battery) and must be replaced.
6. If the sensor does respond, the issue may be intermittent RF interference or a problem with the vehicle's TPMS receiver/BCM.
7. After replacing the sensor, use the TPMS tool connected to the OBD-II port to perform the OBD relearn procedure. This writes the new sensor's ID to the vehicle's computer.
8. Drive the vehicle for several minutes at speeds above 25 MPH (40 km/h) to ensure the light stays off and the system is functioning correctly. The service manual specifies driving for 3 minutes above 25 MPH, then for another 10 minutes at any speed.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-CK001, 40700-JA01B, 40700-CK002) — This is the component that fails, usually due to its internal battery expiring. It must be replaced to restore system function. It is critical to verify the correct part number and frequency for your specific VIN.
  Trusted brands: Schrader, VDO, Denso, Hitachi, Dorman, Nissan OEM
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1709, C1710, C1711 — These are the corresponding 'No Data' codes for the Front Right, Rear Right, and Rear Left sensors. It is common for multiple sensor batteries to fail around the same time due to similar age.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-088A - Provides general diagnostic information for the Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS), specifically mentioning radio frequency interference from devices like cell phone chargers and aftermarket DVD players causing 'No Data' conditions (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711).

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan TSB NTB13-088a highlights that RF interference from devices like cell phone chargers can cause a 'No Data' condition, leading to codes C1708-C1711.
• The Titan has used both 315 MHz and 433 MHz sensors during this period. It is critical to verify the correct frequency for your specific vehicle before purchasing a replacement part, typically using a TPMS tool or by VIN lookup. Most 2004-2011 models use 315 MHz sensors.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Low Pressure Warning Threshold — expected: Warning activates below 27 psi (190 kPa). Failure: N/A - this is the operational parameter.
• System Activation Speed — expected: System begins receiving signals above 25 mph (40 km/h). Failure: N/A - this is the operational parameter.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-II / CONSULT-III: ID Registration — This function is required after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new sensor's unique ID to the Body Control Module (BCM).
• Nissan CONSULT-II / CONSULT-III: Data Monitor — Used to view live tire pressure data from all four sensors simultaneously after a test drive to confirm the repair and ensure all sensors are reporting correctly.
• Transmitter Activation Tool (J-45295): Sensor Wake-Up — Used to force a sensor to transmit its data. This is essential for diagnosing a non-responsive sensor (to confirm it's dead) and is also used during the ID registration procedure with a CONSULT tool.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located under the driver's side of the dashboard, to the right of the steering column.. The BCM is the central computer that receives signals from the TPMS sensors and logs the C1708 fault code. A faulty BCM or poor connection here can mimic a sensor failure.
• TPMS Receiver / Antenna — Located in the passenger-side front pillar ('A' pillar).. This antenna receives the radio signals from all four tire sensors. Damage to the antenna or its wiring can cause a 'No Data' condition for one or more sensors.
• Ground Point M61 — Located behind the center of the dashboard.. This is a primary ground point for multiple dash components, including the BCM. A poor ground here can cause various electrical issues, including TPMS malfunctions.
• Ground Point M57 — Located behind the left side of the dashboard.. Another key interior ground point. Verifying grounds M57 and M61 are clean and tight is a valid step when diagnosing persistent, hard-to-trace electronic faults.
• TPMS Reset Connector (on some models) — A single-wire white connector, often taped to a wiring harness near the OBD-II port under the driver's dash.. On some older Nissan models, this connector can be used to manually initiate the TPMS relearn mode without a scan tool by grounding it in a specific sequence. This is less common on Titans which typically require an OBD tool, but it's a known Nissan procedure.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• My Nissan Leaf Forum (3-year-old Nissan Leaf (similar TPMS system)) — Flashing TPMS light, codes C1708 and C1711 appeared intermittently.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The dealer could not replicate the fault as it cleared on its own.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner realized the issue was RF interference. The problem started after using a new, cheap charging adapter for a device in the car. Switching back to the old, higher-quality charger resolved the TPMS faults completely.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-CK001 → This part number is still listed as valid for many 2005-2008 Titans. — N/A
  Heads up: This part fits specific model years (approx. 2005-2008). It is crucial to verify the part number by VIN as other numbers like 40700-JA01B or 40700-CK002 were used in the same generation.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2004-2011: The system can use either 315 MHz or 433 MHz sensors. While most North American models in this range use 315 MHz, it must be verified with a TPMS tool before ordering parts, as wheel/sensor packages could have been swapped over the vehicle's life.