C1709 on 2008-2012 Infiniti EX35: Front Right TPMS Sensor Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2008-2012 Infiniti EX35

For this generation of Infiniti vehicles (built on the Nissan FM platform), the manufacturer issued a specific Technical Service Bulletin (ITB13039A) warning that radio frequency (RF) interference can cause a C1709 code. This interference often comes from aftermarket accessories like phone chargers, dash cams, or even some USB cables plugged into the 12V outlets. Before assuming the sensor has failed, it's critical to unplug all such devices and re-test the system, as this is a known and well-documented issue that can prevent the BCM from receiving 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 flashes for approximately one minute at startup, then remains on solid.
• Vehicle's information display may show dashes ('--') for the front right tire pressure reading.
• Inability to get a reading from the front right sensor using a TPMS activation tool.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The original sensors in 2008-2012 models have non-serviceable batteries with a typical lifespan of 7-10 years. These vehicles are now at an age where battery failure is the most common reason for sensor failure. The battery is potted in epoxy and cannot be officially replaced, requiring a full sensor replacement.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS activation tool to try and read the sensor at the front right wheel. If the tool gets no response or shows a 'dead battery' status, the sensor has failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the front right TPMS sensor and its service kit (new valve stem, core, cap, and seal). The new sensor must be registered to the vehicle using a TPMS tool.
   Est. part cost: $40-$105
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As highlighted in Infiniti TSB #ITB13039A, these vehicles are susceptible to RF interference from aftermarket electronics (especially phone chargers, dash cams, and DVD players) that can block the 315 MHz signal from the TPMS sensor. 🎬 See how RF interference blocks your sensor's signal This is a well-documented issue across many Nissan and Infiniti models of this era.
   How to confirm: Unplug ALL aftermarket devices from the 12V power outlets. Clear the code (if possible) and drive the vehicle for over 10 minutes at speeds above 25 MPH to see if the light returns. If it does not, one of the devices was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device. High-quality, well-shielded chargers are less likely to cause this issue.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Damaged TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Sensors can be physically damaged during tire changes if the technician is not careful, or from impacts like hitting a large pothole. The valve stem can also be damaged, leading to leaks and eventual sensor failure.
   How to confirm: A visual inspection after dismounting the tire may reveal cracks or other damage. The sensor will also fail to respond to a TPMS activation tool.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged TPMS sensor and register the new one.
   Est. part cost: $40-$105

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty TPMS Receiver / BCM: If a new, known-good sensor cannot be registered to the front right position but works in other wheel positions, the TPMS receiver (part of the Body Control Module or a separate antenna) may be faulty. This is rare and should be the last item to diagnose. 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing a faulty TPMS receiver module Multiple TPMS codes (e.g., C1708, C1710, C1711) appearing simultaneously could also point to a central receiver issue rather than multiple sensor failures.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the C1709 code is present using a scanner capable of reading Chassis (C) codes.
2. Manually check and adjust the pressure in all four tires to the specification on the driver's door jamb sticker.
3. Unplug ALL aftermarket accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS units, etc.) from the 12V outlets to eliminate potential RF interference.
4. Clear the DTCs. Drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes at speeds above 25 MPH to allow the system to re-sync.
5. If the light returns, use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to trigger and read the sensor at the front right wheel. Check the sensor's reported ID, pressure, temperature, and battery status.
6. If the tool cannot get a response from the front right sensor, or if it reports a low/dead battery, the sensor has failed and must be replaced.
7. If the sensor responds to the tool but the code persists after attempting the OBDII relearn procedure, there may be an issue with the TPMS receiver or its wiring, which requires more advanced diagnostics.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-JK00C) — This is the component that fails, most often due to its internal battery dying. The entire unit must be replaced as the battery is not serviceable. Part number 40700-JK00C is often superseded by 40700-JK01C.
  Trusted brands: Schrader (OEM Supplier), Continental/VDO, Denso, Autel (Programmable), Huf/BH SENS
  OEM price range: $65-$115
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$65
• TPMS Sensor Service Kit (OEM #40704-JK00A) — This kit contains the one-time-use rubber seal/grommet, valve core, and retaining nut. It should always be replaced with the sensor to prevent air leaks.
  Trusted brands: Denso, Schrader, ACDelco
  OEM price range: $15-$30
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1708 — This code is for the Front Left sensor. Seeing both C1708 and C1709 could indicate a broader issue like widespread RF interference or a problem with the TPMS receiver.
• C1710 — This code is for the Rear Right sensor. Multiple 'No Data' codes appearing together strengthens the possibility of an RF interference issue or a faulty central receiver.
• C1711 — This code is for the Rear Left sensor. When multiple TPMS codes are present, diagnosing RF interference becomes the top priority before replacing any parts.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• ITB13039A: Discusses general TPMS diagnostics and specifically mentions radio frequency interference from devices like cell phone chargers as a primary cause for C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711 codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Per TSB ITB13039A, the vehicle is known to be sensitive to radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics, which can trigger a 'No Data' condition for TPMS sensors.
• Some owners on forums have noted that the relearn procedure for 2011+ models may be more difficult or require specific dealer tools compared to earlier years, as a manual reset connector might have been removed.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Infiniti CONSULT III Plus: Work Support > ID Regist — This is the dealer-level function used to write new TPMS sensor IDs to the BCM after a sensor is replaced. The tool guides the technician to activate each sensor in sequence (LF, RF, RR, LR) to register them.
• Infiniti CONSULT III Plus: Data Monitor > AIR PRESSURE MONITOR — Used to view the live data from each registered TPMS sensor, including pressure readings. This is used to confirm that a newly registered sensor is communicating correctly with the BCM after the registration process and a short drive.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located in the passenger kick panel area, often to the right of the glove box.. The BCM functions as the TPMS receiver. It receives the 315 MHz signals from all four tire sensors. A fault in the BCM or its wiring/ground connection can prevent it from receiving the signal from the front right sensor, mimicking a failed sensor.
• TPMS Receiver (Alternate) — On some related Nissan/Infiniti models, a separate, smaller TPMS module is used, located behind the glove box or under the driver's side dash panel.. While the EX35 typically integrates this into the BCM, if diagnostics for the BCM and sensor are exhausted, one should verify if a separate receiver exists. A failure of this specific module can prevent sensor registration and cause persistent TPMS codes even with new sensors.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'melniks automotive' (Infiniti G37 (similar platform)) — TPMS warning light would not reset after confirming tire pressures were correct and sensors were functioning.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Adjusting tire pressures., Attempting standard reset procedures.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The TPMS control module itself was faulty. Replacing the module (a small black box located behind the glove box) with a used unit from eBay resolved the issue and allowed the TPMS light to turn off.
• YouTube user 'How to Helen' (2011 Infiniti EX35) — TPMS light was on, along with a flashing AWD light.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner knew the tires were mismatched, causing the AWD light, but the TPMS light was a separate issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Diagnosis at a tire shop (Zone Auto Tire) confirmed the rear driver's side sensor battery was dead. The shop replaced the single faulty TPMS sensor and used a tool to recalibrate/register the new sensor to the vehicle's computer, which extinguished the TPMS light.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-JK00C → 40700-JK01C — Standard part revision and consolidation by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: Part number 40700-JK01C is the primary replacement for a wide range of earlier part numbers, including 40700-JK00A, 40700-JK00B, 40700-JK00D, 40700-JK00E, 40700-JA01C, and many others, ensuring broad compatibility for this vehicle generation.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2012: The manual TPMS reset connector, a single white plug often found taped to a harness near the OBD-II port on earlier models, is reportedly absent on 2011 and newer EX35s. This removes the DIY 'paperclip trick' for initiating the relearn mode, making a professional TPMS scan tool mandatory for registering new sensors.