C1709 on 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder: TPMS 'No Data' Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2015 Nissan PATHFINDER

For this generation of Pathfinder (R52), which moved to a unibody platform shared with vehicles like the Infiniti QX60, Nissan issued a Technical Service Bulletin (NTB13088A) that specifically highlights radio frequency (RF) interference 🎬 See how to troubleshoot TPMS signal and communication issues. as a potential cause for C1709 and related 'No Data' codes. Before replacing any parts, it is crucial to unplug all aftermarket devices like phone chargers, dash cams, or power inverters that could be disrupting the sensor's signal. Forum users across various Nissan models have confirmed that a cheap, poorly-shielded USB charger was the culprit, and unplugging it immediately resolved the code. This is a free and simple diagnostic step that is officially recognized by the manufacturer for this vehicle platform.

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 after startup, then stays on solid.
• "Check Tire Pressure" or "Tire Pressure Low - Add Air" message on the vehicle information display, even if pressure is correct.
• The pressure reading for the front-right tire is blank or shows dashes (--) on the information display.
• In some cases, the TPMS light may turn on and off intermittently, especially at highway speeds or during extreme temperature shifts, as noted by some owners.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead or Failing TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The original sensors on 2013-2015 models are reaching or have passed the end of their typical 7-10 year battery lifespan. The internal battery is non-serviceable.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS activation tool (like an Autel or Schrader model) at the front-right wheel. If the tool fails to get a signal or shows a 'Bad Battery' or 'Low Voltage' status, the sensor has failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the front-right TPMS sensor and perform the TPMS registration procedure. Many owners and shops recommend replacing all four sensors if they are original, as the others are likely to fail soon.
   Est. part cost: $35-$110
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As noted in Nissan TSB NTB13088A, aftermarket devices like phone chargers, dash cams, or power inverters can emit RF noise that interferes with the TPMS signal. Owners on forums frequently report that cheap, unshielded 12V USB chargers are the cause.
   How to confirm: Unplug ALL aftermarket devices from all 12V power outlets. Clear the codes (if possible) and drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). If the light does not return, an accessory was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove the interfering electronic device or replace it with a high-quality, well-shielded alternative.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or Receiver ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: This is a diagnosis of exclusion. If a known-good sensor is correctly registered and RF interference is ruled out, but the code persists, the BCM/receiver may be at fault. Symptoms can include multiple, random electrical issues like flickering lights or non-functional wipers. A dealership or specialist with advanced diagnostic tools like Nissan CONSULT would need to confirm this by checking power/ground circuits and performing a self-diagnostic.
   Typical fix: Diagnose, and if necessary, replace and reprogram the Body Control Module. This is an expensive repair and should only be done after all other possibilities are exhausted.
   Est. part cost: $400-$800

Rare But Worth Checking

• Tire Shop Error / Incorrect Relearn Procedure:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the TPMS warning light behavior: it should flash for about a minute and then stay solid. This confirms a system fault, not low pressure.
2. Check and adjust the pressure of all four tires to the specification on the driver's door jamb placard to rule out actual low pressure.
3. Unplug ALL aftermarket accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS, etc.) from all 12V power outlets to eliminate potential RF interference, as per TSB NTB13088A.
4. Drive the vehicle for over 10 minutes at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h) to see if the light resets. If it does, an accessory was the cause.
5. If the light remains, use a professional OBD-II scanner to confirm C1709 is the stored code in the Body Control Module.
6. Use a TPMS activation tool at the front-right wheel to attempt to read the sensor's data (ID, pressure, battery status).
7. If the tool fails to get a response or shows a low/dead battery, the sensor has failed and needs replacement.
8. If the tool can read the sensor, but the code persists, the problem may be with the vehicle's TPMS receiver (BCM) or a sensor registration issue. A Reddit user experienced this, where a tire shop confirmed the sensor was working but couldn't resolve the 'no data' issue, pointing towards a deeper system problem. This requires professional diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-3JA0B) — This is the most common failure. The internal, non-serviceable battery dies, causing the loss of signal that triggers code C1709. This part number supersedes the earlier 40700-3JA0A.
  Trusted brands: Nissan Genuine, Continental/VDO (Often the OEM supplier), Denso, Schrader, Autel
  OEM price range: $70-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$75

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1708 — This is the code for the Front-Left sensor. Seeing both codes may indicate that multiple sensor batteries are failing around the same time due to age.
• C1710 — This is the code for the Rear-Right sensor. If multiple codes are present, it strongly suggests either widespread sensor age failure or a systemic issue like RF interference.
• C1711 — This is the code for the Rear-Left sensor. Its presence alongside C1709 suggests more than one sensor has failed or there is a signal-blocking problem.
• U0140 — Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM). This code is more serious and points towards a potential BCM failure or a wiring issue, rather than just a single sensor problem.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13088A / ITB13-039: Discusses radio frequency interference from accessories causing 'No Data' TPMS codes (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) and other general TPMS diagnostic information for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB13088A explicitly warns that radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics can cause a 'No Data' condition, leading to codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711. [Bulletin #NTB13088A, 1, 5]
• A user on a Pathfinder forum reported an issue where even after replacing all sensors with new OEM parts, one wheel would intermittently fail to show data. A tire shop confirmed the sensor was functional but resetting the system only provided a temporary fix, suggesting a more complex issue with the BCM or wiring.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPMS Sensor Transmission Frequency — expected: 315 MHz or 433 MHz. Failure: No signal detected by a TPMS tool, or signal is being blocked.
• BCM Power Supply Voltage — expected: Battery Voltage (Approx. 12V). Failure: 0V or significantly lower voltage at BCM power supply terminals (e.g., M18 pin 11, M20 pins 57, 70) indicates a wiring or fuse issue.
• BCM Ground Circuit Continuity — expected: Continuity to ground (near 0 ohms). Failure: No continuity (infinite resistance) at the BCM ground pin (e.g., M20 pin 67) indicates a broken ground wire.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III / CONSULT 3+: Self-Diagnosis (BCM) — To confirm that C1709 is the specific code stored in the Body Control Module before starting any physical diagnosis.
• Nissan CONSULT-III / CONSULT 3+: Work Support > ID REGIST (ID Registration) — This is the mandatory function required after replacing a TPMS sensor. It guides the technician to use an activation tool at each wheel (in LF, RF, RR, LR order) to write the new sensor's unique ID to the BCM.
• Aftermarket TPMS Tool (e.g., Autel, Bartec): OBD Relearn / Position Relearn — This is the equivalent function on non-dealer tools. It connects to the OBD-II port to register the new sensor IDs to the BCM after replacement, which is required for this Pathfinder generation.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located under the driver's side dashboard, often near the steering column or behind the kick panel.. The BCM serves as the integrated TPMS receiver and control unit for the 2013-2015 Pathfinder. It receives the radio signals from all four wheel sensors and logs fault codes like C1709. A poor power or ground connection to the BCM can cause various electrical faults, including TPMS communication issues.
• TPMS Relearn Connector (Not on this vehicle) — On some older Nissan models (like the Xterra), a single-wire white connector for manual relearn could be found near the OBD-II port.. It is critical to know that the 2013-2015 Pathfinder does NOT use this manual relearn connector. Attempts to find and use it will fail. Sensor registration must be performed electronically via the OBD-II port with a compatible scan tool.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'Modding Addiction' (Nissan (model not a Pathfinder, but demonstrates a common Nissan procedure failure)) — TPMS light was blinking, then went solid, indicating a system fault.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Attempted the manual 'paperclip' relearn procedure three separate times. Each time, the TPMS light would flash to indicate it entered learn mode, but would go solid immediately after starting the vehicle and driving, failing to complete the relearn.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The failure of the manual relearn process led the owner to conclude that one of the TPMS sensors was bad and needed to be replaced. The procedure itself was not the fix, but its failure was the key diagnostic step.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-3JA0A → 40700-3JA0B — Standard part revision by the manufacturer. The new part is a direct replacement.
  Heads up: While 40700-3JA0B is the correct replacement, some aftermarket listings may incorrectly state the operating frequency is 433MHz. The R52 Pathfinder in North America uses a 315 MHz system. Installing a 433MHz sensor will not work.