C1709 on 2011-2015 Nissan Quest: Front Right TPMS Sensor Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2015 Nissan QUEST

For this generation of Nissan Quest, a well-documented issue is radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket electronics plugged into the vehicle's power outlets, such as phone chargers or dash cams. Nissan issued a Technical Service Bulletin (NTB13088A) to warn technicians that this interference can block the TPMS sensor signals and trigger codes like C1709, even when the sensor is perfectly fine. This should always be checked before replacing any parts, as this diagnostic work is not covered by warranty.

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 stays on continuously.
• Inability to view the tire pressure reading for the front right tire on the vehicle's information display (if equipped).
• A "Check Tire Pressure" message may appear on the vehicle information display.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor TPMS sensors contain non-serviceable batteries with a finite lifespan of 5-10 years. Vehicles in the 2011-2015 year range are now at an age where battery failure is the most common cause.
   How to confirm: A professional tire shop can use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to 'wake up' or read the sensor at the wheel. If the sensor does not respond, or if the tool reads a low battery status (e.g., a new sensor may report 120 months of life, while a failing one is below 15), its battery is dead or the unit has failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the front right TPMS sensor and register the new sensor ID to the vehicle's BCM. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once if they are original, especially when getting new tires, as the others are likely to fail soon.
   Est. part cost: $30-$120
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As noted in Nissan TSB NTB13088A, aftermarket devices (especially 'smart' phone chargers, dash cams, and DVD players) can transmit RF signals that interfere with the 315 MHz TPMS frequency.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket accessories from the 12V power outlets. Turn the vehicle off and on again, and drive for a few minutes above 16 mph (25 km/h) to see if the TPMS light turns off. If it does, one of the accessories was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device. This repair is not covered by vehicle warranty.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Failed TPMS Sensor Electronics ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor While less common than battery failure, the sensor's internal electronics can fail from age, vibration, or internal corrosion. Using aftermarket tire sealant liquids can also damage the sensor's internals.
   How to confirm: If the sensor does not respond to a TPMS tool even after ruling out RF interference, the sensor itself is considered faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the front right TPMS sensor and register the new sensor ID.
   Est. part cost: $30-$120

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty TPMS Receiver / BCM: If a new, correctly registered sensor still won't communicate and RF interference is ruled out, the issue could be with the vehicle's TPMS receiver or the Body Control Module (BCM) itself. This is rare and should be diagnosed last.
• Damaged Sensor from Tire Service: The sensor can be physically damaged or broken during tire mounting or dismounting if the technician is not careful. Visual inspection after dismounting the tire would confirm this.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the symptom: Start the vehicle. Confirm the TPMS light flashes for about one minute and then stays on solid.
2. Check for RF Interference: Unplug all aftermarket devices from the 12V power sockets (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.).
3. Reset and Retest: Turn the vehicle off, then on. Drive for several minutes at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h) to see if the light extinguishes.
4. Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C) codes to confirm C1709 is the only code present. Note any other TPMS codes.
5. Test the Sensor: Use a dedicated TPMS activation tool at the front right wheel to try and read the sensor's ID, pressure, temperature, and battery status. If the tool cannot get a response, the sensor has failed.
6. Replace the Sensor: If the sensor is confirmed dead, have it replaced. This involves dismounting the tire.
7. Register New Sensor: After installation, the new sensor's unique ID must be registered to the vehicle's BCM using a TPMS registration tool connected to the OBD-II port.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step Nissan and Infiniti TPMS programming instructions.
8. Final Test: Clear any codes and drive the vehicle to ensure the TPMS light remains off and the system can read the tire pressure from the new sensor.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-1LA0C) — This is the most common point of failure. The internal, non-replaceable battery dies, causing the loss of signal that triggers code C1709. This part number is superseded by 40700-1LA0E.
  Trusted brands: Schrader, Continental/VDO, Denso, Huf, Dorman
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1708 — This is the code for the Front Left sensor. Seeing both codes together can indicate that multiple sensor batteries are failing around the same time due to age, or a significant RF interference source is affecting both front wheels.
• C1710 — This is the code for the Rear Left wheel. When multiple TPMS 'No Data' codes appear, it points towards a systemic issue like RF interference or multiple sensors reaching the end of their battery life.
• C1711 — This is the code for the Rear Right wheel. TSB NTB13088A groups all four codes (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) as having the same potential causes.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13088A: This TSB, provided by the NHTSA, details common TPMS issues, specifically mentioning that radio frequency interference can cause a 'No Data' condition resulting in codes C1708, C1709, C1710, or C1711. 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing multiple 'No Data' TPMS codes on a Nissan. It also warns against using aftermarket tire sealants.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The official Nissan TSB NTB13088A specifically calls out that radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics can cause a 'No Data' condition for codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711, and that diagnosing this is not a warrantable repair.
• The 2011-2015 Quest features an 'Easy Fill Tire Alert' which honks the horn when the correct pressure is reached during inflation. A C1709 fault will disable this feature for the affected wheel.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPMS Sensor Battery Life (via TPMS Tool) — expected: New sensors typically report >100 months (e.g., 120 months).. Failure: A reading of < 15 months suggests the battery is weak and can cause intermittent 'No Data' faults.
• TPMS Sensor Signal Frequency — expected: 315 MHz. Failure: This is a fixed value; failure is a complete lack of signal, not a frequency shift.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III / CONSULT-III+: ID REGIST — This is the primary function used after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new sensor's unique ID to the Body Control Module (BCM). It is found under the 'WORK SUPPORT' screen for 'AIR PRESSURE MONITOR'.
• Nissan CONSULT-III / CONSULT-III+: READ CONFIGURATION / WRITE CONFIGURATION — This function is critical and must be used when the entire BCM is replaced. The configuration from the old BCM must be saved and written to the new module to ensure all vehicle options, including TPMS, function correctly.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• BCM (Body Control Module) — Located behind the instrument cluster. Access requires removing dashboard trim panels.. The BCM is the control unit and receiver for the TPMS system in the 2011-2015 Quest. It receives the radio signals from the wheel sensors and logs fault C1709 if the front-right signal is lost. A poor connection at the BCM or an internal fault can mimic a failed sensor.
• Ground Point B15 — Located at the base of the left (driver's side) 'A' pillar.. This is a primary ground distribution point for multiple components controlled by the BCM. A loose or corroded ground at this location could cause a variety of BCM-related electrical issues, including TPMS communication faults.
• TPMS Diagnostic Connector — A single-wire white plug, sometimes found hanging near the OBD-II port in the driver's side footwell.. On some Nissan models, this connector can be used for a manual TPMS relearn procedure by grounding the wire in a specific sequence to put the BCM into learning mode. However, this method can be unreliable for this generation of Quest, and an OBD-II tool is the recommended procedure.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-3JA0A → 40700-3JA0B — Standard part revision by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: 40700-3JA0B is a compatible replacement for 40700-3JA0A and fits the 2011-2017 Quest.
• 40700-1LA0C → 40700-1LA0E — Standard part revision by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: This is another common sensor series for Nissan vehicles. While it may fit other models, for the 2011-2015 Quest, the 40700-3JA0x series is the more commonly specified part. Always verify the correct part number for the specific vehicle before ordering.