C1709 on 2015-2016 Nissan Versa: TPMS Sensor Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2016 Nissan VERSA

For this generation of Nissan vehicles, the manufacturer issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB NTB13088A) that explicitly warns about radio frequency (RF) interference causing 'No Data' codes like C1709. This means that before assuming the sensor has failed, it is critical to unplug any aftermarket devices like phone chargers or dash cams, as their electronic noise can jam the TPMS sensor's 315 MHz signal. 🎬 Watch: How electronic noise causes TPMS communication issues. This is a well-documented issue confirmed by owners on various forums and should be the first diagnostic step.

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 get a pressure reading for the front-right tire on a TPMS scan tool.
• A 'Check Tire Pressure System' or similar warning message may appear on the vehicle's information display.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor TPMS sensors have a finite, non-serviceable battery with a lifespan of 5-10 years. Vehicles from 2015-2016 are now at an age where battery failure is the most common reason for sensor failure.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to read the sensor's data. If the tool shows a low battery status or cannot get any response, the battery is dead. A weak battery may cause intermittent dropouts before failing completely; a case study showed a sensor with <15 months of life remaining caused the C1709 code to return a week after being reset.
   Typical fix: Replace the front-right TPMS sensor and register the new sensor ID to the vehicle's BCM.
   Est. part cost: $35-$105
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As noted in Nissan TSB NTB13088A, aftermarket devices plugged into the 12V power outlets (like phone chargers, dash cams, or power inverters) can emit RF noise that jams the 315 MHz signal from the TPMS sensors. Forum users have confirmed that cheap, low-quality USB chargers are frequent culprits.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket accessories from the vehicle's power sockets. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes to see if the light and code return. If they do not, one of the devices was the cause. This is a crucial first step.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device with a higher-quality, better-shielded one.
   Est. part cost: $0-$50
3. Faulty TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The sensor electronics can fail due to physical damage (e.g., from hitting a pothole or during a tire change) or corrosion, especially in regions that use road salt.
   How to confirm: Even if a TPMS tool shows some battery life, if it cannot be activated or consistently fails to transmit data after ruling out RF interference, the sensor itself is faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the front-right TPMS sensor and perform the relearn procedure.
   Est. part cost: $35-$105

Rare But Worth Checking

• Body Control Module (BCM) or Receiver Issue: A fault in the BCM or the TPMS receiver is very rare. This would typically cause codes for multiple sensors (C1708, C1710, C1711) to appear at the same time, not just C1709 alone.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the symptom: Confirm the TPMS warning light flashes for about a minute on startup before staying solid.
2. Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C) codes to confirm C1709 is present.
3. Rule out RF Interference: Unplug ALL aftermarket devices from the 12V power outlets (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.). Clear the code and drive the vehicle to see if the fault returns. This is a crucial first step based on Nissan's TSB.
4. Check Sensor with a TPMS Tool: Use a TPMS activation tool (e.g., Autel, Bartec) at the front-right wheel. Attempt to read the sensor's pressure, temperature, battery status, and ID.
5. Analyze Tool Reading: If the tool gets no response or shows 'Low Battery', the sensor has failed and must be replaced. Be aware that a sensor with a weak battery may work intermittently.
6. Replace and Relearn: If the sensor is confirmed bad, replace it. After installation, use a TPMS tool to register the new sensor's ID to the vehicle's BCM following the tool's specific instructions for a Nissan Versa.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-3AN0B) — This is the most common cause of failure. The internal, non-serviceable battery dies, requiring the replacement of the entire sensor unit.
  Trusted brands: Schrader (OEM Supplier), Continental, Denso, Huf, Autel, Duralast
  OEM price range: $70-$105
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1708 — This is the code for the front-left wheel. If seen with C1709, it could indicate that multiple sensor batteries are failing due to age, or a significant RF interference issue is affecting both front sensors.
• C1710 — This is the code for the rear-right wheel. Seeing multiple 'No Data' codes together points towards a systemic issue or multiple aged-out sensors.
• C1711 — This is the code for the rear-left wheel. The TSB NTB13088A groups all four codes (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) as the same type of fault for different wheel locations.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13088A: Addresses 'No Data' conditions (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) caused by radio frequency interference, sensor leaks, and provides general diagnostic information for the Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS).

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan's Technical Service Bulletin NTB13088A specifically calls out radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics as a primary cause for 'No Data' TPMS codes like C1709. This should always be the first item to check.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPMS Sensor Battery Life — expected: A new sensor typically reports a lifespan of ~120 months on a professional TPMS scan tool.. Failure: A reading of low battery status, or a remaining life of less than 15 months, can cause intermittent or persistent C1709 codes even if the sensor still responds to activation.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT (or equivalent professional scanner): ID Registration — This function is required after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new, unique sensor ID to the Body Control Module (BCM). The typical path is: Select BCM -> Air Pressure Monitor -> Work Support -> ID Registration.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — The BCM, which contains the TPMS receiver, is located above the driver's side kick panel.. Since the C1709 code is a 'No Data' fault, a problem with the receiver (BCM) or its connections could be a very rare cause. Knowing its location is essential for advanced diagnosis if multiple sensors fail to communicate.
• TPMS Reset Plug — A small, single-wire white plug located next to the OBD-II port in the driver's side footwell.. This plug is used for a manual, tool-free relearn procedure. By grounding this wire in a specific sequence, the TPMS can be put into learning mode. A fault with this wire or connector could prevent a successful manual relearn.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• ALLDATA Tech Tip / Technician.Academy (2008 Nissan Versa (L4-1.8L, similar TPMS architecture)) — TPMS light would flash for a minute then stay on, with DTC C1709 present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Verifying tire pressures were correct., Re-initializing the existing sensors. This made the light go away, but it returned one week later with the same code.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A TPMS tool revealed all four sensors had less than 15 months of battery life remaining. Replacing all four TPMS sensors and registering the new IDs permanently resolved the fault, confirming that a weak battery can cause intermittent failures before dying completely.
• ALLDATA Tech Tip cited in Go-Parts.com article (Nissan vehicle (model not specified)) — Random, intermittent TPMS light illumination.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Ignoring the light because it was so random.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner identified a specific aftermarket USB-C phone charger as the cause. The light would turn on almost immediately when it was plugged in and stay off for a week when it was unplugged. Replacing the charger permanently fixed the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-3AN0A → 40700-3AN0B — Standard part revision by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: On some Nissan models like the Versa Note and Sentra of the same era, different TPMS sensors are used for vehicles with the standard key versus those with the 'Intelligent Key' (push-to-start) system. Always verify the correct part number using the vehicle's VIN.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015-2016: While the core TPMS function is the same, the instrument panel display and the specific operation of the 'Easy Fill Tire Alert' can differ slightly between the Nissan Versa Sedan and the Nissan Versa Note (hatchback) models.