C1708 on 2014-2016 Infiniti QX50: TPMS 'No Data' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2016 Infiniti QX50

For this generation of Infiniti vehicles, the manufacturer issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #ITB13039A) that specifically addresses the C1708 code (along with C1709, C1710, and C1711 for the other wheels). The TSB highlights that radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices, like cell phone chargers, dash cams, or DVD players, can be a cause for this 'No Data' condition. This is a unique diagnostic consideration that is officially recognized by Infiniti for this platform and should be the first check before replacing any hardware.

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 after startup, then remaining solidly lit.
🎬 Watch: See what a blinking TPMS light means on an Infiniti.
• Inability to see the tire pressure reading for the front left tire in the vehicle information display.
• A "Check Tire Pressure" message may appear on the information display.
• A scannable chassis code C1708 stored in the Body Control Module (BCM).

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed TPMS Sensor (Dead Battery) 🔴 High Probability TPMS sensors are powered by small, non-replaceable batteries with a finite lifespan, typically 7-10 years. Vehicles from the 2014-2016 model years are now at an age where battery failure is the most common cause for this code. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once if the vehicle is over 7 years old to save on future labor costs.
   How to confirm: A tire shop can use a TPMS activation tool to try and 'wake up' the sensor. If the tool cannot get a response, or if it reads a 'low battery' status from the sensor, it has failed and must be replaced.
   Typical fix: Replace the front left TPMS sensor and perform the TPMS ID registration (relearn) procedure.
   Est. part cost: $25-$125
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As noted in Infiniti TSB #ITB13039A, aftermarket electronics like cheap USB phone chargers, dash cams, or DVD players can transmit noisy signals that interfere with the 315 MHz frequency used by the TPMS sensors. These devices often have poorly shielded power converters that create a wide spectrum of RF noise.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket electronic devices from the vehicle's 12V power outlets. Clear the code using an OBD-II scanner and drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes. If the fault does not return, one of the devices was the cause. Plug them back in one by one to identify the culprit.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device with a higher-quality, better-shielded alternative.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Damaged TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability Sensors can be physically damaged during tire installation/removal, by hitting a severe pothole, or from internal corrosion caused by using unapproved tire sealant products. Damage can also occur if a tire is fully deflated while the sensor is at the 6 o'clock position.
   How to confirm: Visual inspection after dismounting the tire. The sensor's plastic housing may be cracked or the valve stem may be broken.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged TPMS sensor.
   Est. part cost: $25-$125

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty TPMS Control Module/Receiver: This is rare, but if all sensors are new and confirmed to be transmitting, and RF interference has been ruled out, the issue could be with the receiver module itself. On a G37 (a close relative of the QX50), an owner with C1708-C1711 codes ultimately fixed the issue by replacing the TPMS radio transceiver module (P/N 40740-1NC2A), which was located behind the glove box. This points to a possible, though uncommon, failure of the receiver unit.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code is C1708 using an OBD-II scanner capable of reading chassis (C) codes from the BCM.
2. Perform the 'zero-cost' diagnostic first: Check the vehicle for any aftermarket electronics plugged into the 12V power outlets (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.). Unplug them all.
3. Clear the DTCs and drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes at speeds above 25 mph to see if the code returns. If it does not, an accessory was the cause.
4. If the code returns, use a TPMS activation tool to test the front left sensor. The tool will attempt to trigger a transmission from the sensor and should display its ID, pressure, temperature, and battery status (e.g., 'OK' or 'LOW').
5. If the sensor does not respond or shows a 'LOW' battery status, its battery is dead or it has failed. The sensor needs to be replaced.
6. If the sensor *does* respond to the tool with a good battery status, the problem may be intermittent or a less common issue with the vehicle's TPMS receiver/antenna or its wiring.
7. If replacing the sensor, the tire must be dismounted. Install the new sensor, ensuring the valve stem nut is torqued to specification (typically around 4.0 Nm). Remount and balance the tire.
8. Use a TPMS tool connected to the OBD-II port to perform the sensor ID registration (relearn) procedure, programming the new sensor's unique ID to the vehicle's BCM. The Infiniti CONSULT-III plus is the dealer tool for this, but many professional aftermarket tools can perform the function.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-3JA0B, 40700-1LA0E) — This is the component that fails, most often due to an exhausted internal battery. The code C1708 directly points to a communication failure with this specific part. Part number 40700-1LA0E is often cited, but 40700-3JA0B or similar may be a newer replacement for this vehicle. Always verify with the dealer or parts supplier using your VIN.
  Trusted brands: Schrader (often the OEM supplier), Autel (programmable), Huf/BH Sens, Dorman, Infiniti Genuine
  OEM price range: $80-$125
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1709 — Indicates a 'No Data' fault from the Front Right sensor. Seeing multiple codes (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) at once could point towards a systemic issue like widespread sensor age/failure, a problem with the central TPMS receiver, or significant RF interference.
• C1710 — Indicates a 'No Data' fault from the Rear Right sensor. Its presence alongside C1708 suggests a broader problem beyond a single sensor failure.
• C1711 — Indicates a 'No Data' fault from the Rear Left sensor. Seeing all four codes together is a strong indicator of either multiple old sensors failing simultaneously or an issue with the receiver/BCM.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• ITB13039A (or Nissan equivalent NTB13-088): Summarizes various TPMS/LTPWS issues, including radio frequency interference from aftermarket accessories causing a 'No Data' condition for codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711. It advises unplugging these devices as a first diagnostic step.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Infiniti has officially documented that radio frequency interference from devices like smart phone chargers can cause a 'No Data' condition, triggering codes C1708-C1711. This should be ruled out before replacing parts.
• While the QX50 displays individual tire pressures, a flashing light indicates a system fault, not which tire is low. The specific location (Front Left for C1708) must be read with a scan tool.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPMS Sensor Transmission Frequency — expected: 315 MHz. Failure: N/A. Using a sensor with the wrong frequency (e.g., 433 MHz) will result in a permanent 'No Data' fault.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Infiniti CONSULT-III plus: TPMS ID Registration — This function is required after replacing one or more TPMS sensors. The tool is used with a transmitter activation tool (like J-45295-A or J-50190) to read each new sensor's unique ID and write it to the BCM in the correct wheel position (LF, RF, RR, LR).
• Infiniti CONSULT-III plus: Work Support > ID Read — To check which sensor IDs are currently stored in the BCM. This is useful for verifying if a registration procedure was successful or for diagnosing a mismatch between stored IDs and the actual sensors on the vehicle.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• BCM (Body Control Module) — Located behind the passenger side kick panel, to the right of the glove box.. The BCM is the central computer that receives and interprets the signals from the TPMS sensors. All diagnostic paths for codes C1708-C1711 ultimately lead to the BCM. A poor connection, water damage from a clogged sunroof drain, or a fault within the BCM itself can cause these codes, especially if multiple sensors fail to report at once.
• Data Link Connector (OBD-II Port) — Lower left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel.. This is the connection point for the scan tool required to perform the mandatory TPMS sensor ID registration after replacing a sensor. A blown fuse for this port can prevent communication and diagnosis.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-1LA0A, 40700-1LA0B, 40700-1LA0C, 40700-1LA0D → 40700-1LA0E — Standard part revision and consolidation over time.
  Heads up: These parts are generally interchangeable for vehicles specified for this part series.
• 40700-3JA0A → 40700-3JA0B — Standard part revision. This part is listed for many Infiniti models including the QX60 and may be a compatible service part for the QX50.
  Heads up: While 40700-3JA0B is a common 315 MHz sensor, always confirm compatibility with a specific VIN as there can be mid-year production changes.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2016: Unlike some other Infiniti models, the 2014-2016 QX50 does not have a physical TPMS reset button. The system is designed to reset automatically by driving at speeds over 16-25 mph for several minutes after tire pressures have been corrected. A persistent flashing light indicates a hard fault like C1708 that requires diagnosis and repair, not a simple reset.