C1708 on 2004-2009 Nissan Quest: TPMS 'No Data' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2004-2009 Nissan QUEST

The 2004-2009 Nissan Quest, like other Nissans from this era using the D-platform, is particularly susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference. A Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (NTB13088A) confirms that aftermarket accessories, especially unshielded cell phone chargers and dash cams plugged into the 12V outlets, can jam the 315MHz signal from the TPMS sensors. This causes a 'No Data' condition and triggers codes like C1708. Owners on various forums have confirmed that cheap, multi-port USB chargers are common culprits. This makes it 🎬 Watch: How cell phone chargers can interfere with TPMS signals crucial to rule out interference before assuming a sensor has failed.

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.
• Inability to get a pressure reading from the front-left tire with a TPMS scan tool.
• A capable OBD-II scanner will read code C1708 from the Body Control Module (BCM), not the Engine Control Module (ECM).

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability The TPMS sensors contain non-serviceable lithium-ion batteries with a typical lifespan of 7-10 years. For a 2004-2009 vehicle, the original sensors are well past their expected service life, making battery failure the most common cause.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS activation tool to try and 'trigger' a response from the front-left sensor. If the tool receives no signal or shows a low battery status, the sensor has failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the front-left TPMS sensor. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once, as the others are likely to fail soon. The new sensor(s) must be registered to the BCM.
   Est. part cost: $40-$110
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As documented in Nissan TSB NTB13088A, the TPMS in these vehicles is sensitive to RF noise from unshielded aftermarket electronics plugged into the 12V outlets. Forum discussions across multiple brands, including Nissan, frequently cite cheap USB chargers, wireless phone chargers, and dash cams as the source of interference that blocks the 315 MHz TPMS signal.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS units, etc.). Clear the code and drive the vehicle for several minutes above 16-25 mph. If the code does not return, one of the accessories was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove the interfering device or replace it with a higher-quality, better-shielded version, sometimes identifiable by a ferrite core on the power cable.
   Est. part cost: $0-$50
3. Faulty TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability Sensors can fail from physical damage during tire service or internal electronic faults unrelated to the battery. Corrosion of the valve stem can also damage the sensor.
   How to confirm: If the sensor fails to trigger with a TPMS tool even after eliminating RF interference, the sensor itself is faulty. Visual inspection during tire dismounting may reveal corrosion or damage.
   Typical fix: Replace the front-left TPMS sensor and register the new one to the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $40-$110

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or Wiring: The TPMS receiver is integrated into the BCM. In very rare cases, if a new, known-good sensor won't register and RF interference is ruled out, the BCM itself or its wiring may be at fault. Symptoms of a wider BCM failure often include multiple, unrelated electrical issues like erratic lights, door lock problems, or various communication (U-prefix) codes. A user on an Autel forum reported C1708 codes along with a no-start condition and clicking from the BCM, indicating a deeper electrical issue. This is an unlikely cause and should be the last item to check.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify code C1708 is present using a scan tool capable of reading BCM/Chassis codes. A standard engine code reader may not see it.
2. Observe the TPMS warning light upon startup. Confirm it flashes for about one minute before staying solid, which signals a system malfunction.
3. CRITICAL STEP: Unplug all aftermarket 12V accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.) to eliminate potential radio frequency interference.
4. Clear the trouble codes, then drive the vehicle above 25 mph for several minutes to see if the light and code return. If they do not, an accessory was the cause.
5. Using a TPMS activation tool, attempt to trigger the sensor at the front-left wheel. This will confirm if the sensor is transmitting a signal.
6. If the sensor does not respond ('Trigger Failed'), the sensor has failed (likely dead battery) and must be replaced.
7. If the sensor does respond but the code remains, there may be an issue with the BCM or the sensor registration process.
8. If replacing the sensor, the new sensor's ID must be registered to the BCM using a compatible TPMS tool or the Nissan CONSULT diagnostic system. Some Nissan vehicles have a manual relearn procedure involving grounding a wire near the 🎬 Watch: How to reset a Nissan TPMS light manually OBD-II port, but this is complex and may not work on all models without a tool to wake the sensor.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-JA01B) — This is the direct cause of the code in most cases, typically due to an expired internal battery. The entire unit must be replaced as the battery is not serviceable. The original part 40700-JA01B is often superseded by newer revisions like 40700-JK01C.
  Trusted brands: Nissan Genuine, Schrader, Pacific, VDO/Continental, Autel, VXDAS
  OEM price range: $80-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1709 — This code indicates 'No Data' from the front-right sensor. Seeing C1708 and C1709 together (along with C1710/C1711) could point towards a widespread issue like RF interference affecting all sensors, or multiple sensors failing due to age.
• C1710 — This code indicates 'No Data' from the rear-right sensor. Multiple 'No Data' codes strengthen the diagnosis of either RF interference or multiple sensors reaching the end of their battery life simultaneously.
• C1711 — This code indicates 'No Data' from the rear-left sensor. As with other TPMS codes, seeing them in combination suggests a systemic issue rather than a single isolated failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13088A: A comprehensive bulletin on the Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) that specifically mentions radio frequency interference from aftermarket accessories as a cause for 'No Data' conditions resulting in codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The platform is known to be sensitive to radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics, as documented in Nissan TSB NTB13088A. This can mimic the symptoms of a failed sensor.
• The ECM (Engine Control Module), located under the passenger-side windshield cowl, is prone to water intrusion and rust on this generation of Quest, which can lead to a host of complex electrical issues. While not directly related to the BCM/TPMS, severe electrical problems from a rusted ECM could potentially cause system-wide voltage or communication faults.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Tire pressures for manual relearn procedure — expected: Front-Left: 34 psi, Front-Right: 31 psi, Rear-Right: 28 psi, Rear-Left: 25 psi (example values, may vary). Failure: The BCM uses the pressure differential to identify wheel positions. If pressures are not set correctly, the manual relearn may fail.
• TPMS Sensor Signal Frequency — expected: 315 MHz. Failure: A sensor not transmitting at this frequency will not communicate with the BCM.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT: Work Support > ID REGISTRATION — This function is required after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new sensor's unique ID into the Body Control Module (BCM).
• Nissan CONSULT: BCM > Air Pressure Monitor > Work Support — This is the menu path to access the TPMS diagnostic and registration functions within the factory scan tool.
• Autel MaxiTPMS or similar: OBD Relearn — Aftermarket professional tools use this function to write the new sensor IDs to the BCM via the OBD-II port after triggering each new sensor.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located in the driver's side footwell, behind a trim panel to the left of the pedals.. The BCM is the central receiver for all TPMS sensor signals. All diagnostic codes for the TPMS are stored in the BCM, and all wiring for the system originates from or reports to it.
• TPMS Reset Connector — A single-wire white plug, often taped up, located near the OBD-II diagnostic port in the driver's side footwell.. This connector is used for the tool-free manual TPMS relearn procedure. Grounding this wire in a specific sequence puts the BCM into learning mode, allowing it to register sensor IDs without a scan tool.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Project:Keira article (Nissan Frontier with similar TPMS) (Nissan Frontier) — TPMS light on after a sensor was broken during tire service.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) A cheap replacement sensor from eBay which was found to be faulty by a Nissan dealer's diagnostic tool., Initial attempts to have the dealer program the sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it After replacing the faulty aftermarket sensor with a new OEM sensor, the owner successfully performed a manual 'paperclip' relearn. This involved setting specific, different air pressures in each tire, then grounding the TPMS reset wire near the OBD-II port six times within ten seconds of turning the key to 'ON'. The vehicle was then driven until the slowly flashing TPMS light turned off, indicating the new sensor ID was learned.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-JA01B → 40700-JK01C — Standard part revision and consolidation across multiple Nissan models.
• 40700-JK01B → 40700-JK01C — Standard part revision.
  Heads up: 40700-JK01C replaces a long list of previous part numbers, including those ending in JA01B, JA01C, JK00A-E, JK01A, and JK01B.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2007-2009: A mid-cycle refresh for the 2007 model year included freshened styling and a revamped interior. A key change was moving the instrument cluster from the center of the dashboard to its traditional location in front of the driver. While the underlying TPMS system and 3.5L V6 engine remained the same, wiring and BCM access could have minor differences from the 2004-2006 models.