C1710 on 2008-2012 Infiniti EX35: TPMS Sensor Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2008-2012 Infiniti EX35

The Infiniti EX35 platform from this era is particularly susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket accessories plugged into the 12V power outlets (cigarette lighter). Infiniti issued a Technical Service Bulletin (ITB13039A) specifically acknowledging that devices like 'smart cell phone chargers' can block the 315MHz TPMS sensor signals, causing codes like C1710 to appear even when the sensor itself is functional. This makes unplugging all such devices the essential first step in diagnosis. Cheap, poorly shielded chargers are common culprits.

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 60 seconds upon startup, then stays illuminated.
• Inability to see the rear-right tire pressure reading in the vehicle information display (if equipped).
• OBD-II scanner shows code C1710 (and potentially others like C1708, C1709, C1711 if other sensors are failing or there is widespread interference).

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability The original sensors in 2008-2012 vehicles have a typical battery life of 5-10 years. As of now, most original sensors are at or beyond their expected service life, making battery failure the most common cause.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to activate the sensor. If the tool receives no signal and shows a low battery status, the sensor has failed. A dealership or tire shop can perform this test.
   Typical fix: Replace the TPMS sensor in the rear-right wheel. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at the same time if they are original, as the others are likely to fail soon.
   Est. part cost: $30-$90
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As noted in TSB ITB13039A, this platform is sensitive to RF interference from aftermarket electronics like phone chargers, dash cams, or power inverters plugged into the 12V outlets. These devices can emit noise in the 315MHz frequency range used by the TPMS sensors.
   How to confirm: Unplug all non-factory devices from the 12V power outlets. Clear the codes if possible, or drive the vehicle for several minutes above 25 mph to see if the TPMS light turns off on its own.
   Typical fix: Remove the interfering electronic device. If the device is necessary, replace it with a high-quality, well-shielded alternative from a reputable brand.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Damaged TPMS Sensor ⚪ Low Probability Damage can occur during tire changes or from using aftermarket tire sealants, which can corrode the sensor's electronics.
   How to confirm: Visual inspection after dismounting the tire may reveal physical damage or corrosion from sealant. The sensor will also fail to respond to a TPMS diagnostic tool.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged TPMS sensor and register the new one. Avoid using aerosol tire sealants.
   Est. part cost: $30-$90

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty TPMS Control Module / Receiver: This is very uncommon. It should only be considered if a new, correctly registered sensor still triggers the C1710 code and RF interference has been completely ruled out. It often presents with multiple or all four sensor codes (e.g., C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) simultaneously. On the G37 platform mate, a user fixed this by replacing the TPMS control module, which is located behind the glove box.
🎬 Watch: Troubleshooting a faulty TPMS control module

Diagnosis Steps

1. Confirm the symptom: Start the vehicle and verify the TPMS light flashes for about a minute before staying solid.
2. Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C-codes) to confirm C1710 is present. Note any other TPMS codes.
3. Rule out RF Interference: Unplug ALL aftermarket devices from the 12V power outlets (cigarette lighters). This includes phone chargers, dash cams, GPS units, and inverters. Drive the car for at least 10 minutes above 25 mph to see if the light resets.
4. Check Tire Pressures: Manually check the pressure in all four tires and adjust to the specification on the driver's door jamb sticker. This rules out a pressure issue, though C1710 is a communication fault.
5. Test the Sensor: Use a TPMS activation/diagnostic tool (like a Bartec or Autel tool) to attempt to read the data from the rear-right sensor. If the tool cannot get a response, the sensor has failed. This is the definitive test.
🎬 See how to use a diagnostic tool to test sensors
6. Inspect for Damage: If the sensor is confirmed dead, have the tire dismounted and visually inspect the sensor for corrosion or physical damage from a previous tire installation.
7. DIY Relearn Procedure (Pre-2011 models): For older models, a manual relearn procedure exists involving a paperclip and a specific tire pressure sequence. A detailed guide can be found on forums like MyG37.com. However, this may not work for 2011+ models, which might require a dealer tool.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-JK00C) — This is the transmitter inside the wheel that fails, most often due to an expired internal battery. The C1710 code specifically points to the failure of this part in the rear-right wheel. This part number is superseded by 40700-JK01C.
  Trusted brands: OEM Nissan/Infiniti, Schrader (often the OEM manufacturer), Huf/IntelliSens, Continental/VDO, Denso
  OEM price range: $65-$115
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$70
• TPMS Sensor Service Kit (OEM #40704-JK00A) — This kit contains the single-use rubber grommet/seal, valve core, nut, and cap. It should be replaced any time a TPMS sensor is serviced or a tire is replaced to prevent leaks. Leaking seals are a known issue.
  Trusted brands: Denso, ACDelco, Schrader
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1708 — Code for the Front-Left sensor. Seeing multiple TPMS codes can indicate widespread sensor battery failure due to age or significant RF interference.
• C1709 — Code for the Front-Right sensor. When seen with C1710, it suggests a problem affecting more than one sensor.
• C1711 — Code for the Rear-Left sensor. If all four sensor codes are present (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711), RF interference or a faulty central receiver becomes much more likely than four simultaneously failed sensors.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• ITB13039A: Discusses general TPMS diagnostics and specifically calls out Radio Frequency interference from devices like 'smart cell phone chargers' as a cause for 'No Data' codes like C1710. It also covers sensor leaks and registration procedures.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Infiniti TSB ITB13039A explicitly warns that radio frequency interference from accessories plugged into the power outlets can cause 'No Data' conditions, triggering codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711.
• Some owners on forums for the EX35 and its platform-mate, the G37, have noted that the TPMS system can be picky about aftermarket sensors, sometimes requiring OEM sensors to function correctly.
• The DIY 'paperclip reset' method for registering new sensors, popular on older Nissan/Infiniti models, may not be present on 2011 and newer EX35s, which may require the dealer's CONSULT-III diagnostic tool for registration.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Tire pressures for manual relearn procedure — expected: Front-Left: 34 PSI, Front-Right: 31 PSI, Rear-Right: 29 PSI, Rear-Left: 26 PSI. Failure: The system will not enter learn mode or successfully register the new sensor IDs if the pressures are not set to these specific, distinct values.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Infiniti CONSULT-III / CONSULT-III+: ID REGIST (under BCM > WORK SUPPORT) — This function is required to write the unique 8-digit ID of a new TPMS sensor into the Body Control Module (BCM) after sensor replacement. The tool puts the system into learn mode, and an activation tool is then used to trigger each sensor in sequence to complete the registration.
• ATEQ VT56 (or similar advanced TPMS tool): OBD Relearn Procedure — Used as an aftermarket alternative to the dealer's CONSULT tool. It connects to the OBD-II port to command the BCM into relearn mode, allowing the new sensor IDs to be registered to the vehicle.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TPMS Control Module (Receiver) — Located behind the glove box compartment. Access requires removing the glove box assembly and a plastic cover behind it.. This is the central computer that receives signals from all four tire sensors. In rare cases, this module can fail, causing a C1710 code even with a good sensor. Its location is critical for advanced diagnosis or replacement.
• TPMS Relearn Connector — A single-wire (often white) connector taped to the main OBD-II port wiring harness, located under the driver's side dashboard.. On pre-2011 models, grounding this connector's pin is the method used to initiate the DIY sensor registration mode. If this connector is missing (as reported on some 2011+ models), a scan tool becomes mandatory.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• NICOclub Forums user 'Reisen' (2011 Infiniti EX35) — TPMS warning light came on after swapping to winter wheels with new TPMS sensors.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Searching for the TPMS interface plug near the OBD-II connector., Removing the lower dash panel to trace wires from the OBD-II connector., Searching for the plug near the fuse box.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user was unable to find the connector for the DIY 'paperclip' relearn method. Another user confirmed that on these newer models, programming the new sensor IDs into the ECU with a scan tool is required. The solution is to either have a shop program the new sensors or use programmable sensors cloned with the original IDs.
• YouTube user 'jamietf (Infiniti G37 (platform mate)) — TPMS light would not reset despite having known-good sensors.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Verifying all four tire sensors were functional.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was a faulty TPMS Control Module. The user purchased a used module online and replaced the original one located behind the glove box, which resolved the issue.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• While not a smoke test, an analogous situation exists. On a related Infiniti Q50, TSB ITB19-018 was issued for cases where TPMS codes (C1708-C1711) would set even with good sensors and no external RF interference from chargers. The actual cause was found to be RF interference generated by a faulty HVAC blower motor. The diagnostic step is to run the HVAC fan on high; if the TPMS fault appears, the blower motor is the culprit.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• In cases where replacing the C1710 sensor and ruling out common RF interference from chargers does not fix the problem, the fault may lie with the central TPMS control module. One owner of a platform-mate G37 resolved a persistent TPMS issue only by replacing this module, which is located behind the glove box.
• An even more obscure cause, documented in an Infiniti TSB for a different model, was a faulty HVAC blower motor generating enough RF noise to block sensor signals and trigger TPMS codes. This highlights that the source of interference is not always an aftermarket accessory.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-JK00C → 40700-JK01C — Standard part revision and consolidation over time. The JK01C part number replaces a long list of previous numbers including JK00A, JK00B, JK00D, JK00E, and others.
  Heads up: While these specific numbers are compatible, TSB ITB13-039A warns generally that 'New style and old style TPMS components are not compatible and cannot be interchanged' across the Infiniti/Nissan lineup. Care must be taken to use the correct sensor type for the vehicle's specific production date.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2012: The manual 'paperclip' relearn procedure may not be possible. The single-wire TPMS interface connector, typically found near the OBD-II port on earlier models, appears to have been removed. This makes a scan tool (like the dealer's CONSULT-III or an advanced aftermarket tool) mandatory for registering new sensor IDs.