C1711 on 2012-2016 Nissan Maxima: Rear Left TPMS Fault Explained

What's Unique About the 2012-2016 Nissan MAXIMA

For the 2012-2016 Maxima (7th generation), the primary cause of C1711 is simply the age of the TPMS sensors; their internal batteries have a finite lifespan of 5-10 years. A key issue, documented in Nissan TSB NTB13-088A, is that radio frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices like phone chargers or dash cams can block the sensor's signal, causing this code. It's also important to note that 2012-2015 models use a 315 MHz sensor, while 2016 models switched to a 433 MHz frequency, so using the correct part is critical.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: The 2012-2016 range covers the end of the 7th generation (A35, through 2015) and the start of the 8th generation (A36, beginning in 2016). The most significant difference is the TPMS sensor frequency: 315 MHz for 2012-2015 models and 433 MHz for the 2016 model. They are not interchangeable.

Symptoms You May Notice

• TPMS warning light flashes for approximately one minute after startup, then stays on continuously.
• Inability to see the tire pressure reading for the rear-left tire on the information display.
• A 'TPMS Error' or 'See Owner's Manual' message may appear on the dash.
• The TPMS light will not turn off even after inflating all tires to the correct pressure.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability The non-replaceable batteries in the original sensors have a 5-10 year lifespan. Vehicles in the 2012-2016 range are at or beyond the expected end-of-life for these components, making this the most common cause of failure.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to activate and read the sensor at the rear-left wheel. If the tool gets no response or shows a low battery status, the sensor has failed. A tire shop can perform this test in minutes.
   Typical fix: Replace the rear-left TPMS sensor. The tire must be dismounted from the wheel. The new sensor must then be registered to the vehicle using a TPMS tool via the OBDII port. It is often recommended to replace all four sensors at once, as the others are likely to fail soon, saving on future labor costs.
   Est. part cost: $30-$120
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability Nissan TSB NTB13-088A specifically calls out that aftermarket electronics (phone chargers, dash cams, power inverters) plugged into the 12V outlets can interfere with the 315 MHz or 433 MHz TPMS signal. Owners on forums for similar Nissan models frequently report cheap USB chargers as the culprit.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket electronic devices from the vehicle's power outlets. Clear the code or drive the vehicle for 5-10 minutes at speeds above 25 MPH. If the TPMS light goes out and the code does not return, an accessory was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device with a higher-quality, better-shielded alternative.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or Receiver ⚪ Low Probability While less common, the central module that receives and processes the sensor signals can fail.
   How to confirm: If a new, known-good sensor cannot be registered to the rear-left position and RF interference has been ruled out, the BCM and its wiring should be professionally diagnosed using a factory-level scan tool.
   Typical fix: Diagnose and repair or replace the BCM. This requires advanced diagnostics and programming by a dealer or specialized shop.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Sensor from Tire Sealant: Nissan TSB NTB13-088A warns that using unapproved tire sealants (fix-a-flat products) can clog the sensor's pressure port and damage the electronics. This damage is not covered by warranty.
• Physically Damaged Sensor: The sensor can be broken during tire mounting/dismounting or from a severe pothole impact. TSB NTB15-060a was issued to provide technicians with correct procedures to avoid this damage on low-profile tires. This would be discovered upon visual inspection when the tire is removed from the wheel.
• Weak OBDII Port Connection During Relearn: Some Nissan models have a loose-fitting Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC). During the OBD relearn procedure, a weak connection can cause the transfer of new sensor IDs to fail. Technicians report that applying upward pressure on the OBDII module during the process can ensure a successful transfer.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner capable of accessing the Chassis (C) module to confirm C1711 is present.
2. Check and adjust the air pressure in all four tires to the specification on the driver's door jamb sticker to rule out an actual low-pressure condition.
3. Unplug ALL aftermarket 12V accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS, etc.) to eliminate radio frequency interference as a cause.
4. Drive the vehicle for several minutes above 25 MPH to see if the light resets. If it does, one of the accessories was the problem.
5. If the light remains, use a TPMS activation tool at the rear-left wheel to attempt to read the sensor's ID, pressure, and battery status.
6. If the tool cannot get a response from the sensor, or it shows a low battery, the sensor has failed and must be replaced.
7. If the tool CAN read the sensor, but the car cannot, the issue may lie with the vehicle's TPMS receiver or BCM, which requires more advanced diagnostics.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (315 MHz) (OEM #40700-3JA0B) — This is the most common failure point for 2012-2015 models. The internal battery dies, requiring replacement of the entire sensor unit.
  Trusted brands: Schrader, Continental, Denso, Hitachi
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (433 MHz) (OEM #40700-4CB0B (or 40700-4CB1B)) — This is the correct sensor for the 2016 Maxima, which uses a different frequency. The cause of failure is the same: end of battery life.
  Trusted brands: Schrader, Continental/VDO, Autel, ITM
  OEM price range: $80-$130
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1708 — This is the 'No Data' code for the front-left sensor. Seeing multiple TPMS codes together often means all sensor batteries are failing from age around the same time.
• C1709 — This is the 'No Data' code for the front-right sensor. If multiple codes appear, it's a strong indicator that the sensors are at the end of their service life.
• C1710 — This is the 'No Data' code for the rear-right sensor. Seeing C1710 and C1711 together could point to RF interference at the rear of the car or both sensors failing from age.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-088A: Mentions that radio frequency interference from aftermarket accessories can cause a 'No Data' condition for codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711. It also warns that unapproved tire sealant can damage sensors and that this is not a warrantable repair.
• NTB15-060a: Provides technicians with updated procedures for changing low-profile tires to avoid physically damaging the TPMS sensor during service.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A critical distinction for this year range is the sensor frequency: 2012-2015 models use 315 MHz sensors, while the 2016 model year uses 433 MHz sensors. They are not interchangeable.
• The relearn procedure for this generation is an 'OBD Relearn', which requires a specialized TPMS tool to connect to the OBDII port and write the new sensor IDs to the BCM. Manual or auto-relearn methods are not applicable for new sensor installation.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III plus: Work Support > ID Registration — This function is used to write the new, unique IDs of replacement TPMS sensors to the Body Control Module (BCM). It is the required procedure after installing a new sensor.
• Nissan CONSULT-III plus: Re/programming, Configuration > WRITE CONFIGURATION — This function must be performed if the BCM itself has been replaced. Failure to configure the new BCM for the vehicle's specific options (including TPMS) will cause subsequent procedures like 'ID Registration' to fail.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — For the 7th generation Maxima, the BCM is located in the center of the dashboard, typically on the floor directly underneath the radio/HVAC controls.. The BCM is the central processing unit for the TPMS. It receives the signals from the sensors (via a receiver) and triggers the C1711 code. A poor connection, corroded connector, or bad ground at the BCM itself can mimic a failed sensor, though this is a rare cause.
• TPMS Relearn Interface Plug — A single-pin white female connector often found taped to the OBD-II port wiring harness under the driver's side dash.. This connector is widely discussed by owners for initiating a manual relearn mode by grounding its pin 6 times. While useful for re-syncing sensor positions after a tire rotation, it does not write a new sensor's ID to the BCM. If this procedure fails to clear a flashing light, it reinforces the diagnosis of a dead sensor or a deeper system fault.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'Modding Addiction' (Nissan Maxima (7th Gen)) — TPMS light was flashing and then solid, indicating a system fault.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner attempted the manual relearn procedure by setting specific tire pressures (34/31/29/26 PSI), locating the white TPMS interface plug near the OBD-II port, and grounding the pin multiple times to enter relearn mode., Despite successfully getting the TPMS light to flash slowly (indicating relearn mode was active), the light would go solid again after driving, failing to complete the relearn.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The failure of the manual relearn procedure led the owner to conclude that the sensor itself had failed (likely a dead battery) and needed to be replaced. This demonstrates that when the manual relearn fails, the next logical step is sensor replacement, not repeated attempts of the same procedure.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-3JA0A → 40700-3JA0B — Standard part revision.
  Heads up: This is the 315 MHz sensor for 2012-2015 models. The parts are interchangeable.
• 40700-4CB0A → 40700-4CB0B, which may be further superseded by 40700-4CB1A or 40700-4CB1B. — Standard part revision and consolidation.
  Heads up: This is the 433 MHz sensor for the 2016 model. When ordering, it is critical to provide the VIN to a parts dealer to get the latest compatible revision, as older stock may be discontinued.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2012-2015: These models use a 315 MHz TPMS sensor (P/N: 40700-3JA0B). They also have the hardware (TPMS interface plug) for the manual relearn procedure, which involves grounding a pin to reset sensor locations after a tire rotation.
• 2016: This model, as part of the 8th generation, switched to a 433 MHz TPMS sensor (P/N: 40700-4CB0B or supersession). While a manual relearn might be possible, the factory procedure relies more heavily on OBDII relearn tools for any sensor service, and some infotainment systems may have a TPMS reset option in the settings menu.