C1711 on 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder: Rear Left TPMS Sensor Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2015 Nissan PATHFINDER

For this generation of Pathfinder (R52) and its platform mates like the Infiniti QX60, the TPMS is known to be sensitive to radio frequency (RF) interference. A specific Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (TSB NTB13088A) confirms that aftermarket accessories like phone chargers, dash cams, and power inverters can disrupt the 315 MHz sensor signals, causing a C1711 code. Forum users across various Nissan models frequently report that cheap, unshielded USB chargers are the specific culprits. 🎬 Watch: How cell phone chargers can interfere with your TPMS signal. This makes it crucial to rule out external interference before assuming the sensor itself 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 continuously.
• Inability to see the tire pressure reading for the rear-left tire in the vehicle's information display; it will often show dashes (--) instead of a number.
• A "TPMS Error: See owner's manual" message may appear on the information display.
• The "Easy-Fill Tire Alert" feature will not function for the rear-left tire (the horn will not beep when filling).

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability The sealed, non-replaceable batteries in TPMS sensors have a finite lifespan of 5-10 years. Vehicles from the 2013-2015 model years are now at an age where battery failure is the most common cause of a C1711 code.
   How to confirm: A tire shop can use a TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to 'wake up' or read the sensor. If the sensor does not respond (or shows a 'low battery' status) while others do, its battery is dead.
   Typical fix: Replace the rear-left TPMS sensor and perform the TPMS relearn procedure to register the new sensor ID with the BCM.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As documented in Nissan TSB NTB13088A, these vehicles are susceptible to RF interference from devices plugged into the 12V power outlets. Owners on various forums specifically identify cheap or poorly-shielded aftermarket USB phone chargers and dash cams as common culprits that jam the 315 MHz sensor signal.
   How to confirm: Unplug ALL aftermarket devices (phone chargers, dash cams, power inverters, etc.). Clear the code and drive the vehicle for several minutes above 20 MPH. If the code does not return, interference was the cause.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device. This fix costs nothing in parts.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Failed TPMS Sensor Electronics ⚪ Low Probability Physical damage from potholes, curb impacts, or improper tire mounting can damage the sensor's internal components. This is less common than battery failure but can happen during a tire change.
   How to confirm: The sensor will fail to respond to a TPMS diagnostic tool, even if the battery is theoretically good. This is diagnosed by exclusion after checking for RF interference and confirming the battery isn't the issue.
   Typical fix: Replace the rear-left TPMS sensor and perform the relearn procedure.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or TPMS Receiver: This is very rare. If all sensors are new and responsive to a TPMS tool, and there is no RF interference, the BCM itself may be the issue. This would likely be accompanied by other unrelated electrical problems and should be the last item to consider. Water intrusion from clogged sunroof drains is a known cause of BCM failure on this platform.
• Faulty Audio Unit (in related models): While not directly for the Pathfinder, TSB NTB14-119 for the 2014 Frontier (a platform mate) notes that an intermittent C1710 or C1711 can be caused by the non-navigation audio unit with a color monitor. The fix was to replace all four TPMS sensors with an updated part. This indicates a rare possibility of other vehicle electronics causing interference.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the symptom: Confirm the TPMS light flashes for about a minute after startup, then stays solid.
2. CRITICAL FIRST STEP: Unplug any and all aftermarket devices from the vehicle's power ports (e.g., phone chargers, dash cams, GPS units). This is the cause specified in Nissan TSB NTB13088A.
3. Clear the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner capable of reading chassis codes.
4. Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes at speeds over 25 MPH (40 km/h). If the light and code do not return, RF interference was the cause.
5. If the code returns, use a dedicated TPMS diagnostic tool to attempt to read data from all four sensors directly at each wheel.
6. If the rear-left sensor does not respond (or shows low/no battery) but the other three do, the sensor has failed and must be replaced.
🎬 See this DIY walkthrough on how to replace a TPMS sensor.
7. If all sensors respond to the tool, the problem may be intermittent or related to the vehicle's TPMS receiver/BCM. At this point, attempting to re-register the sensor IDs using the TPMS tool is a valid next step before considering a BCM issue.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-3JA0B, 40700-3JA0A, 40700-3JA0E) — This is the component that fails, typically due to its internal battery reaching the end of its 5-10 year service life. Part number 40700-3JA0B replaces 40700-3JA0A, and 40700-3JA0E is a newer compatible version.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OEM (made by Continental or Pacific), Schrader (often an OEM supplier), Denso, Autel (Programmable), Huf/BH Sens
  OEM price range: $70-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$75

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1710 — This is the code for the Rear-Right (RR) sensor. Seeing C1710 and C1711 together is common if both rear sensors are failing from age at the same time.
• C1708, C1709 — These are codes for the front sensors. If all four codes (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) appear at once, it strongly suggests either all sensor batteries are failing simultaneously (a common occurrence) or there is a significant RF interference issue affecting the whole system.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13088A: Service Information for Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS), which details how radio frequency interference can cause a 'No Data' condition for codes C1708, C1709, C1710, and C1711. This is the most relevant TSB for this issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• As per Nissan TSB NTB13088A, this vehicle is known to be sensitive to radio frequency interference from aftermarket electronics, which can mimic a sensor failure by causing a 'No Data' condition and triggering codes C1708, C1709, C1710, or C1711.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPMS Sensor Battery Voltage — expected: Approx. 3 Volts (new). Failure: A reading of 'Low Battery' on a TPMS tool or a voltage significantly below 3V indicates the internal battery is depleted.
• TPMS Sensor Operating Frequency — expected: 315 MHz. Failure: A TPMS tool fails to receive any signal on the 315 MHz frequency, or if a 433 MHz sensor was installed by mistake.
• Tire Pressures for Manual Relearn Procedure — expected: Front-Left: 34 PSI, Front-Right: 31 PSI, Rear-Right: 29 PSI, Rear-Left: 26 PSI.. Failure: If pressures are not set in this specific, unequal pattern, the BCM will not be able to identify sensor locations and the manual relearn will fail.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT: Work Support > ID Registration — This is the official dealer method used after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new sensor's unique ID into the Body Control Module (BCM). The tool guides the technician to activate each sensor in sequence (FL, FR, RR, RL) to complete the registration.
• Autel MaxiTPMS (e.g., TS508): Advanced Mode > Position Relearn > OBD Relearn — This is a common aftermarket tool procedure. It first triggers each sensor to get their new IDs, then connects to the OBD-II port to write those IDs directly to the BCM, completing the relearn process.
• Paperclip / Jumper Wire: Manual Relearn Mode Initiation — For DIY diagnosis or registration without a scan tool. By grounding a specific pin on the TPMS diagnostic connector near the OBD-II port 6 times, the BCM is put into learning mode, indicated by a flashing TPMS light. Driving the vehicle or using a simple activation tool can then register the sensors.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — Located high in the dashboard, behind the instrument cluster/speedometer. Access typically requires removing the cluster.. The BCM is the central computer that receives and processes the signals from the TPMS receiver. A fault in the BCM or its ground connection, though rare for a single code like C1711, can cause TPMS communication issues. Water intrusion from clogged sunroof drains is a known cause of BCM failure on this platform.
• TPMS Receiver (Antenna) — On related Nissan models of the same era (e.g., 4th Gen Altima), the receiver is located in the passenger-side front A-pillar. While the exact Pathfinder location may vary slightly, it is typically in a similar high-dash area to receive signals from all wheels.. This component receives the 315 MHz radio signals from all four tire pressure sensors before sending the data to the BCM. A poor connection, internal fault, or damage (e.g., during windshield replacement) could cause a 'No Data' code.
• Tire Pressure Warning Check Connector — A white, single-wire female plug typically taped to the OBD-II port wiring harness, located under the driver's side dash.. This connector is the key to the DIY manual relearn procedure. Grounding the pin in this connector multiple times puts the BCM into learning mode, which is essential for registering new sensors without a professional scan tool.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• The DIY Guy on YouTube (Nissan Murano (similar platform and TPMS system)) — TPMS warning light was on after changing to snow tires, indicating a damaged or unregistered sensor.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Driving the vehicle, which did not trigger an automatic relearn.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A new sensor was installed. The manual relearn procedure was performed by first setting specific, unequal tire pressures (FL: 34, FR: 31, RR: 29, LR: 26 PSI). Then, a paperclip was used to ground the TPMS check connector pin 6 times to enter learning mode. The vehicle was then driven above 15 MPH until the TPMS light turned off, confirming the new sensor was registered.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 40700-3JA0A → 40700-3JA0B — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The parts are interchangeable. 40700-3JA0B is the direct replacement for 40700-3JA0A.
• 40700-3JA0B → 40700-3JA0E — Further revision for newer models, but remains backward compatible.
  Heads up: 40700-3JA0E is listed as compatible with the 2013-2015 Pathfinder and is a valid replacement for the older part numbers.