NTB13088A

Classification:
Reference:
WT13-005a
Date:
NTB13-088a
September 15, 2015
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM
BULLETINS SUMMARY
This bulletin has been amended. Changes were made to several sections.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES:
All vehicles equipped with:
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
or
Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS)
SERVICE INFORMATION
This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure
Warning System (LTPWS) information for:

Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems

Radio frequency interference causing a “No Data” (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711)
condition

Sensor leaks

Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and
TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration

Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures

Aftermarket tire sealers

Aftermarket wheels

Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
1/11
BASIC DIAGNOSING OF TPMS/LTPWS SYSTEMS
The TPMS/LTPWS system can be diagnosed by turning the ignition to the “OFF” and then
to the ”ON” position (engine is not required to be running).
If the TPMS/LTPWS warning light is illuminated (continuously or flashing)
Normal Operation
NORMAL
If the TPMS/LTPWS warning light is continuously illuminated
(not flashing), the TPMS/LTPWS is operating normally and has
detected low tire pressure in one of the tires.


Leave the ignition in the “ON” position* (engine is not
required to be running) and set the tire pressure to the
recommended pressure shown on the vehicle’s tire
pressure placard.
Continuosly illuminated
(not flashing)
Leaving the ignition in the ON position may allow the
TPMS/LTPWS to detect the corrected tire pressure
more quickly on 2009 and newer models (WITHOUT
having to drive the vehicle).
NOTE:

Normal tire pressure maintenance is not covered under warranty.

Some 2011 and newer models will display an alert in the Vehicle
information display near the speedometer. The alert will read
"Check Tire Pressure", or similar, and will accompany the
illuminated TPMS/LTPWS light.
CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE
Malfunction Present
MALFUNCTION
If the TPMS/LTPWS warning light is flashing for
approximately one minute, there is a TPMS/LTPWS system
malfunction. Some models will also display a message in
the meter indicating a malfunction. Check the DTC and refer
to the Service Manual for repair instructions.
2/11
Flashing for
approximately one minute
NTB13-088a
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CAUSING A “NO DATA” (C1708, C1709, C1710,
C1711) CONDITION
Radio Frequency (RF) interference can cause a No Data condition and may be caused by
any device that is transmitting RF on the same or similar frequency that the TPMS/LTPWS
sensors are on and is not covered under warranty.
Cell phone chargers (Figure 1), aftermarket DVD players, etc. should be removed from the
vehicle first and then the vehicle retested before further diagnostic is performed.
Figure 1
3/11
NTB13-088a
SENSOR LEAKS
Sensor leaks can be caused by irregularities of
the wheel TPMS/LTPWS sensor sealing surface
or damaged TPMS/LTPWS sensor seals.
Valve stem sprayed
with soapy water to
detect leak
Always confirm suspected leaks with a soapy
water solution.
Figure 2
Irregularities of TPMS/LTPWS Sensor Sealing Surface
Irregular sealing surfaces, contamination oil, etc., may allow an air leak to form between the
wheel and TPMS/LTPWS sensors.
Irregular surfaces
Figures 3-5
TPMS/LTPWS Seals
TPMS / LTPWS
seal
Do Not replace the TPMS/LTPWS
sensor assembly for a leak. Replace the
seal or repair the wheel as needed.
NOTE: Figure 6 is for reference only and
may appear to be different depending on
the model and year that is being
serviced.
Figure 6
4/11
NTB13-088a
MOVING TPMS/LTPWS WHEEL ASSEMBLIES FROM ONE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER
AND TPMS/LTPWS SENSOR REGISTRATION
Moving TPMS/LTPWS Wheel Assemblies
TPMS/LTPWS sensors can have different
part numbers from model to model and
may not operate correctly or operate at all.
CAUTION:

New style and old style TPMS
components are not compatible
and cannot be interchanged.

Swapping of new style and old
style components will cause the
TPMS to stop operating correctly.

TPMS
Figure 7
If further confirmation of the TPMS sensor part number is required, review the part
number of the originally installed equipment before replacement.
Figure 8
Compare part
numbers
Figure 9
To confirm the latest part numbers, always consult the appropriate parts catalog
when replacing or exchanging TPMS sensors, receivers, or control modules.
5/11
NTB13-088a
TPMS/LTPWS Sensors Must Be Registered To Each Vehicle Every Time the Wheels Are
Swapped
TPMS/LTPWS wheel sensors must be registered each time the wheels are rotated,
swapped or replaced so that the sensors operate correctly and send the correct tire
pressure from the new wheel location.
If tires are rotated or service is required on a vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitor System/Low
Tire Pressure Warning System (TPMS/LTPWS), the Signal Tech II (special tool J-50190),
Tire Pressure Sensor Activation Tool J-45295, or Transmitter Activation tool (J-45295-A)
can be used to register TPMS/LTPWS sensors.
NOTE: Failure to update Signal Tech II may lead to misdiagnosis of vehicle.

The latest software is available on the CONSULT III PC at: ASIST > Specialty Tools
> Signal Tech II.

If you should encounter problems with updating, contact Techmate at 1-800-6622001.

Future updates will be released as needed. Check ASIST frequently for this
information.
NOTE:

Refer to the appropriate chapter and section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM)
for the model specific procedure to register and diagnose TPMS/LTPWS systems.

Tire Pressure Sensor Activation Tool J-45295 will not work
on some vehicles.
Instead use:

Transmitter Activation tool (J-45295-A) with C-III plus
or

Signal Tech II (J-50190) with C-III plus
6/11
NTB13-088a
AIR PRESSURE CHANGES WITH ALTITUDE AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURES
The air pressure inside a tire can change due to several factors, such as:

Seasonal temperature change

Tire temperature change due to driving

Natural pressure loss over time
Compensate for the above temperature factors when adjusting and setting tire pressure.
Each vehicle is equipped from the factory with a TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
label.
Example
Figure 10
This label lists the COLD tire pressure setting for the original tires on the specific vehicle.
NOTE: Tires are considered COLD after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more hours,
or driven less than 1 mile at moderate speeds.
7/11
NTB13-088a
When setting / adjusting tire pressure, make sure to use an accurate tire pressure
gauge.
Use the following information for reference:
Temperature
Tire pressure changes approximately 0.8 psi for
every 10°F of temperature change. As
temperature decreases, pressure decreases.

Tire pressure may change 3 - 5 psi between a
Cold reading and a reading taken just after the
vehicle has been driven for several miles.

Seasonal temperature change can result in tire
pressure that is low enough to turn on the Low
Tire Pressure Warning Light.
Tire Pressure Versus Temperature
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
PSI

80
60
40
20
0
Temperature (F)
Graph 1 - Example
Example 1 – Seasonal Temperature Change

The temperature of the vehicle is 70°F after sitting in the shop.

Ambient temperature outside the shop is 30°F or will soon fall to 30°F due to
seasonal change.

Recommended pressure on the TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION label is 35
psi.

The tire pressure should be compensated an additional +3 psi and adjusted to 38 psi
to avoid dropping below the label value when the vehicle experiences cooler
ambient air temperature.

Compensation should also be used in the PDI process as needed.
Example 2 – WARM Tires

A vehicle arrives to the dealer after being driven across town.

The WARM tire pressure reading is 32 psi.

Recommended COLD tire pressure on the TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
label is 35 psi.

The tire pressure should be compensated an additional +3 psi and adjusted to 38 psi
to avoid dropping below the label value when the tires cool.
8/11
NTB13-088a
Natural Tire Pressure Loss Over Time
Pressure Versus Time
Vehicle tire pressure can naturally decrease by
approximately 1.0 - 1.5 psi per month. This will
vary due to seasonal temperature change.

After 6 to 8 months tire pressure may be low
enough to turn ON the Low Tire Pressure
Warning Light.
PSI

39
38
37
36
35
34
33
28
0
2
4
6
8
10
months
High Altitude

Graph 2 – Example
At high altitude locations, a standard tire
pressure gauge may show the tire pressure
higher than the TPMS system. If the gauge
reading is not accounted for, this could result in
turning ON the Low Tire Pressure Warning
Light.
Gauge

Standard tire pressure gauge readings
increase about 1.0 psi for every 2,200 ft of
altitude increase above sea level (up to 10,000
ft). See Graph 3.
For example, if the TIRE AND LOADING
INFORMATION label reads 33 psi, then at an
elevation of 5,280 ft, the cold inflation pressure
using a gauge should be increased 2.5 psi to
35.5 psi."
NOTE: In Graph 3, C-III, Signal Tech II, or the
vehicle information display (if equipped) would
show a tire pressure of 33 psi. If needed, use
C-III or Signal Tech-II to confirm tire pressure.
Pressure Versus Altitude
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
PSI

0
TPMS
2
4
6
8
10
Altitude (Ft x 1000)
Graph 3 - Example
NOTE:

After correcting the tire pressure, the vehicle may need to be driven at speeds above
16 mph to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning light.

If pressure compensation for temperature is used, the pressure should be rechecked and adjusted at a later time when the tires are cold.
9/11
NTB13-088a
AFTERMARKET TIRE SEALERS
We do not recommend use of aftermarket tire sealants and/or aerosol repair kits (refer to
the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual).

Some aftermarket tire sealers and/or aerosol repair kits may contain chemicals and
propellants that can cause damage to TPMS/LTPWS sensors.
NOTE: Damage caused by use of aftermarket tire sealants contrary to recommendations in
the vehicle Owner’s Manual is not covered under the Nissan New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Examples of damage caused
by an aftermarket tire sealer
Exposed
Circuit
Residue
Cracks
Figure 11
AFTERMARKET WHEELS
Aftermarket accessory wheels may
also have the sensor stem in the
incorrect orientation (Figure 12). This
may cause the sensor to not transmit
“data” when the wheel starts to rotate
or may prevent the transmitted data
from reaching the TPMS/LTPWS
antenna.
Figure 12
10/11
NTB13-088a
INFLATING/DEFLATING TIRES WITH TPMS/LTPWS SENSORS
Filling Tires with Nitrogen
The TPMS/LTPWS sensors can be damaged if the sensors are at the 6 O’clock position
(closest to the ground) when the tires are deflated.

When filling the tires with nitrogen, the vehicle should either be raised off the ground
on a lift, or the wheels individually removed from the vehicle to prevent damaging the
TPMS/LTPWS wheel sensors.
IMPORTANT: The vehicle should be raised or individual
wheels removed to prevent the rims from contacting the
ground when deflated.

Improper use of tire inflator tools can break the stem
of a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensor.

The type of stem breakage shown in Figure 13 is not
considered a warrantable repair.
Please refer to the examples of recommended and not
recommended tire pressure filling tools, below.
Figure 13
Recommended Tire Inflating Tools
Shallow well air chucks
Air chucks with flexible hose (no extensions)
Not Recommended Tire Inflating Tools
Long heavy hose with Lock-on air
chuck or wheel at 6 O’clock position
Deep well or dual
head air chucks
11/11
Air chucks with
handles or extensions
NTB13-088a