Classification:

Reference:

Date:

WT13-006a

ITB13-039a

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

Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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
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.

NORMAL

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
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.

MALFUNCTION

Flashing for approximately
one minute

2/11

ITB13-039a

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

ITB13-039a

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

ITB13-039a

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

ITB13-039a

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 vehicles.


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 1-800-662-2001.



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

ITB13-039a

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

ITB13-039a

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

Temperature (F)

20

0

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

ITB13-039a

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.



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.

Gauge
Pressure Versus Altitude

39
38
37
36
35
34
33

TPMS

PSI



0

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 re-checked and adjusted at a
later time when the tires are cold.

9/11

ITB13-039a

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 Infiniti New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Examples of damage caused
by an aftermarket tire sealer

Residue

Exposed
Circuit

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

ITB13-039a

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

ITB13-039a