TPMS: Nissan Sentra 2007-2012

Oct. 30, 2015

SUBJECT VEHICLE: Nissan Sentra 2007-2012

RELEARN PROCEDURE? Yes,

SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED? Yes. A Nissan Signal Tech II scan tool or CONSULT scan tool can be used. A transmitter activation tool (J-45295) is used in the wake-up procedure.

During driving at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h), the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) of the 2007-2012 Nissan Sentra receives the signal transmitted from the transmitter installed in each wheel, and gives alarms when the tire pressure becomes low.

A sensor-transmitter integrated with a valve (installed on each wheel) transmits a detected air pressure signal in the form of a radio wave. An antenna located in passenger-side front pillar receives the air pressure signal transmitted by the transmitter in each wheel. The TPMS reads the air pressure signal received by the antenna, and controls the warning light and the buzzer operations. It also has a judgment function to detect a system malfunction.

CAUTION: The TPMS may not function properly when the wheels are equipped with tire chains. Do not place metalized film or any metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows. This may cause poor reception of the signals from the tire pressure sensors.

Tire pressure monitor warning light

NOTE: Tire pressure rises and falls depending on heat caused by vehicle’s operation and the outside temperature. If outside temperature is low, the air inside the tire may cool, causing a lower tire inflation pressure. This may cause the low tire pressure warning light to illuminate.

When the TPMS detects low inflation pressure or another unusual symptom, the warning light in the instrument cluster comes on. If the system detects that air pressure is less than 27 psi (190 kPa), it will also sound a buzzer for 10 seconds and a “FLAT TIRE” or “CHECK TIRE PRESSURE” warning message will appear in the instrument cluster display (if equipped).The instrument cluster display unit displays the air pressure of each tire (except spare tire). After the ignition switch is turned on, the pressure values will not be displayed until the data of each wheel is received.

NOTE: Pressure indication in “** psi” on the screen indicates that the pressure is being measured. After a few driving trips, the pressure for all four tires will be displayed. The order of the tire pressure figures displayed does not correspond with the actual order of the tire position.

When the tire pressure warning light comes on, immediately check the air pressure of all tires and adjust to the specified pressure. Make sure the warning light goes off. The warning light does not automatically turn off when the tire pressure is adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recommended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h) to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning light. If the warning light stays on or flashes, there is a malfunction in the TPMS. See the appropriate manufacturer service information.

Reset procedures

NOTE: When a spare tire is mounted, or a wheel, the tire pressure sensor or low tire pressure warning control unit is replaced, the tire pressure sensor must be registered.

The low tire pressure warning light does not automatically turn off when the tire pressure is adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recommended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h) to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning light.

Tire pressure sensor registration

NOTE: If the tire pressure sensor was replaced, the new sensor will be in an “asleep” mode. To wake up the sensor, see “transmitter wake-up operation.”

NOTE: To register a new tire pressure sensor, a Nissan Signal Tech II scan tool or CONSULT scan tool can be used. A transmitter activation tool (J-45295) is used in the wake-up procedure and can aid in the registration procedure if using the CONSULT tool system. Sensor registration and wake-up methods in this article reference the CONSULT-type scan tool procedures.

NOTE: If a CONSULT-II is used without also using the CONSULT-II CONVERTER, a malfunction might be detected during self-diagnosis, depending on which control unit carries out CAN communication.

NOTE: The Signal Tech II Tool (J-50190) can be used to perform the following functions:

  • activate the TPMS transmitters,
  • display the TPMS transmitter IDs,
  • display the tire pressure reported by the TPMS transmitter,
  • read the TPMS DTCs, and
  • register the TPMS transmitter IDs.

ID registration with the transmitter activation tool

1) With the ignition switch in the OFF position, connect the CONSULT scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC). Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

2) Select “START (NISSAN BASED VHCL)”.

3) Touch “BCM” on the “SELECT SYSTEM” screen.

4) Select “AIR PRESSURE MONITOR” on the “SELECT WORK ITEM” screen.

5) Select “WORK SUPPORT” on the “SELECT DIAG MODE” screen, and select “ID REGIST.”

6) With the Transmitter Activation Tool (J-45295) pushed against the front left transmitter tire air valve, press the button for five seconds (see Figure 1).

NOTE: Be sure to register the IDs in the specified order, or the self-diagnostic results display will not function properly.

7) Register the IDs in the order specified below. When ID registration of each wheel has been completed, a buzzer sounds (or a chime, in 2004 models) as indicated in the table, the hazard warning lights or turn signal indicators flash twice, and the indicator light on the activation tool goes from red to green.

  • left front
  • right front
  • right rear
  • left rear

8) After completing all ID registrations, press “END” to complete the procedure.

1) With the ignition switch in OFF position, connect the CONSULT scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC). Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

2) Select “START (NISSAN BASED VHCL).”

3) Touch “BCM” on the “SELECT SYSTEM” screen.

4) Select “AIR PRESSURE MONITOR” on the “SELECT WORK ITEM” screen

5) Select “WORK SUPPORT” on the “SELECT DIAG MODE” screen, and select “ID REGIST.”

6) Adjust the tire pressure to the values specified in the appropriate Sensor ID Registration Tire Pressure Specifications table below, and drive the vehicle at 25 mph (40 km/h) or more for a few minutes.

7) After completing all ID registrations, press “END” to complete the procedure.

8) Inflate all tires to specification.

Transmitter wake-up operation

NOTE: New replacement transmitters are provided “asleep” and must first be “woken up” using transmitter activation tool J-45295 or Signal Tech II Tool J-50190 before ID registration can be performed.

Use the following procedure when using the transmitter activation tool J-45295.

1) With the ignition switch in OFF position, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC). Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

2) Display the “WORK SUPPORT” screen and select “ID REGIST.”

3) With the transmitter activation tool (J-45295) pushed against the left front tire air valve, press the button for five seconds (see Figure 1) Sensor activation must be performed in the order listed below:

  • left front
  • right front
  • right rear
  • left fear

As each sensor ID is activated, the hazard warning lights and the TPMS warning light flash four times, and the scan tool indicator light changes from red to green.

5) Check that the transmitter wake-up procedure for all wheels is completed using the scan tool.

6) After completing wake up of all transmitters, make sure TPMS warning light goes out.

Demounting/mounting procedures

CAUTION: The tire should be demounted from the wheel using the tire changer manufacturer’s instructions. Use the following information to avoid damage during the demounting/mounting procedures.

CAUTION: Ensure there is no metallized film or any metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows, as this may cause poor reception of the signals from tire pressure sensors, and the TPMS will not function properly.

NOTE: When a spare tire is mounted, or a wheel, tire pressure sensor or low tire pressure warning control unit is replaced, the tire pressure sensor must be registered. See “Reset procedures.”

Tire pressure sensor

CAUTION: DO NOT inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.

Removal

1) Deflate the tire. Unscrew the transmitter retaining nut, and allow the transmitter to fall into the tire.

2) Gently bounce the tire so that the transmitter falls to the bottom of the tire. Place the wheel and tire assembly on a tire changing machine and break both tire beads. Ensure that the transmitter remains at the bottom of the tire while breaking the bead.

3) Turn the tire so that the valve hole is at the bottom, and gently bounce the tire to ensure the transmitter is near the valve hole. Carefully lift the tire onto the turntable, and position the valve hole (and transmitter) 270 degrees from the mounting/demounting head (see Figure 2).

4) Lubricate the tire well, and remove the top side of tire. Reach inside the tire and remove the transmitter (see Figure 3).

5) Remove the second side of the tire as normal.

1) Place the first side of the tire onto the rim. NOTE: After every disassembly, use a new seal.

2) Apply suitable silicone lubricant to the new seal, and then install the seal on the sensor.

NOTE: Ensure no burrs exist in the valve stem hole of the wheel.

3) Mount the transmitter on the rim and tighten the nut to 75 in.-lbs. (8.5 N.m). See Figure 3.

NOTE: DO NOT touch the transmitter with the mounting head.

4) Place the wheel on the turntable of the tire machine. Ensure that the transmitter is 270 degrees from the mounting/demounting head (see Figure 2).

5) Lubricate the tire well, and install the second side of the tire as normal. Ensure that the tire does not rotate relative to the rim.

6) Inflate the tire. Balance the wheel and tire assembly.

7) Install the wheel and tire assembly in the appropriate wheel position on the vehicle.

8) Register tire pressure sensor. See “Reset procedures.”   ■

Information for this column comes from Mitchell 1’s “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Guide” for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in Poway, Calif., Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry for more than 80 years. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.mitchell1.com.

Sensor ID registration tire pressure specifications

Tire position      Tire pressure – psi (kPa)

Front left             36 (250)

Front right           33 (230)

Rear right            30 (210)

Rear left              27 (190)

Torque specifications

Component

Wheel nut ................................ 80 ft.-lbs. (108 N.m)

Tire pressure sensor nut ......... 49 in.-lbs. (5.5 N.m)

 To read more TPMS columns, click:

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Subaru Legacy and Outback 2005-2013

Ford Explorer 2011-2013