TPMS Light

[niltiac2141]

I got my 3.5 Coupe yesterday and I love everything so far - I made a few unnecessary trips today just so I could drive it. :-)

However, I do have a problem with TPMS light on the dash - it flashes for about one minute when I start the car and then just stays on. The owners manual says that this indicates a malfunctioning TPMS, so I made a service appointment for this week.

I was just wondering - has anyone else had run into this problem? And how did the dealer fix it - new part? Just to be sure, I did check the pressure on all four tires, and they were all good, between 35 and 38. Thanks!

[generic808]

I just put on new wheels yesterday and I'm having the same problem. As far as I know, the Altima's are running direct TPMS rather than indirect ones. Meaning, each individual tire has it's own sensor and is sending out a false reading. Maybe your sensor just malfunctioned. As for mine, I think they break once you remove the wheels off the car. I could be wrong, but after extensive research on the subject, that's the only conclusion I can come up with. When you take your car in, let us know what was wrong.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Keep us posted on what happens.

Generic, you can reuse the sensors. They don't become useless after they are removed and installed on a new set of wheels. You may have to go to the dealer for them to rectify the problem. There is no self diagnosis or fix for turning off the sensor in this situation. The dealer will actually hook up a Consult II to find the issue and reset it.

[niltiac2141]

I brought my Altima to the dealer this afternoon for them to check the TPMS light. The technician told me that they found a communication error between the tire pressure sensors and the BCM (body control module, i.e. central computer).

While running the diagnostics, they also received a code indicating a comm error between the BCM and the ignition/Intelligent key system. I fortunately haven't experienced any problems related to this, but the tech said this could have caused the car to lock me out or to not start.

So, basically, they have to order a new BCM (which may take two days) and replace that part. I have a loaner car in the meantime. All I can say is this stinks, but I'm glad I took it in - the TPMS light seemed minor, but it sounds to me like the radio module on the whole BCM is shot. Yikes!
Modified by niltiac2141 at 3:46 PM 9/17/2007

[generic808]

Wow, that sucks!! You didn't even do anything to your wheels or tires and that happened. Hopefully nothing is wrong with mine and all that's needed is a reset.

[sewright]

My light came on this morning, I checked the tires and they were all at 30 pounds. The book says 33 pounds is appropriate. I'm going to add the three pounds tomorrow. Hopefully that takes care of it or I'll be taking mine in too.

[niltiac2141]

Well, the dealer gets the part in from Nissan tomorrow and can install it in 2-3 hours, so I should get my a/c back tomorrow night!

I wish you both better luck with the TPMS!

[sewright]

Good luck, hope you get your car back tomorrow.

Mine was quite a bit easier. I put 3lbs in each tire and drove it for 5 minutes or so and the light went out. I am suprised that the sensor was that sensitive. Anyone had a similar experience?

[niltiac2141]

As I mentioned, the dealer had to order a new BCM from Nissan. Nissan sent the wrong part for some reason - it sounded like they were reusing part numbers or something, and the part that was sent was for a 5-speed Sentra (???).

So, when I talked to the service manager today, he said that rather than waiting an additional two days for the part, that they could take the BCM out of another new car on the lot. There are no coupes on the lot so they are going to get the part out of an '08 Altima sedan. I was concerned about this, but the manager assured me that both models use exactly the same BCM. I'm taking his word for it, because I really want to get my car back....but does this sound right? Does anyone know differently?? Thanks!