Top 5 Nissan Altima Tire Pressure Sensor Issues & How to Fix Them

You’re cruising in your Nissan Altima when suddenly, the tire pressure warning light pops up on your dashboard. You pull over, check the tires — and everything seems perfectly fine. So why is that light still on?

This is a common headache for many Altima owners. The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is designed to alert you when a tire’s pressure drops below a safe level. But just like any electronic system, it’s not immune to glitches. From faulty sensors and dead batteries to software miscommunications, TPMS issues can result in false alarms — or worse, leave you unaware of real tire problems.

Ignoring these warnings can be risky, but overreacting to false alerts is frustrating and unnecessary. That’s why it’s essential to understand the most common TPMS issues on the Nissan Altima and how to troubleshoot them — even if you’re not a car expert.

In this article, we’ll break down the Top 5 most common tire pressure sensor issues, show you how to recognize each one, and explain what you can do to fix them — in plain English.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start with one of the most frequent complaints: Why does the TPMS light stay on even when your tire pressure is perfectly fine?

5. TPMS Light Stays On Even When Tire Pressure Is Correct

One of the most common problems with the Nissan Altima TPMS is that the warning light remains on, even after you’ve verified that all four tires are properly inflated.

Why This Happens

This issue usually stems from sensor memory or signal delay. Each TPMS sensor sends real-time data to the vehicle’s ECU (Electronic Control Unit). However, the system doesn’t always recognize changes immediately after inflation. That’s because the TPMS often requires a “relearn drive” to recalibrate — especially after adjusting pressure or rotating tires.

In some cases, a manual reset is required to clear the stored warning, particularly in Altima models equipped with direct TPMS (individual sensors on each wheel). Without the reset, the system continues to display a low-pressure warning based on previously stored data.

How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)

1. Double-check tire pressure using a digital gauge. Ensure all tires are inflated to the PSI listed on the door jamb (typically 32–35 PSI).
2. Drive the car at 30+ mph for 10–15 minutes. This allows the TPMS to rescan each sensor.
3. If the light stays on, reset the system manually:
   • For most Altima models (2013+), hold the TPMS reset button under the steering column for ~10 seconds until the light blinks.
   • If your model uses infotainment or dashboard settings, follow the on-screen prompts under Vehicle Settings > TPMS > Relearn.
4. Still not working? The issue might lie with a faulty sensor, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Pro Tip

Never ignore a persistent TPMS light. A false positive today could hide a real tire issue tomorrow. Regular resets and calibration can help you trust the system when it matters.

4. Sensor Failure or Dead Battery (TPMS Sensor Not Responding)

Another common issue with the Nissan Altima’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is sensor failure due to battery depletion. Each TPMS sensor is powered by a small lithium battery that is sealed and non-replaceable. Once the battery dies, the sensor stops transmitting pressure data to the vehicle’s ECU, which triggers the TPMS warning light.

How to Identify a Failing Sensor

If one of your sensors has failed, you’ll often notice:

• The TPMS light comes back shortly after being reset
• The tire pressure reading is missing or shows as “—” on the dashboard
• A diagnostic scanner displays messages like “Sensor Not Detected” or “No Signal”

Sensor batteries typically last 5–10 years depending on usage and climate. In many Altima models, sensor failure is common after year 6, especially if the original sensors are still in use.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Scan the sensors: Use an OBD2 scanner with TPMS capabilities (e.g., Autel TS501 or equivalent) to identify which sensor isn’t responding.
2. Confirm battery status: Most scanners can read battery voltage or signal strength.
3. Purchase the correct replacement: For a 2015–2020 Altima, use OEM part #40700-3JA0B or compatible aftermarket options.
4. Replace the sensor: You’ll need a tire shop with a TPMS relearn tool to break down the tire and install the new sensor.
5. Reprogram the sensor ID: Once installed, use a TPMS reset tool or have a shop link the new sensor’s ID to your vehicle’s ECU.

Pro Tip

If one sensor has died, the others may not be far behind. Replacing all four sensors at once can save time, especially if your Altima is 6+ years old.

3. TPMS Not Recalibrated After Tire Change or Rotation

Many Altima owners experience a TPMS warning light right after having tires replaced, rotated, or serviced — even if the tires are brand new and pressure is correct. The problem? The system hasn’t been recalibrated.

Why This Happens

The TPMS in the Nissan Altima uses direct sensors mounted inside each wheel. These sensors are individually programmed and linked to specific wheel positions (front-left, rear-right, etc.). When you rotate or replace tires without performing a relearn procedure, the system may no longer recognize the new sensor positions or IDs.

As a result, the ECU either receives no data or mismatched readings — triggering the warning light.

How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)

1. Check the warning light pattern: If it’s blinking for 60–90 seconds then stays solid, that usually indicates a re-learn is needed.
2. Perform a TPMS relearn:
   • Use the TPMS reset button under the dash (hold for 10 seconds until light blinks)
   • Or, use a TPMS scan tool (like Autel MaxiTPMS) to initiate the relearn process
3. Drive the car at a steady speed (30–50 mph) for 10–15 minutes to allow the ECU to sync with all sensor signals.
4. If the system still doesn’t recognize the sensors, a professional TPMS reprogramming may be required (especially if aftermarket sensors were installed).

For a deeper dive into tire service and TPMS behavior, check out this article:
👉 What Does Maintenance Tire Mean on Nissan?

Pro Tip

Whenever you change tires or rotate them, make it a habit to ask the shop to perform a TPMS relearn. It prevents unnecessary warnings and ensures accurate pressure monitoring per wheel position.

2. Incorrect TPMS Sensor Installed (Incompatible or Wrong Part Number)

Aftermarket TPMS sensors can be a budget-friendly replacement option — but using the wrong sensor model or protocol can cause your system to fail completely. This is a surprisingly common issue on the Nissan Altima, especially after tire shops install generic sensors that are not fully compatible.

What Happens When You Use an Incompatible Sensor

Each TPMS sensor must match your vehicle’s frequency, ID format, and communication protocol. Nissan Altimas typically use 315 MHz sensors with a specific ID registration process. Installing the wrong type — even if it physically fits — can result in:

• TPMS warning light that won’t turn off after reset
• Dash display showing “No Data” or pressure missing
• OBD2 scanner failing to detect the sensor

Sometimes, even if the sensor seems to work briefly, it may disconnect intermittently or confuse the ECU during tire rotation.

How to Fix It

1. Check part compatibility: Verify that the installed sensor matches Nissan OEM specs (e.g., part #40700-3JA0B for 2015+ Altima).
2. Scan sensor IDs: Use a TPMS scan tool to read each sensor’s ID and compare it to the ECU’s memory.
3. Re-register sensors: If IDs mismatch, use a relearn tool or a dealer-grade scanner to reprogram the ECU.
4. Replace if necessary: If the sensor is completely unsupported, replace it with a verified OEM or compatible aftermarket unit.

Pro Tip

If you’re shopping for TPMS sensors online, always cross-check compatibility by model year and trim level. Don’t rely on “universal fit” claims without checking specs.

1. TPMS Control Module or ECU Failure (System-Level Error)

In rare but more serious cases, the problem doesn’t lie with the tire sensors — but with the TPMS control unit or the vehicle’s ECU. This is often the last thing drivers (or even mechanics) check, but it’s crucial when all sensors are confirmed functional, and yet the TPMS warning persists.

How This Happens

The TPMS system in the Nissan Altima relies on a control module to receive data from each sensor, interpret it, and communicate with the dashboard. If this module is corrupted — due to a software bug, water intrusion, electrical surge, or physical damage — it may:

• Misinterpret sensor data
• Lose communication with one or more wheels
• Trigger false warnings, even with perfect sensor readings
• Refuse to clear TPMS codes after resets

This issue typically affects older vehicles or Altimas that have been in accidents or exposed to extreme moisture (e.g., flooded).

How to Diagnose & Fix It

1. Confirm that all four sensors are transmitting correctly using a professional-grade TPMS scan tool.
2. Scan the ECU for fault codes using an OBD2 reader that supports TPMS diagnostics (e.g., Autel MaxiCOM or Launch X431).
3. Look for error codes like:
   • C1708 – ECU Internal Failure
   • U0127 – Lost Communication with TPMS Module
4. If codes persist after reset, consult a dealership or specialist for:
   • TPMS module replacement
   • Firmware update
   • Complete ECU reprogramming if necessary

For real-world examples of ECU-related TPMS problems, refer to this case-based article:
👉 Nissan Altima Tire Pressure Warning Light – Advanced Troubleshooting

Pro Tip

If you’ve replaced all sensors and reset the system but the light still won’t go away — don’t waste more time. Get a full system scan. Faulty modules can only be diagnosed via ECU communication, not just by looking at the wheels.

Conclusion

Your Nissan Altima’s TPMS is more than just a dashboard light — it’s a key safety feature designed to keep you informed and in control. But when the system malfunctions, it can be frustrating, confusing, and in some cases, even dangerous if ignored.

In this article, we’ve covered the Top 5 most common TPMS issues, from something as simple as forgetting to reset the system, to deeper problems like sensor failure, installation errors, and ECU faults. Understanding these problems — and knowing how to troubleshoot them — empowers you to act quickly and avoid unnecessary trips to the shop.

Whether you’re a DIY driver or someone who just wants peace of mind on the road, regular TPMS checks and correct sensor installation go a long way.