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Nissan Altima features several advanced features that take your driving efficiency to a completely new level. One such prominent feature is the in-vehicle Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Abbreviated as TPMS, it’s an electronic system that monitors the air pressure of your tires and indicates you according to specific events. Sometimes, you may see the tire pressure indicator light flashing on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Here’s what it means and what you can do about it:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System – What Exactly Is It?
As per the legislative mandates, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are required to be installed on all new passengers carrying US vehicles. It monitors the tire pressure of your vehicle and displays indications on the vehicle information display.
The information is provided in real time and is displayed through a low-pressure warning light. This system’s main purpose is to prevent traffic accidents, protect tires from wearing, and maintain fuel efficiency in your Nissan Altima.
TPMS Error On Nissan Altima – What Should You Know
The TMPS Error occurs when the warning light on your car illuminates due to one or more tires having low pressure than the ideal range. When you see this warning light on your car, you need to adjust the tire pressure to the recommended pressure range based on its information label.
By cold pressure, it means the vehicle should either be parked for at least three hours or be driven only up to one mile at a moderate pace. The indications on the information display are arranged in the actual order of the position of your tires.
TPMS can also help you to inflate your tires to their required pressure range through its Easy Fill Alert feature. This feature provides various visual and audio-based indications for inflating your tires to adequate pressure.
You can use this feature on your Nissan Altima by parking it on safe and leveled ground. While the brakes are applied, turn on the ignition switch and don’t start the engine yet. Just add air to your tires until the hazard indicators stop appearing.
What Causes the TPMS Error on Nissan Altima
There can be several different reasons that may cause the TPMS error on Nissan Altima. Here are some of the most probable reasons that account for this problem:
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Inadequate Tire Pressure
The most common issue that causes the TPMS indicator to trigger an error light is incorrect pressure in your vehicle tires. When a single or multiple tires are inflated incorrectly, the TPMS system automatically triggers its indicator.
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Damaged TPMS Sensors
Another possible reason for the TPMS error to occur is damaged sensors. These sensors are located on each of your vehicle wheels and can be damaged by various parameters like poor road conditions or debris and cause an error.
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Faulty TPMS System
On very rare occasions, it may be possible that your TPMS system is faulty. In such extreme cases, the only thing you can count on is a replacement or repair. You should consider getting in touch with a professional for help.
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Damaged Tire
Apart from tire pressure, TMPS may also trigger an error indicator due to a damaged tire. If your vehicle tire is leaking slowly or is punctured, the TPMS system will trigger upon detecting it and produce an error indicator on your car dashboard.
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Dead Car Battery
As the TPMS system itself is powered by the car’s battery, it won’t work if the battery is dead. In this case, you may have to get your battery replaced to get the system working again.
How To Reset the TPMS Error Code on Nissan Altima
After you’ve recognized the cause of the issue and gotten it fixed, you need to reset the TPMS system in order to turn off the TPMS error light on your car. Resetting your TPMS is fairly easy, and all you have to do is follow the steps given below:
Understand The Reset Sequence
To be able to reset the TPMS error on all your car tires, you must reset them in a sequential order starting with the front left tire, then the front right tire, followed by the rear right tire and rear left tire.
Take Out the Lower Dash Panel
Resetting the TPMS requires you to gain access to the TPMS connector through the lower dash panel. You may need a screwdriver to be able to do that.
Locate The TPMS Connector
After removing the lower dash panel, the connector should be visible right in front of you. It can be identified by its white two-pin interface.
Turn The Car On
Now, you have to turn your car’s indication system to the on position, but make sure you don’t start the engine yet. This will allow the vehicle’s electronics to activate.
Ground The Connector
To ground the connector, take a paper clip and insert it into the connector. It’s an effective and simple way to ground the connector without causing any potential damage to it. Do this at least six to eight times while the electronic systems are turned on.
Doing this will make the error light flash, indicating that it has initiated the TPMS relearning process.
Begin The Engine
Now, all you have to do is drive your vehicle for 5 to 10 minutes at 30-40 mph and make sure to maintain a consistent pace. While the error light may flash for a while, it will soon go away as soon as the relearning process is complete.
Diagnosing TMPS On Nissan Altima – TPMS OBD Relearn
When you change one or more tires in your vehicle, it is recommended to initiate a TPMS relearn on your vehicle. This allows the vehicle to overwrite the new sensor’s ID on your tire to the ECU of your vehicle. To do this, you’ll need certain tools such as:
- A branded TPMS tool with OBDII Module (VT56 or VT46)
- Diagnostic Tool with Built-in TPMS Activation (VT6, VT31, or VT36)
Once you’ve gathered the required materials, follow the steps given below to reset the TPMS on your tires:
- Make sure you have an OBDII dongle and verify that the TPMS sensors are correctly installed
- Fill air in your car tires to their respective values on the placard
- Then, head to the sidewall of your left tire and hold the TPMS tool near the valve stem
- Once done, repeat the same process for the other tires in their respective sequence
- Now, apply the OBD module to the DLC and turn the ignition on
- Afterward, tap on the Ok button on your TPMS tool so that it can transfer the sensor data to the ECU
- Then, disconnect the OBD module and turn off the ignition and drive your vehicle for up to 20 minutes
Final Words
So that’s all you need to know about the TPMS error on your Nissan Altima, what it means, and how you can fix it as well. We hope that the information stated above is helpful for you to diagnose and fix the issue with ease.
