How to Fix & Reset the TPMS Error Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a popular, reliable, and stylish sedan. But like all cars, it’s not perfect. One of the most common issues owners face is the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) error.

When this error occurs, the car’s computer will illuminate a warning symbol on the dashboard. The symbol looks like a flat tire with an exclamation point inside it.

If you have a Nissan Altima and get a TPMS error, don’t worry – it’s not a complex problem to fix. This article will show you how to reset and fix the TPMS error Nissan Altima. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be back on the road in no time.

What Is the TPMS System, and Why Do I Need It?

The TPMS system is a safety feature designed to help monitor the tire pressure in your tires.

It does this by constantly monitoring the air pressure in your tires.

The TPMS system consists of four sensors, one for each tire. These sensors send information about the air pressure to the car’s computer.

If the TPMS system detects that one or more tires are low or overfilled, it will display a warning on the dashboard.

The TPMS system is required by law in some states, and it’s a good idea to have it even if it’s not required in your state.

The U.S. Congress passed the TREAD Act in 2000, which required all passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in the United States after September 1, 2007, to be equipped with tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

It’s a simple and effective way to help keep you and your family safe on the road.

Related: P0420 Code – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

What to Do If the Nissan Altima TPMS Error Light Illuminates

If you’re getting a TPMS error Nissan Altima, it’s likely one or more of your tires is low on air.

It could also be because one or more sensors are not working correctly. Here’s what you should do if you notice the TPMS error while driving.

1. Pull Over to the Side of the Road

Pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine. It’s essential to do this as soon as possible to avoid driving on a flat tire.

Don’t forget to turn on the emergency hazard lights to warn other drivers that you’re stopped on the side of the road.

2. Visually Inspect All Tires

Inspect all of your four tires visually, looking for any damage or flat spots. If you see any damage, it’s best to replace the tire before continuing your journey.

3. Listen & Check for Tire Leaks

If a tire seems to have low air pressure, place your hand over the tire to feel for any leaks. If you can hear or feel air escaping from the tire, the tire has a puncture.

If the tire is punctured, you’ll need to replace or repair it before you can continue driving.

4. Check the Tire Pressure Using a Tire Pressure Gauge

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in all four tires. The tires should be inflated to the recommended pressure, usually between 30 and 35 PSI.

If one or more tires are low on air, inflate it to the recommended pressure.

If a tire is overfilled when using a tire pressure gauge, you’ll need to release some air.

The best way to release air from a tire is to use a tire pressure releasing tool, but you could also press the release valve for a few seconds and re-check the tire pressure.

5. Attach the Spare Tire or Call for Road Assistance

If one of the tires is damaged or has too low air pressure, you’ll need to attach the spare tire.

If you don’t have a spare tire or are not confident in your ability to change a tire, call for road assistance.

6. Fill the Tire at a Gas Station

Drive carefully to the nearest gas station and fill the tire with air.

How to Reset the TPMS System on a Nissan Altima

If you’ve recently checked the air pressure in all four tires and inflated them to the recommended pressure, you’ll need to reset the TPMS system.

If you don’t reset the system, the TPMS error light will stay on, even though there’s nothing wrong with the tires.

To reset the TPMS error on a Nissan Altima, follow these steps:

TPMS Reset Order Sequence

To reset the TPMS on all four tires, you need to follow a specific order. The order is as follows:

  1. Front left tire
  2. Front right tire
  3. Rear right tire
  4. Rear left tire

1. Remove the Lower Dash Panel

To access the TPMS connector, you’ll need to remove the lower dash panel.

This is a simple process that only requires a flathead screwdriver.

2. Find the TPMS Connector

Once the lower dash panel is removed, you should see the TPMS connector.

The TPMS connector is a white two-pin connector.

3. Turn the Car to the “On” Position

Turn the car to the “on” position without starting the engine to activate the vehicle’s electronics.

4. Ground the Connector 6 to 10 Times

You need a paper clip to insert into the connector to be able to ground the connector.

The paper clip is an easy and effective way to ground the connector without damaging it.

With the vehicle’s electric system turned on, tap the paper clip attached to the connector 6 to 10 times to the car’s body.

The TPMS error light will flash, and the TPMS re-learning process will be activated.

5. Start the Engine

Drive at 30-40 MPH for 5 to 10 minutes and do your best driving at a constant speed.

The TPMS error light on your Nissan Altima will keep flashing while you drive, but the light will go away as soon as the learning process is done.

What are the Potential Causes of a TPMS Error on a Nissan Altima?

A few potential causes of a TPMS error on a Nissan Altima includes the following:

1. The Tire Pressure is Incorrect

One of the most common causes of a TPMS error is incorrect tire pressure.

If one or more tires are inflated to the wrong pressure, the TPMS system will trigger an error.

2. The TPMS Sensors are Damaged

Another potential cause of a TPMS error is damage to the TPMS sensors.

The TPMS sensors are located on each wheel and can be damaged by debris or road conditions.

3. The TPMS System is Faulty

In some rare cases, the TPMS system itself may be faulty.

If the system is defective, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

4. The Tire is Damaged

A damaged tire can also trigger a TPMS error.

If a tire is punctured or has a slow leak, the TPMS system will detect it and trigger an error.

5. The Car’s Battery is Dead

If the car’s battery is dead, the TPMS system won’t be able to function correctly.

If the battery is dead, you’ll need to replace it before the TPMS system works correctly.

How to Prevent a TPMS Error on a Nissan Altima

You can do a few things to prevent a TPMS error on a Nissan Altima.

1. Check the Tire Pressure Regularly

One of the best things you can do to prevent a TPMS error is to check the tire pressure regularly.

Ideally, you should check the pressure at least once a month.

2. Avoid Hitting Curbs or Potholes

Another way to prevent a TPMS error is to avoid hitting curbs or potholes.

If you hit a curb or pothole hard enough, it can damage the TPMS sensors.

3. Keep the Car’s Battery Charged

Another way to prevent a TPMS error is to keep the car’s battery charged.

If the battery dies, the TPMS system won’t be able to function correctly.

4. Be Careful when Driving on Rough Roads

If you’re driving on a rough road, avoid hitting any large bumps or potholes.

Hitting a large bump or pothole can damage the TPMS sensors.

5. Have the TPMS System Checked Regularly

Finally, you should have the TPMS system checked regularly by a professional.

A professional can check for any potential problems and ensure the system is working correctly.

Summary

Several different things can cause a TPMS error on a Nissan Altima.

The most common cause is incorrect tire pressure, but it can also be caused by damage to the TPMS sensors or a faulty TPMS system.

You can prevent a TPMS error by regularly checking tire pressure, avoiding hitting curbs or potholes, and keeping the car’s battery charged.

If you have a TPMS error, you can try to reset the system by grounding the connector and driving at a constant speed for 5-10 minutes.

If the error persists, you’ll need to have the system checked by a professional.

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Robin Söder

Robin has always been passionate about cars ever since young age. Over the years, Robin has worked on thousands of cars and gained invaluable experience in the process. He is considered an expert in his field and is often consulted by other mechanics for advice.

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