Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair

guest7447 · September 2003

Major squeak in rear hatch. Dealer "fixed" it twice so far, by lubricating it with silicon spray. Lasts for 2-3 days. I am sure that this is a design flaw made worse by the flex of the body and the harsh suspension. Anyone hear of a Nissan fix yet?

lfan · September 2003

I too feel a slight vibration on the throttle. It doesn't feel like engine vibration. The Murano is drive by wire. Perhaps the vibration is the result of the actuation mechanism attached to the throttle. With conventional cable throttle, your foot feels spring resistance from pulling the throttle instead of whatever device that provides the resistance in a drive by wire system.

kwyoon · September 2003

I started hearing some clicking noise coming from the front of my Murano when accelerating from a stop and when I let my foot off the gas around 10k miles. I did some searches and found an entry for the Volvo XC90 with similar a similar problem. In that case, the Volvo dealership had diagnosed it to a loose front end axle and tightening it appeared to fix the problem. Well, I took my Murano into the Nissan dealership with the info in-hand, and sure enough, they found that my axle was loose, too. They tightened it and I haven't heard the noise for around 200 miles. They said it wouldn't have caused any problems except for the noise annoyance.

mkilshot · September 2003

We are planning to get my wife a new car next year. So far, she has her eye on Murano. After following discussions on this site, I wonder if FX should also be considered. I have read quite a few complaints, mostly small but annoying. The guys on FX site seem to have fewer. I would not care much for more power, or fancies, such as seat position memory, etc. I would, though, appreciate overall car and a service quality, and a better ride. Do you think that it worth to spend few K$ more? Can someone compare Murano and FX ? Appreciate your advice.

dklanecky · September 2003

It really depends on your needs/wants. The Murano is a very competent FWD car based (based on the Altima platform) SUV.

The FX is an interesting RWD SUV, based I believe on the G35 sedan platform. On the inside it's much smaller in storage space, more on the lines of a small station wagon or small SUV(IMO).

I've driven both extensively and cam to the conclusion that the Murano met my needs better.

IMO, the FX is much more of a sporty (firm) ride than the Murano, SE or LE.

The interior size difference is significant for me. Price is another issue and the fact that for the same money I'd be getting a loaded Murano or a base FX35 made the decision easier.

The FX is an awesome vehicle but quite different than the Murano.

Part of the reason you'll see alot more comments on the Murano than the FX is due to the difference in sales volume between the two brands/models.

The Murano had sold 30,988 through July 2003 while the FX had sold just 12,988 through the same period. Although the FX sales recently have been about 1/2 of the Murano's monthly sales numbers.

dweiser · September 2003

I believe the FX is full-time AWD, not RWD.

93fsu1 · September 2003

The FX35 comes with a standard RWD platform OR you can upgrade to the AWD version. The FX45 (the one with the 8 cylinder engine) may come with AWD standard, but I'm not sure.

The FX is built on the same platform as the 350z, and G35 - both of which are RWD. The Murano is based on the Altima FWD platform, so it comes with FWD and AWD versions.

clpurnell · October 2003

the FX35 comes both RWD (I own one) and AWD. The FX45 is AWD only. For what you stated I would chose the Murano in your situation. I was actually in the market for a sedan and looking closely at the likes of the G35 04 TL etc but found the FX to offer nearly as much performance with more features and more utility. THe Murano in my mind is more for those who are truly shopping unibody SUV's such as the pilot, highlander, explorer etc. I think it is the best choice among them also. It really comes down to personal preference.

rileyk · October 2003

A question regarding the Display on my Murano when playing CD's. When I play commercial CD's (i.e.Rod Stewart, Shania Twain, Alabama, Bee-Gee's) my screeen reads "No Disc Title." When I play these same CD's on my computer, my screen will show artist, CD track, and name of the song. I questioned my dealer about this and I really didn't receive a reasonable explanation. Is anyone else experiencing this? Is it a problem that I should ask my dealer's service department look into? Would appreciate feedback. Please drop a note to hrkphk@aol.com Thanks -

clpurnell · October 2003

The FX/Murano radios support rds(displays radio station information) and cd-text functions. Most computer programs when you make a cd will record the cd-text information alog with the song information. The radio can the then read this information. Commercial CD's usually don't include this extra information. That is why I just copied all my cd's to mp3's to re burn to cd to use this feature. It's a shame commercial cd's don't provide this but they still want you to spend 12+ bucks a disk. I guess that is why they are losing a bundle to song sharing systems and have to sue their own customers.

jbalser12 · October 2003

We had the same problem with the passenger side visor clip. We had Nissan fix it but it's still loose. I think the design is defective and no matter how many they replace the same problems wil arise.

jbalser12 · October 2003

Has anyone installed satellite radio in their Murano? I know the radio has a "SAT" button on it but does that mean I can run an aftermarket sat tuner through the bose stereo, or do I need to have the ugly aftermarket tuner installed in the car? I believe that an antennea needs to be mounted outside. Any thoughts?

stever · October 2003

You may want to look in the XM & Sirius Satellite Radio discussion too.

Steve, Host

clpurnell · October 2003

This has been a popular discussion elsewhere on the net. Bottom line is you can go to you local INFINITI dealer and get this installed. The cost is usually 5-600 installed. You can not use the sat function on the radio with aftermarket tuners. Your Car will need the G35 wiring harness to use the sat radio kit. The complete kit can be found at www.infinitiwholesaleparts.com for under 300 and you can install your self in about an hour or two. e-mail me for where you can find pictures and more info.

xixisisi · October 2003

don't convert your CD to mp3 again!
that way gets songs lose significant quality. Try CD<=>WAV<=>CD instead, plus use internet to automatically get CD titles information. :-)

roadrunner70 · October 2003

anyone have any suggestion to the following issue: i need to power the brake lock out solenoid with the back up light circuit so the brakes on my boat trailer don't lock in reverse. i tapped into the correct color wire for the back up lights, but i don't get a 12 volt power reading when the back up lights are energized (this worked perfectly on my 2002 toytota highlander). my understanding is that some of the circuits on this vehicle are negative switched. anyone know about this?? thanks for the help

dodoc2003 · November 2003

My Murano has 9800 miles. The driver's seat already looks worn. I treat it every month with Meguiar's Leather Conditioner but the leather is still looking worn. No cracks but certainly lots of lines and evidence of wear. My concern is that they aren't going to last long before developing cracks. Anyone else with this problem? BTW, I'm only 170 lbs so there isn't any excessive weight on the seat.

dklanecky · November 2003

You may want to consider a better leather care system. I'm using the "Leatherique" line of products (Rejuvenator and Pristine Clean) and personally think they're the best.

They're a little pricey, but then so is the leather in the vehicle.

I used them on my 2000 Nissan Maxima whose drivers seat was looking very worn after 135k miles. You can see the before and after pictures at:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4289083297

Pictures 5 and 6 show the difference best, IMO.

I think the difference is significant and have started to use them on my Murano before it gets that worn look.

It is also important to note that I didn't neglect the leather in the Maxima, at least I didn't think I was.

I was using either Meguiar's Gold class leather conditioner or Lexol, about 3-4 times per year, but the results speak for themselves.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

americanpolice · November 2003

I understand fuel economy is related to how we drive. however, i've
driven mostly highway miles close to 60mph by myself or with my wife.
and an empty trunk. still nothing higher than 19.1 mpg.

and GET THIS!

yesterday we left to go to Church which is 20 miles away. as i left
the house, the Distance to Empty (DTE) indicated i had 60 miles left
before empty. well, i traveled no more than 5 miles when the DTE read
20 miles. then i drove another 10 miles when DTE read 2 miles! I
freaked out! i tried to get to my closest gas station. luckily, i
made it with no problems. but how can i rely on this computer if its
screwed up???

I'm very disappointed with Nissan. I think they rushed out the Murano
and did zero quality testing. ANyone feel the same way?

1) Wipers need to be in the up position to clean them or replace
blades
2) Steering off center
3) Fuel economy poor
4) Distance to Empty (DTE) not working properly

is nissan doing anything to help us?

jime1 · November 2003

I'm considering purchasing a Murano, and have no familiarity with the Continuous Variable Transmission ("CVT"). Two test drives so far have been impressive. Has it been used in other Nissan models? I'm hesitant to be part of a field test for new technology -- been there, done that and got to know the service writers very well (not Nissan). Has the CVT on the Murano been used in any other platforms, Nissan or others? With what results? Thanks for any information ya'll can lend.

bzboy · November 2003

americanpolice, your problem with DTE is a not actually a problem. I drive a BMW 330I and I have experienced the same. The car gives you average miles if driven at a level where gas consumption is the lowest. Since you used brakes and changed gears to go from 0 to 60, the miles per gallon changed. Secondly, how many miles do you have on your Murano? It takes close to 7500 miles to get the real mileage on a vehicle. Give it some time and hopefully you will see the difference. I am planning to buy a Murano as well and hopefully I will enjoy it as much as other drivers out there.

americanpolice · November 2003

ok,

i drove the murano down the street to drop off a letter in the mailbox by myself, no cargo. Heres what happened with the Distance to Empty display on the entire time:

-Turned car on, display says 324
-Drove 100 ft, display says 318
-Drove another 200 ft and stopped at stop sign, display says 311
-Drove 500 ft, display says 315
-Drove half a mile and stopped, display says 320
-Put car in reverse to make the uturn, display says 318
-Drove quarter of a mile and stopped at mailbox, display says 315
-Put car in drive from mailbox, display says 311
-Drove 500 feet, display says 309
-Parked car at house, display says 307

So now, does anyone agree that something might be wrong with my computer?

dklanecky · November 2003

In my experience, it's calculations are related directly to the CURRENT operating conditions.

When you first start a cold vehicle, you get a nice reading based on the warm vehicles performance before it was shut off.

Short trips, stop, start, cold start, etc, get your mileage way down and the computer is simply trying to estimate how much further you can go based on your CURRENT driving conditions.

If your trying to confuse it, you probably can by following the routine you describe.

gerapau · November 2003

dklanecky is correct. The DTE is based on your current driving conditions. So as you change your driving conditions your DTE will change accordingly. It is not instantaneous though. It is based on your fuel milage over a short period of time (I am not sure how long). Based on your example your high DTE was 324 (which was based on the driving conditions the last time you drove the car) and your low was 307. That is a difference of about 5% which can easily be explained by the different driving conditions.

sildog · November 2003

Hey, saw your post on Trailblazer place. I really don't know too much about the Nissan CVT. I do know there have been a few other attempts at CVTs, such as the Subaru Justy of a few years back. I don't have a Murano and I have never driven one, although I would like to. I think the lack of CVT related posts in this forum is probably a very good sign, since "car enthusiasts" who spend time in forums like this tend to be the pickiest consumers. If the CVT was trouble, this site would be full of complaints about it. (just spend some time on that Trailblazer site! Every little thing that ever goes wrong is rehashed to death!) I know this doesn't help much. I certainly wish I had waited a year on my Trailblazer, which was a brand new model-and it didn't have anything as new as a CVT!

jime1 · November 2003

Sildog -- Thanks for the response. I've been doing a little more research, and found on the Nissan website a short piece that states Nissan has been using the CVT in Japan since '92, and in '97 applied the technology to a front-wheel drive 2.0 liter engine (Murano engine is much bigger, so comes the question: What about higher torque?). Nissan sells 180K vehicles in Asia with CVT. Article is dated 11/02, just as the Murano was being released in U.S. I've called Nissan-USA and asked for any additional data they have and they're looking into it. Motor Trend also had an article about the Murano and pointed out CVT was used in some European markets. It's also an option on the MINI and on the Audi All-Road (though those are probably different CVT's than Nissan's). A Google on "Continuously Variable Transmission" is only marginally helpful.

scottva22 · November 2003

I am trying to choose btwn the VW Passat GLX 4motion and the Murano. I have driven both, impressed with both in different ways and realize it's not really apples to apples. I have only driven the SE, is the SL still a worthy option in AWD? A little concerned with the CVT and first year model v. the VW in it's 6 year and, hopefully, fewer problems. Any thoughts from current owners appreciated.

shelly64 · November 2003

I too was locked out of my murano. I went to get some gas.(the engine was off)I filled the tank. I got back in the car I started it up looked in the side view mirror noticed the gas cap cover was open got out of the car and closed the door.(the car was still running) I closed the gas cap cover turn around and went to get back in the car the doors was locked with my pocketbook and the spare key sitting on the front seat. the gas attendant was kind enough to give me 25 cent to make a phone call. no money or cell phone on me. everything was locked in the car.

shop4 · November 2003

To Shelly64. I too have been locked out numerous times. While most Nissan Dealers will not acknowledge the problem, I found one that did. Refer to the Nissan Technical Bulletin # NTB03033. Thats where you will find the problem, and the fix.

dweiser · November 2003

Hi shop4,
It would be helpful to know where to access this tech bulletin.
Thanks,
Don

stever · November 2003

Don, the full text lock tsb is is on the NHTSA site (pdf file).

You can also get there via www.nhtsa.org and drill down through the service bulletins links.

Steve, Host

dweiser · November 2003

tqm · December 2003

Just got a great deal on a 2003. I know that's not news to most, but I do have a few follow up on issues that I've seen earlier year posts on:

1. Door "click"/"rattle": I've got one in the driver door. If I push up on the corner or wedge my finger between the plastic and the seat belt pillar..it goes away. Any other fixes than homegrown silicone???

2. I have a similar "clicking sound" coming from the sunroof. Anybody else???

3. The driver side headlight(HID):I noticed that it is clearly lower than the passenger side. Earlier post indicating this is normal made sense to me, but still can be bull...Is this reaLLY true or false???

4. I have a LARGE fingerprint on one of the HIDs. A local dealership (not the one I bought from) said this is not a "warranty item". Anybody else have a similar issue. Does not seem to affect the intensity of the light.

5. When I turn on the high beams, there is a noticable "thumping" sound. Lights seem to work great, just not used to this. Should I be concerned or is this normal???

dklanecky · December 2003

1. Contact your dealer as a TSB has been issued for this. Doesn't affect all Muranos, but does seem to be pervasive in some specific vehicles.

2. News to me! Dealer issue?

3. It's designed that way to not blind on coming drivers. It is easily adjustable by simply turning the white plastic adjusting screw on the back of each headlight assembly.

4. If it doesn't affect the function, I'd leave it alone.

5. Normal as there is a mechanical shutter that changes the focus of the bulb when you hit the highbeam switch. Mine is noticeable only if I have the radio off. If it's on at all, I can't hear it.

tqm · December 2003

Thanks to dklanecky for the quick response.

I checked the wesite and couldn't find a specific TSB, do you have a number or could you provide the link?

Anybody else on sunroof "noises"???

Driver HID seems fine the way it is, just needs some getting used to. Have you left yours or have you adjusted?

dklanecky · December 2003

I've adjusted mine a couple of different times and have them now where they do not blind on coming drivers.

I made the adjustments while sitting in the driveway (it can be done in less than a minute) with the headlight height switch on the dash set at it's lowest position.

That way I can adjust it up one notch at a time, drive with it for a while and see if I get any flashers.

Then I move it up another notch, now I am getting flashed, so I know I've got it just a hair too high.

So back down it goes to the first position. I think it's a really nice feature to be able to adjust the light height as easily as you can in the Murano. It really lights up the night on the dark country roads around here.

lfan · December 2003

1. When was a TSB issued on the door/windows popping? Back in early Nov, my service department did not find a TSB on my Murano's door/window problem even though I had taken it in for two times already. I did a home remedy by stuffing foam between the upper door panel and door frame. Also on the passenger window, if I lower it by a eighth inch or so, the popping is reduced. The remedies helps generally but occasional pop's still occur. Seems like in my case, there is too much flex between the door frame/door/trim/side window.

mmms · December 2003

Well it happened to me last night, thankfully I was in my own driveway. This happened to my 2004 Murano SL. I just took delvery last Friday. Apparently thay haven't fixed the problem for the 2004 run. Also my dealer lost my remotes, so I have to really watch it. This sure takes the blush off the rose.

mmms · December 2003

Well I found my remotes where the dealer hides them in the vehicle so they won't get stolen. Mine were in a bag in the left rear storage compartment.
I also called Nissan about my "lockout problem" with the "04. It appears to be a moisture problem in the drivers door wiring harness. I do not believe they have totally solved this problem.

timothy22 · December 2003

Help! Just recently purchased a new 2004 murano. We'd loved it but then on 4 occassions it downshifted from 65mph down to 15-20mph! The last time almost caused an accident! The dealer checked each time for "codes" but they say they don't know what to fix - so take the car. This is a very dangerous situation to say the least. Imagine driving in bumper to bumper traffic at 65mph and then within seconds it's dropped to 20mph without warning - When the car is turned off then back on it works fine. I only have 1500 miles on it. We sacrificed a lot to buy it and we don't know what to do - maybe claim lemon law? Any suggestions or anyone experienced our problem?
Seems to me a new trans. might correct the problem but they won't do it. Help! Thanks Tim.

dmmakoski · December 2003

I've hear of a few issue with the CVT and there was an issue with a controlling module that had to be replaced.

dklanecky · December 2003

So your driving along at 65 mph and all of a sudden your at 20 mph (in seconds)?

In order to go down from 65 to 20 in seconds, I'd need to bury the brake pedal.

What exactly is slowing you down, the brakes? Is the parking brake off?

I'd absolutely take it back to the dealer and insist that they go for a test ride with you. I'd also check out the lemon laws in your state or the other Nissan dealers?

This just doesn't sound right...........

timothy22 · December 2003

There are no brakes involved or anything like that. It happened 3 times with my wife - who was just driving along at maybe 55 or 60mph and then literally within 5 seconds she's going 15-20mph.
It happened once when I drove it. I was going 65mph and what happens is that the murano seems to downshift or goes into a much lower gear instantly that you cannot get out of without stopping - turning the car off then on again. It seems like it downshifts to like the second gear or something.You cannot go above 20mph. It's like it's stuck in 2nd gear. It is frightening. The dealer kept and drove the car for 2 days but it never happened. I've been driving it the last 4 days and nothing has happened yet. It only happens on occassion for no apparent reason. Any suggestion would be appreciated. I did contact a law firm - 1-800-lemonlaw but not sure I want to go that route. Tim.

timothy22 · December 2003

Dklanecky - My wife just called it happened again.
(the 5th time) She was going 60 - it immediately downshifted to 40 down to 20 and then with her pedal to the floor it only went up to 8mph! She drove it to the dealer and no service people were there today - they will check the "computer codes" on Monday to try and "capture" enough information to figure out what's wrong. I love the car - but cannot live with this - I don't want it back til it's fixed! Anyone had any experience with lemon laws in Pa? Apparently they need 3 attempts to fix it before we can claim lemon. So far there have been NO attempts to fix it because they say they don't have enough info. I just want a murano that works - that's all
This is unbelievable!!! Any suggestions from anyone? Tim.

wilsoniii · December 2003

Timothy22,

If the dealer doesn't/can't do anything then for the safety of your family and all of the other Murano owners you should consider filing a report with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. You can file the form online.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Last year I filed a report with another government agency after experiencing a safety defect with a product. I tried to notify the company but the only thing they were concerned about was the fact that I was out of warrranty. After I filed the report I was amazed at how quickly they responded and sent an investigator. Three months later there was a product recall. I later found out that I wasn't the only one who had experienced the problem.

I am currently shopping for a Murano for my wife to haul my two kids around in and had planned to buy one yesterday until I read your post. Your posting made me think twice, and caused me to delay until I can check further to make sure that others aren't experiencing the problem. Hopefully Nissan will take care of you and reassure all of their current and potential customers that this is not something that CVT customers have to worry about.

dweiser · December 2003

It must be a scary and dangerous situation and I hope timothy22 finds someone at Nissan to get it resolved. I would add though that the Murano has been out for almost a year now and this, although serious, is the first such complaint I have seen.
I've had mine since Feb. 1st and the CVT is very well behaved and very impressive as is the entire vehicle.

1sttimevolvo1 · December 2003

I'd also check out the lemon laws in your state or the other Nissan dealers?

This just doesn't sound right...........

Would be extremely difficult without the dealeship service department duplicating the problem and attempting repair.
These are usually precursers to Lemon law claims.

dmmakoski · December 2003

I would call: 1(800) NISSAN1

timothy22 · December 2003

I heard from my dealer today about our murano problem - (shifting down from 65mph to 20mph instantly) They are still trying to duplicate the problem - they will try again to drive it today and if it happens they will hopefully get the codes. Apparently once you turn murano off and then back on - it erases the memory codes of the computer!! So they get no codes by the time we get to the dealer. (5 times it has happened)
I wish they would have told us this after the first time it happened! We would have driven the car to the dealer at 10mph to hook up the computer. Anyway, our dealer talked to Nissan and they are 90% sure it's the TCM - transmission control module - whatever that is. Apparently a few other murano's have had a similar problem but they are not totally sure that's the problem.
If they can't duplicate the problem today by driving the car - they will go ahead and put in another TCM for us tomorrow. We just might be able to get our new murano home for the holidays.
I pray this works!! Thanks for all your suggestions and help - I'll let you know the results. Tim - hoping for a joyous Christmas!

wilsoniii · December 2003

Timothy22-

Thanks for the update. I have a Murano SE located and price negotiated and am waiting to hear how Nissan handles your problem. Please share with us how it works out.

I hope you'll file a report at the NHTSA using the link provided earlier. If as you say there are a few others with the problem it should be documented so that it can later be documented and corrected if necessary. Your description sounds scary enough. I wouldn't want others to experience it.

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