Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It's not just AutoZone's in my area that do it - probably 20% of the parts stores around here are advertising that service. Great for pulling the codes and avoiding a wait at the dealer.

    Steve, Host
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    On many vehicles, the light will go off after a certain number of starts without getting the fault. The other free alternative is to disconnect the battery for 30 min. Of course, you lose all the radio settings, clock time, etc.
  • mickeyc4mickeyc4 Member Posts: 1
    I've heard different views on how AWD works. Is it correct that when it's in the normal mode AWD will activat if necessary and in the on position, it's AWD up to 18
  • bspzbspz Member Posts: 35
    according to the manual and my personal tests, that's how it seems to work. I performed several tests in rain and snow and each time the front wheels would slip momentarily before the rears grabbed unless I had the AWD lock switched on then all four would connect.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    Congrats on the Murano saw one tonight and must say it is a fab vehicle. I to obssesed over the FX but I bought it. It pains me though because everytime my daughter sees a murano she says "thats our car" we say no "it's our car little brother" lol. Deals are to be had on FX's I got mine for $434 over invoice and a super trade in but had to drive 270 miles to get it. There is a dealer in NY that deals on FX's not sure how far from VT that is though. Have fun in your M-O I'm sure you'll love it
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    Where in new york? do you think he has a silver Fx35 with willow interior and the premium package? LOL
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    Try North Shore Infiniti in New York. Contact the internet Sales department. Also in the Month of May you can buy at Grubbs Infiniti in Dallas for VPP Pricing and shipping is only 250 anywhere in the USA. I bought from Grubbs but I live in Houston and was able to pick up the FX.

    North Shore has what you are looking for here are the details.
    Your Inventory Vehicle
    2003 Infiniti FX45/FX35
    Total MSRP† $39,565.00
    VIN: JNRAS08WX3X202007

     Model: FX35 AWD
     Exterior: Brilliant Silver
     Interior: Willow
     Packages and Options
     Roof Rails
      $300
     V6 Premium Package
      $2600
     Accessories
     Cargo Area Protector
      $70
     Roof Rail Crossbars
      $220
     Splash Guards
      $130
     Base MSRP $35,700.00
     Total Packages, Options, & Accessories $3,320.00
     Destination & Handling $545.00
     Total MSRP† $39,565.00
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the info.I was just kidding though.The persuit of another vehicle would create Gulf War 3 in this house. I will enjoy the Murano for a year, give it to my wife,who will think she's getting a new car,and then go after the FX35.This will give me another 12 months to obsess over the Infiniti and annoy car dealers throughout New England.By the way what color is yours?how do you like it and aside from the quality being superior to the murano do you think its that much different when it comes to ride ,handling and performance?
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    I absolutely love this car. Mine is Black with the Brick/Blk interior. Actually I would say it is a pretty close match to the murano except for the following.

    Handling:
    RWD lend to superb handling. The 20" wheels really grip and the cornering is pretty flat. The murano was very close but a little more front heavy.

    Exhaust Note:
    This I think is my favorite "feature" of the car it has the sweetest exhaust note in a V6 I have ever heard. The rumble on start up is to die for :)

    Acceleration:
    I actually like the acceleration better in the murano. The cvt is outstanding in it. The FX loves to rev and is very spunky but the seemless go in the murano I think wins out

    Space/Storage
    I find this to be the FX failing poit because of the Huge wheel wells rear entry is difficult and there is a lack of inside storage. I think this is another area where I would actually prefer the Murano.

    Dealer Service/ Warranty
    I have not tried the service department yet but this is where I thought the premuim would be worth it. free loaner, car washes, longer warranty etc.

    The murano I think is a great vehicle. You can't go wrong either way.
  • trevor57trevor57 Member Posts: 18
    Good evening! Any more updates anyone would like to share on the side molding situation? Anyone take the leap into aftermarketland and get decent side moldings put on? Thanks to all!
  • trevor57trevor57 Member Posts: 18
    .......oh yeah...one more thing...has anyone seen the cabernet interior in cloth? The black cloth is really nice but the cloth on the doors is a little cheesy...plus with a brown dog, I think I am just asking for trouble with the black cloth! Saw the bourdeaux with cab leather....great combo...looks like some rich guys library room.
  • bmwdriver02bmwdriver02 Member Posts: 46
    At the NYIAS the had the cabernet with cloth interior. The chairs were superb, but not as good as my 530i's. I could have spent a day in those chairs and not get tired or bored.
  • berg32berg32 Member Posts: 56
    Has anyone found a way to improve FM Radio reception? Would a longer antenna help?
  • dcrozdcroz Member Posts: 4
    I'm new to the message center and would like to say thank you for all the great information. I had alot of time to spend researching cars while I was deployed for the last 6 months for the Air Force.

    I ended up buying a RX 330 because that is what my wife wanted, but I spent the whole trip waiting for the Murano and the FX. I was leaning towards the FX, but, I believe they are all fine vehicles.

    Congratulations to all that have bought Muranos and thanks again for all the great info!
  • unoakableunoakable Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone experienced the extreme wind buffeting when you travel above 25mph and roll down one or both of the rear windows? The sound and feel is unbearable. Somebody back me up on this one.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    Welcome to the world of SUV/Station Wagons. This is totally common among modern vehicles with large interior volume. The resonance you are hearing is common across the board. Please do a search of the subject and you will find it is not exclusive to the Murano at all. If it helps any, try cracking the front window to alleviate the pressure vacuum created by having just the rear window down. Again this is NOT a Murano specific phenomenon. I have had this problem in previous rides such as a '96 Isuzu Trooper, '98 Volvo V7 XC, '01 Volvo V70 T5 & '02 Mountaineer.
    And yes it can be quite violent.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I get it on my Olds Intrigue also although I would call it annoying but not unbearable. Just saw a message on the Toyota Highlander board about the same issue.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    setting the sunroof to vent or slighlty open solves the problem (unless you don't have a sunroof).
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    I had this happen on my 2000 Maxima. It was under warranty and I took it to the dealer and they reset the light - they said there was no problem associated with the light and no charge to reset it.
  • email77email77 Member Posts: 27
    Hi
    Can some one tell me how to read the Tire Pressure monitor on the display. from L to R 4 set of numbers. any one know which wheel is belong to what number? I can't tell.
    Thank's
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    I have a question on the Sun Visor extension. On my 2000 Maxima it does not cover the entire area of the window and so often times the sun finds it's way around. I find this annoying. The Pilot's pull-out does a good job covering entire window back to the pillar.
    How well does the Murano's extension cover the drivers side window? Are there spaces where the sun can find it's way in?
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    once again ty for the info...you seem to be quite honest about the fx....some of the things you said have alleviated my obsession a little...how is your gas mileage btw....my murano is only getting 21mpg hwy which is hard to believe since the engine is doing about 2200 rpms at 70mph ...I cant imagine it will do that much better after break-in...the only time it gets the 24mpg is in the 50 mph range....wind buffeting is common in most cars.... you gotta crack a front window ....my a6 audi did it every car I have owned has done it
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    I have a question in response to your post #1313

    " The Murano does not have lockable front or rear differentials; what does this mean? Simply put, even WITH AWD Lock enabled at speeds below 30KPH, and ESPECIALLY with AWD Lock DISabled or at any speed over 30KPH, if one front wheel AND one rear wheel have ZERO traction, your Murano will be sending 100% (all) of its torque to the zero traction wheels, thus applying zero torque to the ground, thus affecting zero motion to the car; if you're stuck in so much snow that one front wheel AND one rear wheel have no traction whatsoever, you're stuck, pal. Of course, this also means that so long as you have ALL four wheels with grip, ANY three wheels with grip, or BOTH wheels at EITHER end at ANY time with grip, you Murano will be able to move; so don't go putting your Murano in a position where it has one front AND one rear wheel tractionless!

    I want AWD to help me out of jams, however, I can easily imagine the situation where both 1 front and 1 rear wheel have 0% traction. Say for example there is snow on passenger side of road. Both wheels on that side could slip. Also coming up my driveway both driver side wheels may hit the lawn due to having to dodge roommate's car. If the lawn is muddy then both driver side tires will spin, thus throwing up large amounts of mud.
    Am I correctly identifying the problem?
    Thanks,
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    Jonathon:
    You are totally correct, as applies to a Murano without the traction control. With the traction control, it becomes a little more complicated: since the diff's are open, when one wheel starts to spin, it's detected by the trac. system (actually anti-lock brake sensors) and the brake is applied on the spinning wheel, which transfers power to the wheel that has traction. Thus, theoretically, any one wheel with traction should pull you thru. It's a pity that Nissan charges extra for this. Very few Muranos are showing up in dealer inventories with this system, and it should make a big difference in snow and ice.
    Cheers
    Pat
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    As an add on to my previous post; one of the major drawbacks, at present anyway, is the wheel size, in that there are no winter tires available for the Murano,; at least none that I can find. When I asked Tire Rack about it. they suggested one of their 17" wheels ( they only have one that will clear the huge brakes of the Murano) and a 235/65/17 winter tire. The problem here is that the suggested tire is an inch less in diameter then stock, which can create problems with the stability control system, never mind the tire pres. monitoring (which is part of the stab. sys.) All that being said, the few reports I've seen about Murano performance in snow have been very good.
    Cheers
    Pat
  • 92drexel92drexel Member Posts: 153
    I was in the boat you are in relative to gas mileage. During my break-in period, my mileage was in the 20-21 mpg range on mainly (90%) highway driving. I usually drive in the 65-70 mph range.

    Now (I have 7,000 miles on mine), I'm in the 23-24 mpg range per tank. I actually hit over 25 mpg on one tank which is similar to what I use to get on my old 2000 maxima.

    You should improve.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    My fx has about 1200 mi and we use it for mostly city driving and are avg 16 mpg on my one all highway tank I broke 19 but have yet to break 20. If they could put the xtronic in the high torque vq35de in the FX that would be a killer combination.
  • gust334gust334 Member Posts: 75
    The US owners manual (pg 5-3) claims the order in which the tire pressures are listed on the dash display is insignificant.

    However, the service manual details two different service procedures wherein each transmitter is "taught" which wheel it is mounted in, starting with front LH, front RH, rear LH, and completing with rear RH. I have confirmed via experiment this is the order in which pressures are presently listed on my display, and I have not yet rotated my tires. I presume the order (front L, R, rear L, R) is the factory default. However, it is possible mine is the only Murano delivered with the sequence I reported. However, it is known that the wheel positions are distinct from each other.

    I suspect the reason the owners manual and service manual are different is that the tire rotation procedure does not include the step to re-teach the system which wheel is which. I suspect this is to keep the labor cost of rotating tires down, as it does take some time to teach the tire pressure system. Thus when you rotate tires you lose the factory mapping and get a new one. It is possible to manually keep track of the mapping between each wheel and the corresponding display as long as you know the pattern in which the tires shuffled.

    My service manual didn't indicate anything about setting a fifth sensor (e.g. for the Canadian full-size spare I've heard about). The temporary spare delivered in the US does not appear to have a sensor.
  • solcrissolcris Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to buy the a Murano SL FWD with everything except the Nav system. I would like to hear from owners who have significant mileage on there Murano's. Any problems, regrets, complaints with the vehicle, or do you still think you bought the best vehicle for the choices you had......Thanks
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    I have an sl awd that stickered at 34,882 and paid around invoice for the car 31,900.I am very happy with it but I feel you must get the car somewhere near invoice if you are to get your money's worth.The interior quality of the car is not (in my opinion)worthy of a 34,800 price tag.That being said, this is a really nice vehicle that handles well ,is relatively quick,is certainly very comfortable,and a pleasure to look at.I assume it will be very reliable(I have had no problems with it as yet)as that is nissan's reputation.My previous car,a 1999 audi a6 wagon,had quality interior and a fantastic ride but was suspect when it came to reliability.My questioning of the murano interior stems from my association with the audi.Meanwhile you will probably love the car as most people seem to do just be sure to get it at a price commensurate with its quality.I am only referring to my perception of the interior not the overall quality of the vehicle which I think is very good.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Let me get this correct, so in your opinon, the Murano is only worth invoice, not MSRP because you don't like the interior?

    I happen to think the interior of the Murano is of better quality than anything the Murano competes with. This would include Pilot, Highlander, 4 Runner, Explorer, Trailblazer, Envoy, etc.

    The overall package of the Murano, interior, exterior, perfomance, and high probability of excellent reliability, is where the value is (IMO)and why I have one on order.

    Mine stickered at $38.5 and yes I paid close to invoice as does almost everyone who buys a Nissan.

    Which Audi SUV were you comparing the interior of the Murano to when you declared it to be inferior?
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    This is my first Nissan. I've owned an MGA, a Porsche, an Alfa Romeo, 2 Volvos, 3 Hondas, 5 BMWs, 3 Mazdas (RX-7, Miata, 626), 2 Mercedes-Benz, 2 VWs, and 5 Subarus (4 Legacy Outbacks and a WRX). I've only had my Murano (SL, AWD, everything except Nav) since Feb. 1st but, for me, it's the perfect vehicle and I'm very happy with it, both interior and exterior. My only complaint is that the m.p.g. could be better but I expect that to improve.
  • 92drexel92drexel Member Posts: 153
    I have over 7,000 miles on my SL AWD. I don't have any real regrets, just some minor problems...

    The squeaks and rattles are noticable when cold (winter). I've made numerous trips to the dealer and they've corrected all but one. Also, I have a sunroof that got stuck in the OPEN position (bad motor), the dealer replaced the motor. The cabernet dash on the passenger side looks like it has gray splotches (this is my biggest complaint)...Nissan gave me their typical "that's normal because all cabernet interiored Murano have this" bs. The dash looks better now that I put a coat of protectant on it...but make sure you closely look at the dash if you are getting cabernet.

    The positives do outweigh the negatives (IMO). Gas mileage is great (23-25 mpg range), the ride is very comfortable, handling and performance are fantastic (on par with my 2000 maxima believe it or not). Maint cost should be low (the 18" tires are only $95 at tirerack) as Nissan is pretty reasonable when it comes to that. Equipment is on par with SUVs costing more (HIDs, VDC, active headrests, curtain airbags, cabin filter, etc). Plus the extra storage nooks as is the excellant BOSE system are really handy when spending a lot of time driving.

    All in all, I've had more ups than downs, but make sure you spend more time test driving it. I really think that I bought the best vehicle for me in this price range.

    I hope this helps.
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    Well I sure got a rise from you...lol...I was obsessing over the Fx 35 before I decided to buy the Murano and the difference in percieved quality i.e. the interior is very noticeable(check out the staples under your front seats holding the carpet down (what a joke).Also compared to my AudiA6 wagon this car pales in interior quality...In all fairness though the audi and the infinty Fx I was looking at were 5 grand more...so my beef with all these cars is that they are overpriced.I feel that a car with an msrp of 34,800 should have the interior quality of a car selling for 40k,sadly that is not the case.I'm also not saying that the murano's interior is bogus just that it is not up to my expectations.Also if you check out discussions of what people are paying for these you will see many are getting great deals i.e. around invoice or so.I will repeat that I love this car and really enjoy driving it.I opted for the murano over the Fx cause I couldnt get as good a deal on the Fx as the murano and the gas mileage appeared the be superior....plus if I bought the Fx I would have nothing to dream about when it comes to my next car!! Oh yeah youre right its nicer than any vehicle in its price range! Its a great car and I would buy it all over again!
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    You certainly did get a rise out of me and probably inappropriately as well! I hear over and over from people about how great Audi interiors are.

    Maybe true, but the interior alone will never be a deciding factor on a vehicle purchase for me.

    A good interior is kind of like icing on the cake, a lesser one is simply less icing.

    It's the overall package that matters most to me and I get frustrated with people who say they won't buy vehicles because of the interior quality of lack of.

    I notice that you did buy the Murano so obviously it wasn't a deal breaker for you.

    I appologize if I unloaded on you unfairly as the most recent poster discussing interior quality as a significant issue.

    By the way, I do see a dramatic difference in the FX interior compared to the Murano and if the FX was as reasonably priced (out the door) as the Murano (and the same interior size), I might have ended up with one, instead of the Murano.

    I bet for $2-3 thousand, I could get an aftermarket leather interior as nice as the FX in my Murano?
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  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
     Its not the seats I have a beef with its the padding on the doors and the cheap carpeting and installation and the hollow sounding doors...I was just thinking in that price range one could by a bmw 3 series wagon or an audi a4 wagon both 4 wheel drive and you can bet these cars wreak of interior quality so what am I paying for in the murano?...more space.....I am paying for more air?I,ll bet you nissan makes alot of money on these cars? Anyway you cant win... paying more for a car because I need the space..."we'll give you more space but a little less quality interior and you give us more money.....ok? "....All this stuff may bug me but I still love my murano... however if I were single with no kids I would have bought the 3 series wagon for that price.Oh yeah,I forgot, as soon as my audi went off warranty I had to replace the cam seals....350 bucks...I dont expect anything like that with the 3.5 nissan engine,one of the best on the planet...I have owned 4 maximas they never gave me any trouble.Whoever said that the car buying world was a fair one?
  • kinghemikinghemi Member Posts: 5
    sure would like to lock you two in a room and watch.

    You're both right. It's an awesome vehicle but the interior is a let down. Nissan could turn this vehicle into a 10 from an 8 ( my view) with alittle attention to detail.

    Purchased our SE 3 weeks ago and I havent had as much fun in a vehicle since tooling around London England in a 325i years 'n years ago. It replaces a 97 maxima GLE which was written off. other car is a 97 4runner.

    My main peeve is a all the shakes and rattles. And I'm not alone judging by all the comments at
    freshalloy.Fortunately it seems a lot of people are resolving these issues with their dealers.

    As it stands now, over semi rough to rough roads, the Murano is not as quite as the maxima or the 4Runner both of which have 100K KM on them. The sound system and leather are also inferior to what we had in the maxima.
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    And I was impressed! Drove a silver with charcoal cloth interior.

    I really like the CVT and with the power of the Nissan 3.5 liter, the two work hand-in-hand together. It's nice that you can get a well optioned vehicle without leather too. I'm not a big fan of leather (although both of my cars have it).

    A couple of questions. Is the AWD split 100%/0% until slippage occurs? Anybody have experience with the Murano in substantial snow or off the beaten path (rough gravel)? How hard would it be to have paint shop paint the chrome grill to match the body color?

    Thanks
    Eric
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    Im afraid nissan wants you to buy the fx if you insist on superior fit and finish...can you blame them?....its a business....here in vermont when I drive over a bumpy dirt road it sounds like I'm delivering 40 cases of BB's to the local air gun shop....Alright Im exagerating...maybe just a case....meanwhile did I mention that I love my murano...I do
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    hey eric if you paint the grill stay off bumpy roads,you'll shake the paint loose....I really love the car though....I mean it
  • trevor57trevor57 Member Posts: 18
    Skillet...good evening. It seems you are quite happy with your side molding on your Pewter Murano. Would you please e-mail me at trevsdad@si.rr.com to let me know how the molding is holding up and would you recommend the place where you purchased it? I am interested in how they matched the paint, etc. Thank you very much in advance! Bob
  • kinghemikinghemi Member Posts: 5
    Using the same logic I guess Nissan also wants me to buy 97 4Runners and Maximas. Helluva way to run a business.

    I havent experienced it but, apparently, many of the issues I'm concerned with have been resolved at the dealer level. So why doesnt Nissan resolve them before they leave the shop floor? Probably for the same reason they sell cars with 50+ psi in the tires. Lack of attention to detail.
  • higby4higby4 Member Posts: 15
    hey maybe nissan wants us to trade for 2004 muranos when they deliberately get the initial bugs out!!!Drexel at what point did you see an improvement in gas mileage? Still trying to figure out why a 2003 maxima at about $34000 would have a better fit and finish than a murano at the same price.Any one in nissan customer sevice reading this may respond....If you do let me pull on to a paved road so I can hear you!
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    will start on July 1st according to my dealer. Last order period for 2003's is June 1st.
  • kinghemikinghemi Member Posts: 5
    the maxima comparison I was making was to a 97 GLE
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    My Murano hasn't a squeak, a pop, a rattle, etc.
    Nothing. Never had that popping noise in the rear others have mentioned in their vehicles. I drive over RXR tracks daily and not a noise anywhere, nothing loose or rattling. On the few occasions that I have the wonderful BOSE stereo turned off, it's absolutely quiet in the cabin.
  • kinghemikinghemi Member Posts: 5
    That's great to hear

    There's a poll at freshalloy.com on squeaks and rattles. Last time I looked some 45+ owners had responded. About 40% indicated no rattles, 20% indicated the dealer had fixed their rattles and 40% indicated that they had rattles but had done nothing about it.
  • xixisisixixisisi Member Posts: 17
    Just had my Murano for 2 weeks, only had 250KM (about 150Miles) on it, no any complain except for MPG.

    I drove 50% city + 50% highway, only got about 18.6 MPG or 14.6L/100KM. Dealer said it was because the car still in break-in, I don't think it will jump up to the number which they put on their stick even aftet the break-in.
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