Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

bowke28

the backseat in the murano is cavernous! if you need room, then you picked the right model. also, with the CVT, its absolutely wonderful in the snow.

homeouner

Hi everyone: have had my MO for a couple months now & very seldom use it at night. The two small lights at the lower part of the front bumper are fake unless fog lights are installed???. Can the lights be lite up W/ a clear lens? If not, they certainly are useless, looks like there are bulbs in the sockets. I do not remember seeing fog lights in the assessory list. Does anybody know? I thought they came W/ the car.

dklanecky

Perhaps your owners manual would be a good reference?

dweiser

Echoing dklanecky's helpful response, it's truly amazing what one can learn by merely looking at the OWNER'S MANUAL!
I even learned my Murano came with an engine!!
Who would have thought?

bowke28

on the light stalk to the left of the steering wheel, halfway in from the end, there is a secondary switch that activates the fog lights by turning it towards the front of the car.

it also might be easier to find by using the Quick Reference guide.

peppercat

We used carsdirect.com. We got a fully loaded SL AWD with everything but the DVD player for $240 over the invoice price (not the sticker price.) They found the exact car we wanted. We put in the order on a Sunday night and picked up the car on Thursday. It was the easiest car buying experience we have ever had. Even if you don't want to purchase through Cars Direct, it's a great place to go to get a price.
P.S. I love my Murano - and we looked at cars for over 10 months and test drove everything!

homeouner

To bowke, Thanks for the help on the fog light sw. . Guess the fog was heavy in the drivers seat, the lights work!! Forgot about the quick sheet.

nitely

Does anyone with 2004 muranos having power steering issues--loss of power assist? I'd like to know if this issue is overblown or a reality? I just got my se yesterday and testdrove it extensively before the purchase and does not seem to have a fluctuating power assist-specially in slow full left and right turns. So I decided to get it. But some folks really are complaining about it. I guess in time I'll see if it will come up with my black se..hopefully not!

dklanecky

Nissan hasn't changed the specifications for the power steering pump which seems to be the culprit.

In my experience, (03 SE AWD 18,000 miles) you won't notice the issue unless you crank the steering wheel RAPIDLY all the way from right to left, like you were in a parallel parking maneuver.

I've been able to make mine do it, but it takes concious effort on my part to make it happen.

I suspect that this might be an issue with the platform sharing that Nissan (and most other manufacturers) are doing now.

The Murano uses a lot of the Altima's platform and I suspect they didn't design the power steering pump to rapidly move those giant 18" wheels and tires under a 4,000 lb vehicle.

nitely

Its been 18 days now since I got my new murano and I must say that it does have a little heavier steering in general compared to all the cars/trucks/vans that I have driven. Don't get me wrong, its very manageable. I really like it actually--its not far from my 15 year old civic. Its not as heavy as a small pickup truck without power steering - like the old mazda b2000 was it? I remember parallel parking those years back and you sweat man. NO its not like that at all. Its just when you drive the murano you know you are driving a heavier vehicle with bigger wheels. I have driven similar size vehicles and some of it has steering that is too lite that it scares me I might over steer it when maneuvering. I guess all I'm saying is that I really like my Black SE and I am very glad I bought it! My wife is even happier.

Later..

varsity96

On Edmunds.com it is listed that Murano runs on PREMIUM gas. Is anyone following this prescription, especially now with $2+/ gallon?
And if Premium only, then Murano and its CVT is not by far one of the most fuel efficient SUV's- as I red in some reviews.
What if I use regular gas? Murano is not a turbo engine

If anyone knows more about, please let me know if is OK for regular gas on 3.5L Nissan-Murano engine
Thanks in advance!
Dan

varsity96

please let me know if you use PREMIUM fuel, as indicated in the user's manual, or REGULAR gas ( especially now @ 2$+/ gallon).

dmmakoski

I use premium fuel. The Murano will run fine on regular fuel but will not perform as well.

All new engines have knock sensors. These sensors will advance the engine as much as possible so that you have more HP, more power, and better gas milage.

The system is able to provide more advance with premium fuel since it does not detonate (ping) as easy as regualar fuel.

dodoc2003

I use the intermediate grade fuel. No problems. Tried premium and regular. Didn't notice much difference. Even with using my AC, I am averaging 20-21 mpg on mixed highway and local traffic. Thus far, no problems with using intermediate grade, and I've got over 16K miles on it. Besides, it says Premium fuel recommended for maximum performance. Nowhere does it say that it is required.

dweiser

Had my MO since 2/1/03. Have tried all three grades of gasoline. Only difference I noticed is regular costs me approx. $.20 less per gallon than Premium. Vehicle runs just fine on regular. I'm not out racing other vehicles so I don't care about that aspect. My gas mileage doesn't seem to suffer on regular and my wallet suffers quite a bit less.

superdavid

I have a Midnight blue Murano with black leather interior since last September. Smooth SUV with good mileage in the highway.
But the summer is almost here, and seems the black leather attracts lots of heat wave, and the A/C struggles to cool down the interior fast.
I seldom see any Murano with cabernet leather around here, How does it look?? Does the cabernet leather get dirty easily by jeans or other materials? I am just curious, because I originally wanted to get a Murano with cabernet leather interior but could not find one.
Any feedback from Murano owner w/cabernet leather interior will be appreciated.

tinycadon

Does anyone know if there will be any major changes in the 2005 model? I can't seem to find anything on the net. Just curious so I can decide on whether or not to wait until the 05's come out or go ahead and get an 04.

superdavid

I have a Gold Security Plus extended warranty for up to 72 month/75000 miles from Nissan. I purchased it when I got my Murano for $1300.
I am thinking about to cancel it. Is the extended warranty worthy?? Can some of you guys with past Nissan experience tell me about it?
Any feedback will be appreciated.

scottva22

Superdavid: I have an '04 Black w/black leather and it's no hotter in the summer than my Maxima was with the gray leather.

Do you really like the Cabernet interior? I almost passed on a second test drive because the Murano I drove had the Cab interior, which I found frightening. But then again I don't understand the copper exterior, but it seems to be popular. To each his/her own I suppose.

superdavid

I agree with you. I just saw a new Quest in a Nissan dealer with cabernet leather inside. It looks very rare and orange alike, much like a color of basketball.
I guess I should be happy of what I got.

homeouner

Homeouner says: You got a good buy!! Why turn it in, do you plan to trade the MO in at the 36K/ mo. time

pros

My wife and I are looking at both the Highlander and Murano. She likes the funky design of the Murano. In reviewing other web sites I seem to be picking up on a lot of negative reviews about this SUV. Everything from faulty transmissions to bad paint and cheap plastic molding.

Can you current Murano drivers shed some light on that topic for me? Thanks!

bowke28

ive never heard of this one...

but it could be NON-murano owners talking about the fact that it doesnt shift...not the traditional way, anyway.

dij

Pros,

Keep in mind that people with complaints are more likely to post than people who are happy. I'll bet you find negative comments about ANY vehicle you're interested in if you check the boards for those vehicles.

You didn't mention the faulty alternators...

There's no way to know whether the problems you've seen mentioned are widespread or not since the percentage of owners who read and post on boards is pretty small.

There are lots of cars with horrible reputations that still sell like hotcakes. Nissan has a decent reputation. Drive your two choices, read reviews of both, read the boards for both, and decide.

I love my Mo. Haven't had it but about five weeks so can't comment on reliability, etc., but I'm happy so far.

dweiser

That's obviously what you want to do. I've had my "funky design" MO since 2/1/03 and I LOVE it! Are all the Highlander posts signing the praises with no negative comments from anyone? I strongly doubt it. I sometimes think people come to these forums with their minds already made up and then try to justify that bias by whatever negative post they can ferret out.

pcs15394

I've had mine for three months and would not drive another brand. I love it. As Car and Driver stated its like a 350Z with a huge trunk. As Dij stated, the majority of the people who post on these boards are going to post the negatives and keep the positives to themselves. How often do you let people know that everything in your life is wonderful versus when things are not going well. Also check the Highlander Problems and Solutions on this Forum. With over 1300 posts things aren't always wonderful with Highlanders either:
KarenS "Toyota Highlander Owners: Problems & Solutions" May 29, 2001 1:33pm!make=Toyota&model=Highlander&ed_makeindex=.ef00024

rjardine

Having watched this forum for quite some time finally took the plunge and now have a 2003 SL Gold/Latte(Canadian Package). Demonstrator with 3500km on the clock (approx 2200ml), warranty took effect the day I took delivery and price was nicely below invoice, which I got to see. (Dealer is in Rural Nova Scotia, Canada and as of a few days ago still had a 2003 Copper/Charcoal SL demo with 6000km to move off the lot). Thus far delighted with purchase - no squeaks or rattles, the CVT is phenominal and the mpg very good thus far, especially compared to previously owned Durango 4.7L V-8. However I have 3 questions that might be answered through this forum:
1) CVT light stays on for 2 seconds following ignition on, as per the manual. But I can find no other mention of this warning light in manual. Presume if it comes on while driving signifies problem with CVT. Would it flash or come on solid? If both - is one warning more serious than another?
2) The manual 'warns' to use the rear view mirror automatic anti-glare "only when neccesary" but it defaults to ON. Can this be changed by owner or dealer?
3) Radio - I have all six presets in A, B,& C set to local stations, a CD in disc 1 and a cassette loaded. Starting with a preset FM station and using the mode switch on the steering wheel I cycle from FM through CD, tape, am 1320 and back to the FM preselect. But I do not have 'am 1320' set up anywhere on the preselects so where is this coming from. (That was the local station the dealer had the radio tuned to, but not tunable in Halifax). It is as if there is the ability to have one specific station able to be selected quickly through the mode switch, but I can find nothing in the manual to confirm this is the case or any indication how to change or delete this item. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance to any who respond.

marvinkm

I run my headlights on the auto setting, which I like. Unfortunately, I can't find documentation on which setting is most sensitive. The computer gives me a choice of 1-4, with the default as 2. I didn't see anything in the documentation, but does anyone know which setting is most sensitive (ie: lights come on sooner in the evening)?

davy45

I have read that the 2005 Murano will correct the steering defect. Does anyone know what else may be changed from the 2004? The local dealer says no changes are planned, but they have lots of 2004's left to sell...just wondering since the 2005 Altima was updated to enhance the interior finishes..

tinycadon

Does anyone know how the stability control works on a 2wd Murano? I was under the impression that stability control breaks and sends power to the wheels that need it. I can understand how that would work in a AWD vehicle, but 2wd only has 1 pulling wheel in the front.

cariesbuster

Hi everyone,

I am just before purchasing a Murano. I have decided on a color, options, etc. but I need a towing power for a small boat (ca. 3300 lbs. together with the trailer). Please let me know which way I should go - AWD or FWD. I live in Florida and the AWD option is not so important to me as a way to dig myself out of the snow. The only concern is whether I'll be able to pull out the trailer with the boat out of the water with the FWD Murano. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!!

dmmakoski

I think it uses breaking i.e. applies brakes to correct skidding. I have AWD with it but our FWD Sienna also has it.

dmmakoski

I live in the snow region (CT) and always get AWD heck, I have four wheels I want them all working.

I jest, AWD is also very good in rain slick roads if you lose traction in front, some power will go to the rear. You can also lock front and back up to 18MPH to help you pull the boat out.

bowke28

#3...

the "mode" button cycles through AM to FM to CD to Cassette. the function brings up the last AM station that was tuned. if you want, you can change the AM station to one you like, and push the mode button from there. from then on, it will cycle to that station.

rjardine

Thnx for the response.
Seems the key is the last AM station TUNED to regardless of presets.

homeouner

Hi all. I have always obtained the service mamual for autos I have owned in the past. The MO 4 vol. set goes for apx. $320.99 & the CD is $220.00.if you inquire at the phone numbers in the owners manual. If you log on W/ the address given,you get into thr Nissan Tech. Sect. There you can subscribe to the CD of the service manual for 24 hrs. for $19.99, or for a week or a month. Every section has an index where you can view or print by the individual page or the entire section. If you stick with it,24 hrs. is enough time to get most of the items of interest. Get a full cartridge of ink and a lot of paper. Some sect. are 6 pages, others 250 pages.

dcstretch

Does anyone on the forum have any experience with this new option? I'm shopping Muranos and, otherwise, would probably prefer an SL, but did have the thought that automanual capability might help ease my reservations about the CVT's performance. On a theoretical level, also interested in how it works, given the lack of fixed ratios. What, exactly, is being selected when you tip up or down?

bowke28

when you select up or down, it uses a pre-programmed ratio for each "tip". it is still a CVT, though.

tinycadon

I've found an SE for around $300 under invoice, but the suspension is a concern. I've read nothing but bad reviews on it vs. the SL, I was wondering if it can be "De-Tunned" if you will, to act more like an SL?

dmmakoski

Firmer springs in the SE and I think either the front or the back (but not both) have firmer shocks/strut.

Like anything, some people prefer the SE firmer ride.

ccermak

Just go and drive them both back to back before you make a decision. May end up liking the SE for it's "sporting" nature ;-)

harryj1

I assume the AWD is active all the time and that the AWD lock is only for snow, mud etc up to 19MPH?

dij

It's my understanding that it's FWD until slippage is detected, then the AWD kicks in. IOW, it's not AWD 24/7.

bowke28

correct. 99% of the time, it will be a FWD vehicle.

ccermak

Is it the same computerized AWD system that's in the G35? ALTESSA it's called, or something like that....

dklanecky

No it's not the Skyline or G35 AWD (Altessa) system.

I have a 03 Murano SE with the AWD and it does what it's supposed to do which is help get you going when traction is less than ideal.

It's certainly nothing more than for emergency purposes and not a REAL 4WD in the off roading sense of the word.

I would suggest you check out the stability control system as well. I actually think that's more useful in everyday driving than the AWD (and I live and drive in Wisconsin)!

ccermak

How would you rate the Murano in WI's snowy winters? Did you have it this past winter? I'm in MN, northern suburbs. One of my primary requirements for my next vehicle (potentially a Murano this fall) is excellent snow capability. I'm tired of not having 4WD or AWD. I'm getting blizzaks for my Max this fall and probably buying my wife something with AWD and some cargo room to replace her Corolla. I wish Suburu made something bigger than the Outback. I want something bigger than a Murano, tow up to 6000lbs, but gets mileage like a Murano ;-). Hybrid pickup truck?

dklanecky

I picked up the Murano last July 26th. I think the Murano is OK in the snow. I drove on the all season tires last winter and it was decent, not great but OK. Certainly better ground clearance than the Maxima(s)(95 GLE and 00 SE) and better at getting started up and moving in slippery conditions than either of the Maximas.

The real weakness in any of them is the tires. Any dedicated snow tire will be far superior to the best all season tire, regardless of vehicle.

I lived in Minneapolis (well Blaine and Fridley) each for about 3 years. I didn't have snow tires back then (simply because I didn't know any better) but all three vehicles that I have now either already have or soon will have a seperate set of dedicated wheels and snow tires.

It's the only way to go if you must go in the snow and ice.

I think you can almost buy any (FWD or AWD)vehicle you like IF your willing to invest in the seperate set of snows and wheels. They make that much of a difference. Reliability of course may bring you back to Nissan but almost any vehicle becomes a much different vehcile with snow tires.

The confidence that you develop in knowing that you absolutely always have control of your vehicle is almost priceless (IMO) when the weather turns crappy as it often does in the upper midwest. The added benefit is that for the 4-5 months that your on the snows, your nice wheels and tires are resting in the garage, waiting for better weather so your tires and wheels all last significantly longer. I normally get 3-4 years out of a set of snows and about the same for regular tires and we drive a lot of miles.

I already bought the extra set of wheels for the Murano's snow tires for later this year but haven't bought the snow tires themselves yet.

18" snow tires were in very short supply last winter as I think the tire manufacturers were caught short of any 18" tires in general.

paulie

Does anyone know if Nissan plans to unbundle the Dynamic Control Package from the over $4000 SL Touring Package + Premium Package + Power Glass Sunroof + SL Leather Package?

I can live with the sunroof (really don't want one) and most all the other goodies but being forced into leather seats (Cafe Latte to boot - YUCK!) has turned me away from the Murano.

Are you listening Nissan?

bowke28

nissan isnt responsible for your taste...or lack thereof. ;-)