Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • hasaanbhuttahasaanbhutta Member Posts: 9
    well same thing happened to me on an expressway travelling at 90kmph.... the car just stopped and it turned out to be the alternator... damn nissan should do a recall on these things. it would really suck if this happens after the warranty expires.... and that is the reason i belive they dont want a recall on these machines. make more $$$. already paid like $45K what else do they need.

     

    canadian drivers can check for the recalls on their vehicles at this site

    http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/recalls/search_e.asp

    this shows 2 recalls made for Nissan Murano 2003
  • pf2001pf2001 Member Posts: 110
    Hi all,

      I have an 04 SL AWD. When I drive, I can hear alittle rattling noise from the overhead light console. The light cover has some slack to it.

    I was wondering if anyone else has this minor problem and is there a fix?

     

    Should I worry about the bad alternator on my model as well?

     

    Thanks.
  • 46128404612840 Member Posts: 2
    I spoke to my service writer at Hall Nissan about a call back on the MO alternators as per many post on this forum. He said not enough of them going bad for a national call back. As posted here alt. failure resulted in shut down of engine. My ser. writer said engine would continue to run till the battery went dead??? hours mabey, enough time to get to the nearest dealer. I think this is outreagious, really gives the owners a lot of confidence in the car. It sure puts a lot of burden on the car owner.
  • ts1234ts1234 Member Posts: 21
    Is the Alternator problem fixed in the 2005

    models?
  • 46128404612840 Member Posts: 2
    More on post #570 about alternators, service writer said the alt. prob. was not mechanical, but electrical.???
  • sboruskesboruske Member Posts: 1
    i had purchased my murano in april 04 and on feb. 05 i have had a bit of bad luck. do you know that your murano has a plastic unprotected gas tank. yes a plastic gas can that is not covered under warranty if anything happen to it. please advise any family or friends that are looking in to buy this safety hazard.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Deformable plastic fuel tanks are a safety feature used by Formula 1 race cars and many passenger cars (the Jag S-Type for example).

    "Research has shown that plastic tanks of high-density poly-ethylene have about the same dynamic rupture resistance as conventionally constructed metal fuel tanks." In addition designers can place the tank where it can deform or displace rather than remain stationary and be cut." link

    If the Murano tank was placed in an unprotected place from a safety standpoint, it likely would have received notice from the IIHS (the '04 Sienna with plastic gas tanks was recalled because their tanks leaked when crashed).

    Just what happened to your tank?

    Steve, Host
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Well since he hasn't come back to respond or follow up, I guess we can write this compaint off as unfounded, or at least undefined?

    After watching my neighbor replacing his steel fuel tank on his F150 truck yesterday, I'm thinking plastic is the way to go for long life anyhow.
  • lanwarriorlanwarrior Member Posts: 2
    I am not sure if anyone pays attention to the speedometer, but with my 2005 Murano SE, the speedometer is lagging when the car moves, especially from a full stop. i.e. from a full stop, I'd hit the accelerator slowly and the car begin to move, but the speedometer stays at "0" for about 1 seconds before it moved.

    Is this normal?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Does the lag only occur when starting from zero speed? I wouldn't worry about it if it only happens under those conditions.

    tidester, host
  • lanwarriorlanwarrior Member Posts: 2
    Tidester,

    Yes, it only occurs when moving from zero speed. However, I did furhter tests and found out the speedometer actually lags for 2-3 seconds. Shouldn't this be instant?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I don't think a brief lag on starting is anything to worry about. I'd be concerned if the speedometer jumped around wildly.

    tidester, host
  • eweisseweiss Member Posts: 11
    Hi, been gone for a while. Thanks for the reply. Yes, my dealer has replaced that part twice now, but no joy. I'm working w/ the service manager to get it fixed. Going in next week. We'll see what happens...
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    I just want to report back to you guys regarding my experience with my 2004 Murano SL AWD...I got over 12,000 km now and my average fuel consumption this winter here in Canada has gone up. My OBC show my average as 14.4/100km (6.9km/liter) or 16.2MPG...but my paper record shows that I'm getting an average of 6.1km/liter!! A major discrepancy from my OBC...Using the 10 to 12km/liter as posted, this is obviously at least 40-50 percent loss! Does anyone encounter the same problem? The reason I bought this car is for fuel consumption but I'm totally disappointed.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    I'm in Wisconsin, so we have some cold weather here. I drive primarily two 20 mile trips per day. One is on the freeway at about 65-70 MPH and the other is on surface streets at about 35-40 MPH.

    I use only premium (93 octane here)and manually calculate every tank as well as compare the electronic calculation for each tank. I also run 36 lbs of air in each tire.

    My average over 33,xxx miles is 19.8 MPH.

    My driving habits are to let the Murano warm up for 2-3 minutes before I drive it (when it's below 20 degrees outside only) and I try to keep the rpms under 2000 all the time.

    What kind of driving are you doing to get that low of mileage? Lots of short (less than 5 miles)trips? Using what grade of gas? Where do you keep you tire pressure set?
  • shop4shop4 Member Posts: 17
    My Murano is 18 months old with 25,000 miles, and all told, it is a pretty nice vehicle. But I continue to experience a problem that many of have had--Doors Locking Themselves. Nissan has never really acknowledged a problem, but two different dealers have, and supposedly fixed it. But just yesterday again, while fueling, all doors locked. Yes I take the keys out. But I do find it very annoying, and troublesome. Anybody else continue to have this problem?
  • drh2drh2 Member Posts: 3
    Change the auto-relock time settings
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    Thanks for responding dklanecky.

    I normally warm-up the engine at least 2 minutes or more depending on our winter here...I travel at least 15km one way ( 2 km local street at 60 and 80 km posted combined ) and the majority is at highway at 100km posted..I don't normally travel during the rush hour...my rpm is mostly below 2000.. and I drive well to make my car last long at leasr 10 years.( my 1996 dodge caravan is still in top shape and I'm still getting 8km/liter despite its age).

    My tire pressure is checked every oil change at 5000km...I was using a premium gas before but no noticeable difference in mileage so I switched to medium grade and just recently to regular grade...

    Honestly, I will take 19MPH ave anytime.....

    With the numbers of MO out there, it is possible that others may have the same problem as mine.
  • donnzdonnz Member Posts: 7
    I also have a 2004 Murano. Driver's side door locks, usually when fueling, and key in ignition.
    Have taken to dealer twice. They say there is not a TSB. First time for this problem. Any truth in that statement. As I have had a 2003 350Z with the tire-feathering problem, I tend to distrust Nissan and their dealers.
  • mrmistermrmister Member Posts: 4
    I have my eye on an 05 SL FWD, but with all the postings that I see, I'm having serious thoughts about it now, especially the car dying while driving, that really concerns me, since I like doing road trips a lot. Has this issue been addressed for the 05 models. I understand all cars will have minor defects here and there, I can live with those as long as it doesn't compromise safety. Appreciate all input.
    Regards. Newbie
  • homeounerhomeouner Member Posts: 145
    I posted a note last Thanksgiving about my 04 MO stalling on I-85 east of Atlanta, Ga. Just did the same trip two wks. ago then another 2000 ml. to So. FL. $ back to Va. W/ no problems. The only fix at that time was to reconnect all the wiring sockets into the computers.
    Got 22-24 MPG @ 70-80 MPH. At 16.5K noticed feathering of inside tread on the two left tires after two rotations. Dealer did me a favor & checked the alignment as it was over the 12000 limit to adjust problems on a new car??, found tow-in out,and reset it. Would not fix a rattle in the dash unless he was replacing a part,said rattles at that milage was for me to pay for, but he did do the alignment. I think a tooth pick under the panel will stop this rattle. MO easy to drive but stay away from bumpy roads. The alternator OK so far.
  • mrmistermrmister Member Posts: 4
    appreciate the reply. knowing what you know now will that stop you or anyone else out there from getting another MO ?

    Regards.
  • dan bitmandan bitman Member Posts: 158
    Please refer to my posts on Nissan Murano section of this forum
    Very poor MPG is a known issue for Nissan, and they tried to fix it for the 2005 Murano model.
    CVT is not as fuel efficient as advertised.
    Gas grade is only recommended PREMIUM, should not matter from MPG p.o.v., unless you really run for performance.
    In fact for 2005, recommended grade is ….REGULAR….
    Dan
  • driven2bedriven2be Member Posts: 1
    Evey time I've seen the Murano on the freeway I think, "Wow! What's that!" Now that I am getting over the drama of my 98 Blazer catching fire and burning up completely on the side of the freeway less than two weeks ago, I am trying to be diligent and research this car I am so interested in. Any comments from owners re your experiences good or bad would be very appreciated re esp SL AWD. Thank you and safe driving.
  • blufftonbluffton Member Posts: 3
    The problem is that the design of the door lock lever on the inside of the driver's side door is integrated with the door opening mechanism. When you open your door, sometimes you push it and engage the lock. The Murano does not have a self correcting feature to unlock the door if it is closed in the "locked" position as many other cars do. Hence, you lock yourself out, especially if the other three doors in the car were in the locked position when you opened and closed the driver's door. My letters to Nissan Customer service on this issue have gone unanswered, but my local dealer acknowledges this as a design problem.
  • blufftonbluffton Member Posts: 3
    I have experienced this often, and Nissan is unwilling/unable to rectify the problem. The lock mechanism needs to be changed to make it impossible to lock the door my merely engaging the lock lever on an open door from the inside without holding the outside lever as the door is closed. This safety feature is typical on many lesser cars than the Murano.
  • blufftonbluffton Member Posts: 3
    I have an accompanying loud sound -- a jolt-- coming from the steering mechanism up front when I turn the wheel at no or low speeds. Is this related to the pump issue?
  • donnzdonnz Member Posts: 7
    My 2004 Murano is at the dealer as I type....2nd day. Tuesday, I had an appointment to have them "fix" the locking door problem. They said, "this is the first time they have had this problem". Well, not believing that statement, especially after viewing the posts on this board, I went to a website for Murano recalls/or technical service bulletins. I found a TSB for "the keyless entry". Called the dealer and gave THEM the TSB number. They have ordered the parts to repair the wiring harness in the Driver's door. NOW....my only problem is.....CAN THEY INSTALL IT CORRECTLY?
    I will let everyone know.....if this works!
  • mark35mark35 Member Posts: 2
    I've had the self-locking problem for a year (bought mine in Aug 2003) and dealer said they think it's water getting in the door and shorting the lock module. Told him it was dry when this happens, which is when the gas flap is open. Can't leave the keys in the car when filling!

    How do I re-set the "auto re-lock" time?

    Averaging no better than 19-20 mpg calculated, regardless of type of driving. Two tanks ago, display showed only "19.4" for mpg for the whole tank of gas. Then next tank showed only "*". This tank it's showing "99.9" continuously. Wish I got that fuel economy!! Anyone else getting this problem?

    Persistent door and dash rattles since new. Driver's seat bottom assembly crunches as my weight shifts forward and back (no, I only weigh 150), and am getting fairly high engine vibration. Too bad it has quality problems, because it looks great and drives great.
  • mark35mark35 Member Posts: 2
    I got that, too and finally took the cover out of my car - it's sitting in the garage.
  • texiantexian Member Posts: 7
    Mine gets at most 12 MPG in the city and 18 - 20 on the road. The strange thing is that when we were in Colorado we got 23 -25 mpg once we got up to altitude. Our dealer, Bates Nissan of Killeen, TX, says "they're concerned" but have done nothing to fix the problem. Nissan says we're sorry but not our fault. I kick myself 'cuz I let them string me out thinking they would fix it and my time limit on the lemon law ran out. I have cost them 10 times the dollar amount it would have taken them to fix the problem but I'm very disappointed with both the dealer and Nisssan. The owner promised me the Nissan rep was coming in January and he would make sure I was there. What month is this?
  • shop4shop4 Member Posts: 17
    I too found the TSB for keyless entry and gave it to the dealer. They claim to have never seen this. The car was fixed as per Nissans instructions 8 months ago. It continues to have the same sporadic locking problem when both fueling, and when parked. I have seen numerous "lock-outs" of Muranos at the Car Wash. Thats why I never give the remote to any valet or car wash. As far as the poor gas mileage--the mechanics acknowledge the problem, but not the service advisor at the desk, nor Nissan. When the temperature dips below freezing, the mileage drops at the same rate. I am also having trouble with the AUTO climate control. One day you get in and set it, the next day you get in and the settings change. Not every time, but often enough. BUT-the vehicle is awesome to drive, comfortable, powerful, and an attention grabber!
  • donnzdonnz Member Posts: 7
    I just checked my gas mileage today. 18.8 MPG...2004 SL FWD. I bought the FWD over the AWD, thinking I would get better gas mileage. Guess I need to slow down, or better yet...park it. 80% of my driving is highway, but slow stop & go driving in commuter traffic. Maybe 18.8 MPG is good?
  • satristasatrista Member Posts: 15
    I have a brand new 05 SL Murano and have discovered a glitch with the nav display. I've been trying to learn how to use all the gadgets it has and wanted to adjust the door lock time and headlight sensitivity. When I get in the car I don't have the option, Electronic System Settings. Yet when my husband gets in, he does. We've tried the experiment repeatedly with the same results. Anyone else ever encounter this? Obviously I'm going to take it in for service at some point, but I need a little time to find all the little things that need taking care of. That's just part of owning a new vehicle.
  • huzehuze Member Posts: 1
    I've been eyeing the 2005 Murano for the past month or so and during my research I came across a Consumer Reports article that states the car requires Premium gasoline. However, the dealership and the sales hotline both say the car runs fine with Regular gasoline.

    For anyone that OWNS a Murano, can you please shed some light on this matter? Does the car run fine with Regular gasoline?
  • gokadengokaden Member Posts: 28
    I just received my '05 Murano SL FWD 2 weeks ago, and realized this morning that there was a 10 inch crack arcoss the front windshield.

    There was a 1 mm rock chip at one end of the crack, but there wasn't a freeze or hughe temperature fluctation to cause a crack.

    Anyway, I'll be out some cash to fix it, but I'd like to know if anyone else out there has this same problem or if the Murano glass iv extra suceptible to cracks? None of my previous cars had this issue...
  • satristasatrista Member Posts: 15
    Huze
    I'm running regular in mine. It's my understanding that 87 Octane is fine but "for maximum performance use Premium". As mine is brand new, I'll run a couple of tanks at regular then bump it up and see what happens.
  • jmeitzjmeitz Member Posts: 15
    My wife does alot of stop and go city and Hwy driving and uses 87 octane and averages 21.3 with 2100 miles on the car.
  • stutzstutz Member Posts: 1
    This happened to me a few days ago, in the car's first week. The dealer wanted $1143 (plus labor!) for the Nissan OEM replacement. But this replacement arrived at the dealer's with a similar crack!! Hence they obtained a non-OEM replacement for about half the cost.

    One wonders if the insurance industry has records on the frequency of this problem. If it is frequent, they should recall the cars to put in better glass.
  • gokadengokaden Member Posts: 28
    Stutz,

    Yes, I'll go call my insurance agent to see what te numbers are for the Murano windshield failures.

    Wow, $1100 for a replacement windscreen? I had mine replaced by Safelite for $256+tax by their mobile unit, with the Nissan OEM part. I guess you can try them out the next time(hopefully not) and they even have a lifetime guarantee on labor and the glass.

    If even the replacement windscreen from your dealer came in cracked, then Nissan might really have a problem on their hands.

    Like I mentioned, living here in TX, we don't have large temperature swings to cause such a large crack so quickly (10" overnight!).
  • burmesepythonburmesepython Member Posts: 1
    Hi

    Do you know if this problem with the alternator still exists for the 2005 Muranos? I just bought a 2005 SL in Canada.
  • donnzdonnz Member Posts: 7
    Check with your insurance agent. Most OTC coverage for broken/cracked windshields has a "0" deductible.
  • ridgeline_2006ridgeline_2006 Member Posts: 19
    I can not open the gas cap to pump gas. Can some one help me to fix this problem. I read and followed the intruction on the manual section 3-11 and still can not open. Any recall on this problem. thanks...
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    I have never experienced the door locking problem with my 2005 SL. The new auto-opening option solves the lock-out problem. :)

    As for windshield problems, the type of crack and chip that was described comes from road hazards, a small rock thrown from a truck's wheels ahead of you, a small nut thrown up. This is not the type of defect seen with production problems, and the windshields are not made by Nissan in any event. If one is so gullible as to have the screen replaced by a dealer, they deserve to pay that price. :P

    We are well over 5,000 miles, averaging 22 combined mileage. Highway is obviously closer the the stated MPG. If you thought the Murano, at its weight, would be a gas champ, think again....

    Regular Unleaded @ 87 Octane is now called for by Nissan, as noted in an earlier post in this forum.
  • ridgeline_2006ridgeline_2006 Member Posts: 19
    Hello Murano owners, I am talking about the Fuel Filler lid not the gas cap. This lid (door) would not open. I followed the owner's manual and still could not open.
  • chrisbudchrisbud Member Posts: 1
    I also have a 2004 Murano demo that I bought in the beginning of Feb 2005 with 490 miles on it and just the other day, my windshield had a good size crack in it. Called dealer to see if they would cover and they said no. Also asked if they have problems with Nissan windshields as my husband had a 2002 and now a 2003 Altima and both got cracks and my father-in-law has a 2003 Altima that had a crack in it. They stated they've had no problems which I can't believe. We are having the glass repaired by a glass company that comes to you. Way cheaper then the dealer. Also was told to ask your insurance company about an auto glass deductible. Most major carriers have these and they are cheaper then your collision or comprehensive deductable.
  • gerapaugerapau Member Posts: 211
    Depending on the cost to fix the windshield I would be wary about getting the insurance company involved. Many companies, including the one I am with, give reduced rates for a certain number of claim free years. While claiming a cracked windshield may get your new windshield free it may end up costing you in the end. For example, the company I am with gives a 7% rebate for 5 years of claim free driving. This works out to about $85 per year for me. Over 5 years this means that claiming a windshield would cost me $425 in increased rates (provided I had no other claims). You should be able to pick up a new windshield for less than this.

    Also, while probably illegal, many auto glass places will give you a better deal if you say that you are paying for the windshield (as opposed to getting it covered by insurance). I once had to replace the windshield on a 1997 Caravan. The place I went to quoted me $450 CA if I was getting it covered by insurance and $300 if I was paying myself. At the time I had a $250 deductible so I just payed the $300 and left my insurance company out of it.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I just payed the $300 and left my insurance company out of it.

    That's not illegal! :)

    tidester, host
  • easym1easym1 Member Posts: 218
    Thanks dan bitman...I read your post regarding the reprogramming of the CVT software for 2005 models to get better mileage. Is it possible to take my 2004 Murano to the dealership and get it reprogrammed? Or does any of our reader know if there is a re-call to re-calibrate our CVT?
  • heelntoeheelntoe Member Posts: 21
    With only a little short of 1000 miles on my wife's new SL AWD with Touring and VDC that we picked up in February, we're getting about 18mpg, according to the computer. Our driving mix is largely "city", or more accurately suburban errand-running, etc. Probably less than 10% of our driving has been on restricted access interstate. I am running premium (93 around here) fuel in the car. Seeing as the motor is going to need a few thousand miles to loosen up, this seems reasonable, especially considering it takes restraint on my part to avoid going over 4000 rpm as recommended by the manual during the first 1200 miles. Heck... my 4x4 Ram 1500 with the Hemi gets 10mpg taking me back and forth to work so... who's complaining? (It gets parked shortly as the Miata takes up commuter duty come May...)

    For the record, I don't think that Nissan's fuel recommendations nor CVT programming has changed. Perhaps somebody with an 03 or 04 can confirm the verbiage in their manual but... My 2005 manual reads:

    Use unleaded regular gasoline with a octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock-Index) number (Research octane number 91).

    For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Research octane number 96).


    The fuel filler cap reads:

    Premium unleaded fuel is recommended for maximum performance.

    Clearly, long-term use of regular gasoline is not going to cause any damage but you will give up an incremental degree of performance. Most folks will probably never notice. Accordingly, it follows that if your driving habits remain unchanged and your engine is making, for arguments sake, 10hp less, fuel mileage would also be decreased very marginally as well. If it's any like other vehicles like my Ram which actually recommends 89 octane, you'd be most likely to see the difference under heavy load, towing or if you put your foot in it frequently.

    I don't expect that Nissan would *recall* the Murano even if they did reprogram the CVT as this is not a safety-related issue. They may issue a TSB to be addressed on the customer's next service or if the customer were to inquire. A search of current TSBs issued for 03 and 04 Murano's doesn't seem to produce anything directly related to reprogramming the CVT.
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