Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair

deepblue626

i want to take our my Nissan Murano headlight bubles and put in an HID, but how to take our the light bubles?

cowtown

I think Nissan Canada is using the IMPERIAL Gallon which is larger than the US Gallon.The Imp gal is 20% bigger than the US gal. Litres is the eaiest way to compare...but I still understand mpg better !!

gwhitso

Hi All,

I have a 2003 Pearl White Nissan Murano. Looking closely at the paint I am seeing what is rust colored spots that are increasing and getting bigger. I have taken my Murano back to the dealership twice which they have buffed the car and the spots go away - short term!! As I stated earlier they are continuing to grow larger and increase in quantity. They are all over my car. With a pearl white car, you can definetely notice them. I am now obsessed with looking at every Nissan pearl white Murano and have noticed it on other cars. I have also noticed it on the silver Murano's. Does anyone have this issue? I have called Nissan and they said they are not aware of the problem. Thanks

easym1

Nissan can't deny that you have a problem. In my experience, many dealerships best excuse is 'WE ARE NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM' or something similar...the'll deny the problem and hope you'll go away..but the problen can be seen with their eyes...it doesn't need a rocket scientist to see your problem exist. One piece of advice...don't let them push you around...if you scream loud enough, they might be able to hear you....There is no excuse for a 2 years old car to have lots of corrossions or even a spot...The only possible way is someone scratched your car to the metal and was exposed to winter salt, then you'll see the area turning brown eventually.

luciarb

I have the same problem. My Murano has a DVD player. When the DVD was on, I experienced a great deal of static on the radio. This has now been fixed, however, the sound no longer comes throuhg the speakers as it used to. The dealer can't seem to figure it out and nobody seems to have any literature on it. ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM?

luciarb

My Murano has a DVD installed in the middle console. Even though it was on the sticker when I got, the dealer now tells me it was not factory installed. For the longest time, whenever the DVD was on, it interfered with the radio. The dealer fixed the problem after having the car for 3 days. When I first got the car, the sound from the DVD could be heard on over the speakers when the radio was set to station 86.7. After the fixed it, the sound no longer comes over the speakers...only througth the headphones. Anyone have a Murano with a DVD? I have retuned to the dearlership several times and they have no other Muranos with the DVD on the lot and they can't seem to give me any information. I would appreciate your help if you have encountered the same problem.

adenky

I have a 2 yr old Murano. Just replaced the alternator at 48,000 miles. No warranty, very $$. Dealer said they had replaced 4-5 already, I started digging around and found this forum>very nice, seems like a recall was needed. Had AWD light come on in a heavy rain just after a few 100 miles, dealer replaced some switch(sorry, can't remember details). Oil plug left lose after oil change, a big complaint to my dealer, where you would think you would get better service. Noise under dashboard area that is driving me crazy, visor doesn't stay intact, brakes squeal when backing up, beginning to wonder what's next.....

ricklaugh

I am a frustrated 2005 Quest owner experiencing lousy gas mileage as well. I thought I would check other forums for the same issue. It appears that this is a consistent issue. My Quest was advertised as 19 city and 26 hwy. I am averaging 16 city and 19 to 20 hwy. This is well below what was advertised. If a class action suit develops, please post in all forums.

andytommo

I've read so many posts on the mpg issue now, some people are happy, some aren't. Personally, I believe it is a LOT to do with how the car's are driven. Unfortunately/fortunately (depending on how you look at it) the Murano just begs to be driven in a sporty/non gas conserving way! Every time I fill up, I reset the average mpg and try my hardest to keep it at a respectable figure, and I manage to keep it around 22/23....but then after 100 miles or so I get bored and let loose, and boy does it drop.
Secondly, I want to know who out there is making all the money off oil - oil prices last friday hit 8-week lows, yet gas prices are still at 8 week highs....as soon as there is a threat that oil prices might rise a little, gas prices jump, but not vice versa.....
Thirdly, I'm from the UK, but driving a Murano over here in the US (I wish mine had the modifications theyre making on the UK ones - we're a bit fussier about how our cars handle over there, I have the SE, which, although for the type of vehicle were talking about handles amazingly, it still feels a bit wallowy). Europe is big on diesel, and I know for some reason Americans are against the idea, but gas prices arent going back to $1.50 levels for a long time, if ever, so why oh why do all car manufacturers here insist on putting such big, thirsty engines in their vehicles. Modern TDi and CDi engines are not noisy, are not smelly, are surprisingly powerful and return around 40-50% superior gas mileage. The new Mercs E320 Cdi is quieter and FASTER than its gas counterpart, and manages an avg 32mpg!!!! The UK equivalent of the Ford Taurus, size wise, I have driven numerous times and with the diesel engine averaged 45mpg.
If we want better fuel economy, the technology is there, we just need to press the manufacturers here in the US to start using it.

In the mean time, to all Murano owners, cruise control helps your economy - if I have cruise set at 55mph, I can go UPHILL on the Ben Franklin Bridge, and my instant readout will still be 28mpg; judge traffic ahead, if there's a red light 300 yards ahead, stop accelerating, coast to a stop; don't sit and idle ------ I couldnt believe reading a previous post that someone thought sitting and warming your car up on a cold day leads to better fuel economy! Not at all, for those 10 minutes, you average precisely ZERO mpg. At least a. while your driving and warming your car, you average minimum of 10mpg (better than zero?!?!) and b. your car warms quicker when the engine is sat at above idle.

PS I also took my Murano back to the dealer today to look again at the transmission with the randomly fluctuating revs upon slowing down, and also a few other minor things, like the front power outlet keeps blowing all the other power outlets, and my nav unit keeps coming up with a disc error. All being fixed under warranty. Great dealer. Also having Sirius fitted, can't wait.

andytommo

Just a quickie, I forgot to mention this in my last post...

YES, the back does get dirty easily doesnt it. I have the dark blue Murano, which shows up every speck of dirt.

The worst thing is, the majority of car washes I've been to, for some reason, always seem to do a half hearted job on the tailgate (I'll use the American word for it, I admit, our English word 'boot', might be a tad confusing!) and it ends up as dirty as it went in.

I actually enjoy washing my car by hand anyway, especially now the weather is getting better, and that way you don't miss bits (or kick yourself when you do).

Actually, while on the car wash theme, if you wash your car by hand once a week instead of going to a drive through, the $8 you save more than makes up for the not quite as advertised fuel economy some people are experiencing.

Oh, this turned into a longer post than I thought.....sry!

eke11y

i've noticed a change in that "smooth" cvt when i hit the 30,000 miles mark. at 20-25 mph the transmission gives and i feel the car jerking and pulling. my friend had a similar problem, but instead of fixing it, he traded it in for an armada. whats going on? is my dealer gonna give me a new transmission? what shall i do? what should i expect? and why wont they uphold the lemon law if some of y'all have taken your cars in 5 times for the same problem? and what? i'm going to have paint issues? i have a murano in sunlit copper cant tell if its rusting away, but i do have two spots on my hood. i thought that was from eroding bird crap.

gerapau

I realize Canada uses the Imperial gallon but all my figures were in US gallons. The Nissan Canada website only has metric and I converted those numbers to US gallons. Their city rating is slightly lower (19.6mpg vs 20mpg) than the US Nissan website and their highway rating is higher (26.7mpg vs 24mpg). In Canada the estimates come from Transport Canada and in the US they come from the EPA.

gerapau

Don't plan on winning any lawsuit on mileage against Nissan. The mileage numbers come from the EPA and not Nissan (actually Nissan does actually calculate the numbers but does so based on tests designed by the EPA). Getting lower than expected mileage is not a Nissan problem though. All manufacturers are getting complaints about lower than expected fuel mileage. The EPA is currently working on revising their testing methods because of a large number of complaints.

oracle3

I want to buy Nissan Murano SE AWD 2003 0r 2005 and a friend told me that the maintenance cost is higher than unusual ! Is this true?

easym1

Based on my previous experience, imports cost more for repairs than North American cars....NA car parts are also easy to get..I don't see it changing...Steve, our host should be able to give us a better idea.

stever

You can run a comparison with Edmunds' True Cost to Own tool. It estimates maintenance costs 5 years out (as well as depreciation and other costs).

Steve, Host

oracle3

easym1

Hi Steve,
The systen does not accept my POSTAL CODE...we don't use ZIP CODE here in Canada...or maybe you can lend me your ZIP CODE?.

tidester

The information in True Cost to Own ratings at Edmunds is only for locations in the U.S. You could "borrow" a Zip Code such as 12345 but be aware that many variables will not conform to your real location and will likely produce unreliable results.

tidester, host

wavslide

I drive 21K a year to work plus another 8K for pleasure. An extended warranty would be up in 3 years. I also looked at the Honda CRV and the Hyundai Tucson. Of course the Murano is the best driver, then the Hyundai. I can save about 10K with the Hyundai, and what I read makes me question the overall dependability of the Murano. The Murano rides great and fits my style.

murano_euro

I could get the Euro model, soon. But I'm not sure about 2 specific items, maybe anyone knows the Euro model or also owns it. (1) in Europe, Nissan made 300 changes in order to improve the car - but they killed the fog lamps (costs???). Has anybody an idea, what I need to mount them to the car or if the cables are already there? Maybe I just need the socket and the lamps. (2) They also killed the Homelink rear view mirror. Do you know whether the power link of the European mirror is similar to the US model? Then I could just get me the US mirror (the frequency range should be the same). Thanks a lot in advance!!!

viffer

Hello there gerepau. Just took a look in here after a month absence and I see that mileage is still a topic.
Now that I have 4K on my 05 in both highway and town/city I have an odd mileage comparison. Fact is, it has never varied more than 1/2 MPG tank to tank. 23.5 in town and 23.5 on the highway. Just did a 750 mile trip with two mountain bikes hanging off the back with three guys and another 150 lbs of equipment. Speeds were 70-80 MPH. As mentioned in an earlier post, the accuracy of the MO MPG R/O is within a tenth every time I have checked.

gerapau

Nice to see you back viffer. 23.5 is not too bad for the highway but you get the same in the city? Lucky you! As far as the computer's calculated mpg is concerned, I have found that if I drive relatively slowly the computer is not far off. If, however, I drive aggressively it tends to be less accurate.

I am curious though who programmed the MO's computer display. Whoever did it wasn't too good at converting Fahrenheit to Centigrade. 0 C (which is 32 F) shows up as 30 F. 20 C (which is 68 F) shows up as 65 F. Not a big deal I guess but the formula for converting F to C isn't that difficult to get right (F = ((C * 9)/5)+32).

jcahouston

I also have a 2003 sl AWD purchased in April 2003 with 21,000 mi. I have the driver door lock problem. The driver door will lock after I exit. This occurs intermittantly and I cannot associate any related events to trigger the lock. I have tried and tried to recreate the problem, but cannot. I had the service notice fix applied by a dealer with no postitive results. My next step is to print documentation from this forum and take it to my dealer to substantiate the problem.

jcahouston

I have the same auto drivers door lock problem with my 2003 Murano. Can you tell me how to find the TSB?

cowtown

Hi,

I've just about got 1000km on my 2005 AWD SL and I calculated combined driving as 21.5 mpg (Imp Gal). That was with "regular" fuel
Didn't mean to insult you, gerapau, about Imp vs US, just wanted to bring it to the attention of our American friends ...
I've switched to "premium" to see if it makes any difference. How long until the vehicle is considerd broken in ?
Cowtown

stever

Other Canadians use a US postal code near their city and that seems to suffice since most Canadians live within 100 klicks of the border. I love Canada but it would irritate me to have to buy invoice pricing information. Edmunds has a Spanish version aimed at Latinos, but I don't think we've ever done a Canadian version.

On the plus side, you guys often get some more options thrown in free (heavy duty starting packages, heated mirrors, block heaters, etc.).

Finally, you get to make fun sayings out of your postal codes - I used to know the famous one from Vancouver (?) about vacuuming.... I should email Mary Lou Finlay and ask her what it was.

Steve, Host

easym1

Hi Steve,
I don't quite understand when you say I GET TO MAKE FUN SAYING OUT OF OUR POSTAL CODE??????...I previously asked you to lend me a ZIP CODE to allow me to enter the site that you provided regarding COST OF MAINTENANCE ( our postal code can't be accessed)...and to get an idea on how the COST is being measured...No one is making fun of anyone...I was hoping that you can lend me a ZIP CODE number that I can use to enter the site if you don't mind...but if that's not OK, I hope one of our American friends can lend me a ZIP CODE.

stever

I just meant that our zip codes are boring, unless you're a fan of 90210 (Beverly Hills). With letters and numbers, you get to make up mnemonics to remember your codes. And some are funny mnemonics. The most famous is the one created for Santa at North Pole H0H 0H0.

Anyway, you didn't mention where you are - if you're near Toronto, do a net search for a Detroit area zipcode, or Seattle if you're out west, etc.

Steve, Host

easym1

OK STEVE AND THANKS.

homeouner

I have had my MO for 15 months & 17,555 miles W/ no alt. problems, but just one engine stalling, that has not reoccured. I called the Customer Relations Dept., told her about the numerous posts on Edmunds about ALT. failures. We who drive MO's always have this break down in the back of our mind so I asked when the call back would occur. The rep. said that would be a very expensive and it is being handled on an individual basis(at failure) and covered under warantee. I have driven previous cars 100K W/ no alt. problems. I suggest all posters call the 800 # in the manuals and encourage Nissan to remedy this issue. She also said the number of failures does warrant a call back.

easym1

I now got close to 14500 km on my 2004 Murano SL AWD..I noticed that in several occassions, when I came from a stop and then run at low speed, there's this funny sound that feels like the car will stall...but as I gain speed, it dissapears...Has anyone noticed this?

hjain05

I agree I currently at 49K miles and there have been a lot of issues with this Nissan Murano.

I have had some major issues along with these small annoying ones. I have had the Alternator, transmission, and the catalytic convertor replaced within the last year. It all started at 22K miles and has not stopped since!!!!!

Has anyone else faced these issues? And to makes things worse Nissan1 is a joke they will not help with anything and will not take responsibility for anything after warranty is finished. Everyone should be alert and listen for all the little issues and get them to fix it ASAP.

pf2001

Hi all,
I noticed this happened twice while merging and pressing on the pedalpretty hard. I noticed a vibrating noise from somewhere in the fron dashboard, but once I let up on the pedal. It disappears. Anyone have this problem?
Thanks.

pulgar

The owners manual says to have this filter replaced by dealer, but it is VERY expensive. How can I do it myself??

dklanecky

The filter is about $30, and you can change it yourself. It's located directly behind the upper portion of the glove box door is removed, you have clear access to the filter housing.

You can buy a subscription to the nissan tech info web site for 24 hours for $20. This will be the best $20 you'll ever spend if you like to do any work on your own vehicles.

That $20 will allow you to download the entire factory service manual for the Murano, or any other Nissan made since 2000. You really need to be on a high speed internet connection as the manual is made up of BIG PDF files, and each one has to be saved to your hard drive in order to review and search them later. I think there are 42 different sections for the Murano.

It's by far one of the best "perks" of owning a nissan.

The web site is at:http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/nissan/

The cabin filter is really easy to change, especially if you are willing to bend the glove box door sides in a bit to get it off it's hinges (and lower it so you can get at the filter housing without removing the whole door).

fred21

I just bought my Murano a Week ago and I am trying to get the door to Auto Lock after exiting the vehicle as described in the owners manual on page 4-14, but I have not been able to do so. I called the dealership and spoke to the service advisor and was told to talk to the salesman who sold me the car. I talked to the salesman and was told that he does not know how it works and was told to talk to the service department. I am just being given the runaround. :mad: Need your help on this problem. Thanks

kcimato

I have an03 MO. The last 2 times I took it to the gas station I could not open the lid. After 20 min of trying all ways it opened. The next time I went to get gas it would not open. Came home and after 20 min of fooling around it opened. No rhyme no reason. Went to the dealers tonight and they came out with knives to pry it open! Asked if it had been in a wreck, which a school bus backed into me and put a dent there. They then told me to take it back to where I had it fixed! They had no clue how to fix it. AFTER THE SERVICE MANAGER POUNDED AND PRIEDI TOLD HIM TO STOP AND WENT HOME.HAS THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ANYONE?

eta didn't mean to hit all cap letters

viffer

Turn the key to accessories(one notch before cranking), press the settings button repeatedly and it will scroll through menus until you come to"personalized settings" then use the joy stick to navigate to the relock option.

This will not work with the engine on and in drive(distractions).

viffer

I understand you can access this from the interior, but you may have to remove some trim and stick your hand in behind. With some feeling around there will be a small latch(by the gas cap) that you can pull back and free the lid. At that point you can get a part replaced or disconnect the electric latch.

sparty32

Hi, I was reading your e-mail about your transmission problems. I have an 03 Murano SL AWD. It now has 46,000miles. The first summer I had it, when it was hot and I ran the air conditioning and drove for more than 4 hours at a time, the transmission would not go after I came to stop. The engine would race up to 3500rpm, then the car would take off like a bat out of hell. did it three times in 2 months, every time I took it to the dealer, they could not replicate the problem. Said they had no other complaints. I called Nissan and they said they had no other problems. It works fine in the cold months but this past weekend I ran the A/C for 3 hours on a trip and it happened again. The A/cseems to affect it as far as I can tell. Maybe it makes the engine run hotter and the CVT transmission gets hotter. I do not know but it is scary when you are trying to move in traffic and the car doesn't go.. Have you heard anything on yourtransmssions?

sparty32

I see you have had problems withyour transmission also. I have an 03 SL AWD with 46,000 miles. Have problems with the trans whenI drive for 4 or more hours with the A/C on. the engines runs and races up to 3500rpm, car doesn't move, then all of a sudden it just takes off like a rocket. Dealer unable to replicate it and Nissan tells me they have no other complaints about the issue. I have seen othe rpostings on this site about the same thing. I have a 45,000mile check up this Friday and will definitely bring copies of these postings to the dealership. I will post another note if I get any new news. Other than the transmission issue, I love the car.

kcimato

Thanks for the info. I called the auto body shop where I had the car repaired . They called the dealer and I spoke with someone else there who told me to bring the car in and he will fix it.

kcimato

Just got back from the dealers and the sevice advisor showed me how to open the cap from the rear. That is good to know. The locking mechanism was broken. I can't believe the sevice manager didn't know how to do this.

pulgar

Thanks. I owned a 2004 Maxima, and the filter was located in the same place, but the owners manual showed how to access it. Also, the tip about the service manuals is the best news I've heard in days. All the best to everyone who reads these boards, Pulgar

fred21

I tried it but it still does not work.

tallleon

I HAVE 2003 MURANO AND IT RUNS FINE ON REGULAR GAS. I GET 17.0 TO 18 MPG IN TOWN AND 21 ON HIGHWAY.

tacoridge

The other day I was driving my wife's 03 Mono and stopped to fill up. After shutting off the engine and trying to open the gas door (push in and it pops out) it did not do it, then my wife say you had to remove the key from the ignition and the door opened. Perhaps it was just a coincidence and maybe I was just pushing on the wrong side or something but when the key was out the door opened.

tacoridge

After reading the grief the guy on the first two three pages of so posts, I am almost afraid to post this...but, last winter my wife left work and started the car, put on the heater etc. and got out to brush the snow off the windows, while brushing off the snow off the door locked and she was stuck until I could get there with another key (extra key in purse in car). The service department said "it could happen" and had heard of one other incident but did not know how to fix it. So, with trepidation, I ask, am I (she) alone on this or has it actually happened to others?

tallleon

OUR 03 MURANO, WHICH WE TRAVEL IN WITH OUR TWO KIDS, WILL DIE AT STOP LIGHTS OR ANYTIME WHEN STOPPED. ALSO, AND THIS SCARES ME, DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, INCLUDING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT WILL GO CLUNK. THAT'S THE BEST DISCRIPTION I CAN THINK OF AT THE MOMENT. IT FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE STOPS FOR A MICRO SECOND AND THEN CATCHES AND WE FEEL AND HEAR THE CLUNK. IF WE'RE FAST ENOUGH WE CAN LOOK DOWN AT THE TACH AND SEE THE RPMS RECOVERING.
THIS FIRST STARTED ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO. IT MIGHT HAPPEN ONE TIME A DAY OR 6 TIMES A DAY(LIKE YESTERDAY). IT MIGHT HAPPEN ONE DAY AND THEN AGAIN THE NEXT DAY, OR A WEEK LATER OR TWO OR THREE WEEKS LATER. IT'S VERY RANDOM AND NO PATTERN.
I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THEY DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE POWERSTEERING PRESSURE SWITCH(?) AND THE SECOND TIME THEY REPROGRAMED THE A/T CONTROL UNIT(?)
THE THIRD TIME I TOOK IT IN I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHECK WITH WHOEVER THEY HAVE TO CHECK WITH TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ANYBODY ELSE. MAKES ME FEEL LIKE IF IT HASN'T HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE THEN IT REALLY ISN'T HAPPENING TO ME.
THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID HE WOULD CALL ME. I FINALLY CALLED HIM BACK AND HE SAID THEY HAVEN'T FOUND ANY INFO YET BUT AS SOON AS THEY DID HE WOULD GET THE CAR RIGHT IN. I THINK I WAS GETTING THE COLD SHOULDER.
THE CAR HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT AND IS OTHERWISE GREAT.
ANY IDEAS OR THOUGHTS?