Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair

homeouner

To all Murano posters. This article appeared in a Detroit newspaper. " STALLING DODGE TRUCKS, SUVs probed The government is investigating complaints of engine stalling in Dodge trucks and sports-utility vehicles, officials said Friday, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has received two dozen compliants about engines stalling in the2004-2005 model years of Dodge Ram 1500 trucks and Dodge Durango SUVs. Both vehicles are equipped with 5.7-liter engines. The government said the preliminary investigation involves an estimated 505'000 vehicles, but company officials said it probably involves a more limited number. Owners have complained that the engine will stall at various speeds and under different driving conditions, the NHTSA said. The government will begine an investigation to l;earn abiout the alleged defect and potental safety consequences. The vehicals are prouduced by DaimierChrysler AG's Chrysler group." This story is very similar to the stalling of our Murano's for unknown and alternator reasons. Our number of complaints should certainly get the attention of the NHTSA. Lets all report our problems too to get Nissan to respond to our problems. Stalling Muranos are certainly as unsafe as Dodges!!!

tidester

You probably want to turn off your CAPS LOCK as people tend to ignore postings typed in ALL CAPS.

tidester, host

morano05

I own a 2005 SL AWD Morano. Great car, but during a recent rainy day the check engine light and AWD light displayed and I was not able to go faster than 20 mph. I went to the dealer. They code was not a common one so they had to call a Nissan tech center. The tech center said that this is not a common thing and might be a loose ground wire in the dash. The dealership wants to take the dash apart to check the ground. I am not in favor of that since everything works fine and there are no rattles. Any suggestions??? By the way, after the check engine light was reset I no longer have the problem.

jwhite512

After about 4-5 hours of driving while on cruise control, I noticed a constant surge for cruise control to maintain speed. When taking off from a stop, accelerator pressed halfway before engine took off. Symptoms are similar to vapor lock or fuel starvation. Allowed to cool for two hours and the engine was responsive and appeared to be normal.

morano05

How often does this happen?

jwhite512

Each time I have driven the car extended time such as 4 or 5 hours it has done this. At first I thought it was bad fuel but it did it several tanks later on a similar trip of 4 - 5 hours.

ab2150

I just purchased a new Murano SE. I am enjoying the vehicle very much. I have a quick question about the Auto Climate control. It seems to be holding the temperature at the level I set, however, the AC always seems to be on no matter what the temperature setting or the outside temperature. If it's 50 degrees outside and you even if you turn the temp. to 90 degrees the AC mode stays on. Is this normal? On a previous Jeep I had with Auto Climate the AC mode would turn off and on depending on the temperature. If you turned the temp. up past the point the car needed AC to achieve the temp. then the AC word turn off. If you turned the temp lower to a point AC was needed then it would turn on. I kind of assumed the Auto Climate on the MO would auto turn AC on and off as needed based on temperature needed and the outside temperature. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

tigger5753

Yes the A/C is ON all the time when you use the Auto Climate control. I don't get it either, but it must be a Nissan thing

andytommo

This is actually a good thing...what a lot of people forget is that A/C isn't just for cooling the air, it de-humidifies it at the same time. It might be (funnily enough, as it is today) a relatively cool day, say 55 outside, but very damp. if you have the climate control set to 71 then although the a/c may not be cooling the air, it is taking all the moisture out of it so the inside of the car doesnt fog up. if its a cool day but the sun is out and blue sky, then there is no need for the a/c to be on, so while you have the climate control on, just hit the a/c button and it'll turn off, but the climate control will still control the temp. i generally only have the a/c on if it is a really warm or humid day, or if its been raining and people pile in my car all wet and damp and steam the inside up.
Maybe thats another reason my mpg isn't too bad. last two months, 3,500 miles; 50/50 hwy/city driving i've averaged 20.9mpg with premium gas.

morano05

What does the dealer say?
In my case the dealer thinks (guessing) that it maybe a loose ground wire in the dash. Unless it happens again I do not want the dash taken apart on a guess. Also, my problem only happened while I was using it for less than hour so I don't think it is related to you issue.

jmaxe

Not just a Nissan thing, my 04 Accord works the same way.

homeouner

Hello Posters: On 5-22-05 after I posted # 720, Re. NHTSA note on stalling Dodges,I called the NHTSA about Murano stalling and alternator failure. Today I received a call from the NHTSA to question me on the complaint I filed. I was the fifth person called today. He asked a lot of questions about my experience W/ the Murano stalling and if the dealer had found a reason for it. He also asked about Alternator failure and it was what he was most interested in. They are very concerned about the safety factor of stalling cars. If any of you posters out there have had Alt. failures at low milage call the NHTSA to have this problem fixed by Nissan with a call back.

vandan

Anybody else getting a distinct Whirring noise (like something cycling/winding/whining quickly) right as the car comes to a stop, either while its still on or just after you turn off he key???. Its not the seat moter, and it appears to be coming from near the driver's side front wheel. Its very noticeable now and just started @42K. Any help would be much appreciated.

Other quick thoughts. There is apparently a national backorder on Eagle LS tires for the Murano. Only Goodyear makes them. I just got a set but it wasn't easy. If you need tires soon, you may need to plan ahead and start looking. The rear brakes just needed replacing as well. They went before the front set did.

I've had some of the same problems as others. Multiple visor clips. Both the Navigation and CD player were replaced separately. Alternator died while driving. An oddball sensor that I forget the name of. I've got the weird backing up brake squeal and a few rattles that I just don't care about. Bought it in December 02' and haven't so much as washed or vacuumed it yet. Overall I love the car--its performace, utility, luxury. Its the total utilitarian package for what I do (appraise homes). It's needed more repairs at 42K then my 98' Ford Ranger pickup at $110K, which has really suprised me. I drive it hard and get @ 18-19 MPG. My wife goes on trips and twice has gotten 24.5 MPH--actually over the sticker by .5MPH. How goofy is that?

Minor beefs: Gas light to hard too see--it should come up on the screen as 'You need gas buddy!'. Sunroom should automatically close (2 times I've soaked the inside--not cool--very stupid of me). Tie monitoring system should tell you which tire.

Favorite things: The CVT (so far), all the toys (butt warmers, the Nav (love the French girl!), and the way it handles.

vandan

The dealer replaced mine after it died at either 11K or 13K.

sliceopizza

i had rattles and squeaks caused by the door panels rubbing against the metal of the door frame. the put little velcro tabs between the plastic and the metal, it solved the problem.

homeouner

To vandan: The NHTSA needs to be notified of your alternator failure. The web site has a phone no.to use to talk in person with an agent to take your comments. After my report a person called me. This may lead to a recall to replace all alternators.

rcainlutz

The doors are not locking automatically. As the driver opens the door, they're probably pushing with their arm and inadvertantly pushing the lock to the locked position. I did this at a gas station. Left my keys on the console and got out to refuel. When I attempted to reenter, I could not as all doors and hatch were locked. What sets this up is only opening the drivers door with the key fob and using your arm to push the door open when you get out. Hope this helps. RCA

vandan

I had that once too. Since I don't drive long distances with the cruise on I hadn't given it a second thought till your post. It was real weird, like being in the car with one of those people who can't press the accelerator smoothly to save their lives. It felt like it was always trying to catch up with itself. It was also rather windy that day and I chalked it up to that since it never happened again but now I wonder....

vandan

I just did on their web site. Thanks.

kmbaer

Has anyone replaced their tires yet? It appears that there aren't a lot of choices here as noone but Goodyear makes the size necessary for the Murano. I went to tires.com, and they suggest that I switch to 255-65-18's which have a few more choices in manufacturers. Has anyone done this? :confuse:

oreokie

I'm sorry but the doors DO lock by themselves. It's a documented problem and it's happened to me many, many times in the 18 months I've owned my '03 SL AWD. I've been reaching for the door handle, key in hand (fob hanging), and heard it lock. It's done it twice with friends inside who swear they touched nothing.

I had my dealership look at it and they "reset the locking system" but it's back. I'll ask again at my next service stop, but until then I leave a window open or take the keys with me!

O-O

creilly28

I have recently purchased a Murano SL 2005 with factory installed Sirius Satellite Radio. I have not purchased a subscription but get about 6 stations. Anybody else have this. Does this last for a week or two and then stop?

satrista

Guess it depends on where you bought the car. My 05 came with 3 months free. Then I'll have to pay if I want to keep it.

brianm4

I believe the Auto Re-Lock Function is to Re-Lock the doors after you unlock them, not after you leave the vehicle.

For example, you are walking up to your Murano in the parking lot and unlock the doors with your keyless entry, but you see a "cutie" in the convertible next to you, so you talk to her for a minute. The doors will re-lock if you don't open your Murano.

My guess it is a safety feature in case you accidently unlock your car as you are walking away from it.

mikegia5

I've had my 2005 Murano SL FWD for about 2 weeks now, and the CVT feels like it slips when I accelerate hard. It's really nice when I drive normal, but when I step on the gas for example on a highway on-ramp, the RPMs climb but the car feels like it's stuck until I let up on the gas a little - then it "catches" and accelerates like it should. This doesn't seem normal to me, even with the CVT. I brought it back to the dealer and they said that all of the shift points are normal. I don't have traction control. Anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks,
Mike G.

achadha1

i have a 2003 Murano I purchased in Feb 03' it has 30k miles on it. I am getting worried about all the alternator failures out there. Will this problem affect all 2003 Muranos? Thanks

joezinn

The Windows in my Murano rolled down overnight. We had set the keys on the counter earlier that evening and had been outside with the kids, the keys hadn't moved and the windows were up when we went inside. The keys were in the same location in the morning, yet the windows were exactly 1/2 down.

In this case Nissan's explanation that holding the unlock button on the remote will roll the windows down doesn't hold water, but the cloth seats sure do...

Buyer Beware - Not only is this an issue for the car, but your families personal safety should your Nissan Murano contain remote access devices for your home. I am reporting this incident to the Dealership and my personal security concerns directly to Nissan. We were lucky that only the seats got wet. :surprise:

vandan

Yeah, I just replaced mine. There is apparently a national backorder on Goodyear Eagle LS tires for the Murano. I just got a set but it wasn't easy. ($684 installed) I didn't want to mess with any of the handling or computerized stuff with a different tire size. I'm not sure any of that matters, but it seemed to make sense not to mess with it.

viffer

I've had my 2005 Murano SL FWD for about 2 weeks now, and the CVT feels like it slips when I accelerate hard.

I am not sure it is slipping and that you may not be used to the characteristics of the CVT. Try this when warmed up and clear of traffic. - Foot to the floor and hold it from 25 MPH. there should be a pause as the engine winds up to about 6000 RPM(I think this may be what you consider slipping) at that point the rpm's should hover there while pretty good acceleration results. If the transmission is slipping, the Rpms will go beyond this but the limiter will kick in and the engine will sputter yielding zero acceleration with your foot down.

With a heavy foot the engine is programmed rev to its' power curve (around 6000) before it delivers

Of course, you need to finish engine break in before doing this.

As for letting off the gas and it "catches", I feel this also under similar conditions - sort of like a turbo kicking in. This results from the CVT pulleys spooling up to high RPM and then when you let off the gas a bit the RPMs drop while the pulleys acting like flywheels provide an inertial dump of energy into the drivetrain- sort of like an ice skater retracting arms and spinning faster.

The CVT requires smoother inputs than a typical automatic, but once you get used to it, there is more efficiency and superior acceleration.

homeouner

From Homeouner: Report your problem to the NHTSA. The internet can be used and or the phone number given. If every one who has had this problem will report it to the attention of the NHTSA Nissan will find a fix for this problem and hopefully have a call back. They are treating thai on as needed basis. No confort in that. See post # 732 group 38.

gerapau

Homeouner, I'm not quite sure what he would report. He was just asking if he should be worried (not saying that he had a problem).

My quick answer to achadha1 would be to not worry. There really isn't anything that you can personally do to help prevent it (short of getting rid of your Murano) and worrying won't help. While there may appear to be quite a few owners complaining about alternator problems the actual percentage is quite low and the odds are in your favor that you will not run into any alternator problems in the near future.

tsullivan03

Last night I test drove a Murano, I currently drive a 2004 BMW 325ci, but may be in need of an SUV due to being seriously involved with someone who has 2 kids (the bimmer is not so pracical any longer). I am liking the SL version with the NAV... I am concerned about gas mileage, my BMW gets 26 to 28 mpg (mostly highway). I drive 40 miles one way to work... from LA to Orange County, CA. It appears that the 2003 models of the Murano had gas mileage issues and they seem to have corrected it somewhat in 2005, are my assumptions correct? Also, insurance... is it expensive to insure? I have a call in to my agent, but you know how those agents can be sometimes.

bulldogerwoody

Thank you for your thread. I too had the battery/brake indicator lights come on as well. Are these lights only identifying a bad alternator? or do you think there is another issue as well? I went by a local garage today and they put it on the computer but could not tell me what these lights mean. They told me to bring the vehicle in on Thursday for service, which was just done only 1,000 miles ago.

By the way did you experience a strained and or sluggish acceleration prior to these lights illuminating? You see lately the vehicle has been feeling as though it is under strain during acceleration. I am very concerned by these two indicator lights. Do you think I should venture out or stay put?

horsinround

GRRR!!! I just bought a brand new 2004 Murano a month ago. I have just over 2,000 miles on it. I was driving home from work tonight and my brake light and battery light both came on. 20 min. later I found myself dead on the side of the road- from 65mph to a dead halt. I love the car, but am sorta missing my little VW now- even with its persistent check engine light. Any ideas on my problem? The service garage was already closed by the time I got it towed there. The car would start and engine would run, but press the accelerator and no-go. I thought if the alternator went you wouldn't be able to even start the car? :lemon: @ 2,000 mi?!

chose

So I also have a one year old SL ~9K miles, the Battery light and break light came on, the car was running fine but the dealer said I need a new alternator. It seems that there are no alternators in the US right now! I have to say that other then this I love the Murano, I have had no problems, and the dealer put my in a rental car before I knew what was happening.

slawd

:confuse: Yesterday, I took my 03 Murano SL AWD in for the 30,000 scheduled maintenance. At my last service appointment the amount quoted for the 30,000 was $299.00 and I was told this amount would be reduced because it was not necessary to work on the CVT. However, when I went in for the 30,000 service the dealer strongly recommended I have the cooling system flushed-$99.95, PS fluid flushed-$89.95, brake fluid changed-$89.95, rear differential fuid serviced-$59.95. Trusting my dealer I agreed to have those done. Along with the oil change & filter, lube, tire rotation, fuel system treatment, hazardous waste disposal fee and taxes I paid $455.20 for my 30,000 service. Was all this necessary or did I just get served?

jmaxe

I believe you know the answer to your own question. What does the manufacturer recommend at 30k???

stever

Check out the Edmunds Maintenance Guide too.

Steve, Host

horsinround

I posted a message yesterday with the same problem. I was lucky that my dealership had one in stock- maybe I got the last one in the US! (of course I was also "lucky" enough to get stranded with my dead Murano in the middle of rush hour last night too though!)

slawd

JMAXE,

Thanks for your reply! I do know the answer to my question and what the manufacturer recommends. However, I try to trust people until they are proven unworthy of my trust. I know I leave myself vulnerable, however I would rather live this way. I posted my experience for others to learn by. Maybe on this forum others are not as naive. Thanks again for your reply. It was nice to be validated!

slawd

Steve, Host,

Thanks for recommending the Edmunds Maintenance Guide. I found the information I was looking for and two recalls I was not aware of.

homeouner

Gerapau: Please see my post # 720 Sect. 37. In Nov. of 04 on the way to Birmingham,Al. my MO stalled on the expressway. No reason found,not caused by the alt. I reported this incident to the NHTSA a few weeks ago & i have received a phone call & follow up form for more details. The agent on the phone said I was his fifth call that day about alternators & or stalling on the highway. He was very interested in the stalling in my case and asked about alt. failures as steering is lost also. Post # 720 on the Dodge cars indicates that The Murano numbers are enough to start an inquire as the Dodges have started. Nothing will get done we just waite around for the tow truck.

terry92270

Cadillac, Lincoln, all higher end cars, the AC compressor works full time. Reason is as already posted, reduce/control humidity, which will make you feel more comfortable no matter what the temp, not to mention saving nasty odors from mold and mildew, etc.

I am reading some pretty picky posts in these forums. The "cost" of turning off the AC over the lifetime of your ownership, is negligible. If you can afford to buy a $30,000+ automobile, one might assume you are used to a certain standard of creature comforts, and will not be using it only when "necessary". :P

Another thing about AC. You do need to run it, in any car, every month or so, for 10 minutes or so, to lubricate the internal compressor seals. With that, they get brittle, leak, etc.

gerapau

Homeouner, I read all your messages. I just didn't think that you had read what achadha1 had written before you replied to them. They said:

"i have a 2003 Murano I purchased in Feb 03' it has 30k miles on it. I am getting worried about all the alternator failures out there. Will this problem affect all 2003 Muranos? Thanks "

and you replied by telling them to report their problem to the NHTSA. They didn't mention that they had a problem so why should they contact the NHTSA?

homeouner

Gerapau: Dont be so picky. My messages are for people who have had the problem W/ there alternators, rather obvious I would think!! If you scan the post there have been posters who have reported there stallings on the road to the NHTSA.

jimbo_810

I agree with the others that replied. I would be sending a message to Nissan Headquarters with some concerns about that dealership. I've had my 2003 SL AWD since march of 2003 and other than having to do some brake work on the rear last month haven't had any problems. Just a little side note that if anyone is ever looking for winter tires the only ones that are the same size that I've come across are Dunlaps.

Cheers

Jimbo_810

mellinkoff

Just bought a 2005 AWD SL awd and it bottoms out in front on small dips in the road. The service tech said nothing was wrong with it??? Excuse me this can not be good for any car. Anyone notice this problem? . Or is there something I can say or do to get them to realize it needs looking into? Thank You

pnh

Yes. My 2003 Murano started whirring noise at 27900 miles. I send it for 30K mile service. After $300 spend, I was told that my tires were cupped and there was nothing could do about it, except to change a set of new tires. I started to look for new tires, it seems the Good Year tire is the only option. It has no mileage warranty. I switch tires routinly, but only can have the tire life under 30K. I wouder this is my bad luck, or it is very common for Murano.

pcs15394

Could be the alternator or the Throttle Position Sensor. A small amount of folks have had problems with the TPS as well.

pcs15394

Mileage Issues- Not really, the only real issues are some people expect to get the 20mpg right out of the gate. The VQ engine isn't even really broken in good until @10,000 miles. I have an 04 Murano with 9800 miles on it and I get between 17 and 19 in town. If you expect to drive mostly highway, after break in you should realize between 22 and 25 mpg depending on how heavy your foot is. Keeping the Mo under 2K RPM will result in your best mileage. I can cruise at @70mph with the tach at just under 2000 RPM.