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Comments
Well, yeah, if they didn't put a notice on the dash indicating that refueling is the driver's responsibility! ;-)
tidester, host
I have a new problem. This is so weird and started to spook me. But I noticed my Murano steering wheel vibrating very strongly when I reach 60mph. Now it only happened one day but scary. Anyone else have this problem? (yes, the roads were clear and awd was not on lock)
Also, my cd player has been skipping lately. (yes paved roads) None of the CDs were scratched and I even put in a new CD. Anyone else with this problem?
I must say when I bring in the Murano for my first oil change, they will have a laundry list of items to check.
Also, don't expect AWD to stop you from sliding around. Actually, AWD may cause you to slide a little more if you tend to have a heave right foot and don't have traction control since the rear wheels can spin and lose grip.
Turned out I had a bunch of snow/ice stuck on the inside of the wheels, enough to cause an out of balance situation when I got over 60mph. Washed it off at the car wash and it's back to the great ride I've come to expect.
Check your wheels for extra ice/snow?
I agree with gerapau on the snow handling, it's good for a 4000 lb vehicle, especially in more than 4-6 inches of snow.
In certain circumstances, the wife's old civic did do better (like in less than 3-4 inches).
I switched over to Mobile One full synthetic at 10,000 miles (5w-30) and made sure by tire pressure was 35lbs cold. Mileage has stayed the same.
One suggestion: I did notice that the vehicle uses a tremendous amount of gas while it warms up (driving) so I have started letting it idle in the driveway in the mornings for 3 to 4 minutes before I hit the road for my 20 mile drive to work.
My "instant" mileage reading is much higher (for the first 3-4 miles) this way than just getting in and going with a cold vehicle.
On my Murano, (at least when we've had the -5f to -15f temps lately) that doesn't seem to be the case.
I'm wondering if it's because the CVT takes that much longer to warm up and consequently really costs you on the gas mileage (like an indicated 8-10) until it's warmed up.
I suspect that when it's idling, the transmission is in some mode of "idle" also and warming up the special transmission fluid that the CVT requires.
I've noticed that when I let it idle for the first 3-4 minutes, I'm getting more like 15-16 during the first few minutes of driving instead of the 8-10 without warming up.
I only mention it because I recall that one of the concerns the manufacturers had about introducing the CVT transmission here in North America was some potential issues with extreme cold.
This is my first visit to this sight...and relieved in learning I am not the only MO with this issue as I have been told this from my dealership! I have been locked out of my car on many many occasions several of which involve AAA to get them unlocked. Of course upon the 7 visits they cannot replicate the problems. they have replaced the lock harness to no avail. My service engine light comes on every 437 miles, their cure. Me not tightening the gas cap, however it comes on when the tank is down to 1/4? Anyone else out there experiencing this? As far as lemon law...be careful with this as it is all in how the dealership writes your service claims. All of mine say "customer claims" and they are not acknowledging it exists even after it locked them out while running at the dealership. So be sure to get everything documented! Their lock solution after haveing flown out "engineers" from Nissan N.A.....that too is me subconsciously hitting the lock buttons getting out of the car! Well then every one who drives my car must be doing that cause its locked on 3 different people. Thanks for the vent!
Advise, If you are not going to take your keys out of the ignition when you get out, buy a vehicle that won't allow the doors to be locked when the key is in the ignition.
Checking the fuel consumption - it is listed at 23 city, 32 hwy; yet I notice that most readers, who comment here, are getting 19 in town and less.
Are these the 2004 Muranos, or is the stated consumption very optimistic?
Does anybody have any experience/recommendations for buying tire chains for the Murano. This is the first time ever that Google hasn't been able to pull through for me.
why should I have to remove my keys when parking in my own garage? Its rediculous! Or why should I have to always remember to open the drivers window "just in case"? Your right should have bought the Toyota!
My old 96 Mercury Sable had this feature.
By leaving the keys in sometimes, taking them sometimes is what is causing the problem , no routine. If a person has children, it is dangerous to leave the keys in the ignition of a vehicle at any time.
Nissan should have a system in place that prevents the doors from locking if the ignition key is in place. My van has this feature and it is not a Toyota.
Again, just make sure you always take the keys every time you exit the vehicle.
In my 2002 and 2003 Altima's you can't lock the keys in the car when they are in the ignition. We've tried and as soon as you close the door it unlocks all the doors. The only way you can lock the keys in the car is if you use the door lock from inside the car - meaning you are already in the car when you lock the doors.
Do you mean to say that in the more expensive, newer Nissan, that you *can* lock the keys in the car - and that the door locks don't automatically unlock, as in the Altimas? Seems inconsistent....
Is it regular or premium?
Capacity (approximate)- Fuel 21-5/8 gal
Recommended specifications- Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an 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 number (Research octane
number 96).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission control
devices and systems, and could also
affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformulated
gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and suggests
that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol
with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel compatibility
for your NISSAN cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
The fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should contain
no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (methyl
alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appropriate
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
If not properly formulated with
appropriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling and hard hot starting are experienced
after using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling.
Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injector
cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvent or similar ingredients that can be harmful
to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
Technical and consumer information 9-3
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Nebraska,
and that part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If severe,
this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are encountered,
have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
If you used 66 litres to go 400 km. then you averaged 400 divided by 66=6.06 km. per litre. To convert to Imperial gas mileage multiply by 2.825 which equals 17.12 miles per Imperial gallon or approx. 14.3 mpg per U.S. gallon.
I have an 04 V6 Highlander AWD. My mileage varies from 14.5 city to 27.5 highway in Imperial gallons or a low of 12.1 per U.S. gallon to a high of 23 per U.S. gallon.
Give your SUV time to break in and wait for warmer weather. It will do better. You will never reach the posted government figures unless you are going downhill with a tail wind.
Hi
The fuel consumption depends on the type of fuel used, tire pressure, ambient temperature and driving style. Oxygenated fuels typically gets you 10-12% less miles per gallon. Low tire pressure increases traction/friction thereby increasing fuel consumption. Cold temp definitely increses fuel consumption by a significnt margin. The biggest factor is the driving style and whether you are in town with stop and go traffic or highway traffic. Aggressive driving with frequent revving of the engine and braking drops the mileage severely as compared to laid back driving and highway driving which typically increase mileage. I have a brand new Murano 2WD that has less than 600 miles on board currently registering 19.1 MPG in town and 23.7 miles on the highway consistently.Check what type of fuel you are using( oxygenated vs regular) and also check the tire pressure (Nissan recommends 33psi in all wheels). Check wheel alignment, brake adjustment and air filter. Also check the type of oil you are using and transmission fluid level. Remove any unnecessary weight/objects you may be carrrying. If all of the above are checked and found to be okay then you really have to change your driving style. I hope this helps!
I have about 2000 mi. with my Murano, but ONLY 13.5 MPG in town with heavy N.Y.C. traffic.
Highway I get up to 24 MPG if I drive @ 55-60 MPH.
Hopefully the mileage will improve when my car breaks in more.
Just to clarify for "just4fun2", No AAA has not had to come to my house to get me in the car, it was at the gas station each time. You're beginning to sound like the service managers...? I have learned to carry my valet key wherever I go.
Marvind---easier said than done, they have actually disconnected my auto lock feature, and it still locks randomly.
Shop4---yes I am aware of the bulletin and they have replaced my lock harness and that seemed to help for a while, however shortly after my service engine light came on for the fourth time the locking is more frequent?? The current solution is to disable the lock rods all together so they cannot be locked manually, apparently due to poor design or weakened lock rods, just closing the door or slightly grazing the lock will cause the doors to lock themselves.....still skeptical!
I would cut the wires going to the power locks before I would disconnect the mechanical locking rods.
My friends have had their Murano 03 SL AWD for almost a year and haven't had any problems so far. Can't believe all of the problems that I have been reading here and other sites about the Murano. Must be the first/second year shake down of bugs.
considering N. VA winter, oxy fuel, etc.
Haven't had a chance yet to test it in heavy snow, has anybody else? Curious to see how the AWD performs. Also, does the AWD lock button simply not work after 18 mph? Thx
Fuel: Since the manual says 87 can be used and my dealer says use premium and I am not real happy with the prices right now I decided to test a little. For 1 month I burned 93 octane, I am now in the 2nd month and using 89 octane. I am following with the old paper method to check mpg. Guess what, so far I have seen no change in the mpg It is staying right at 23.7 I have been lucky that temp and driving conditions have been consistent over the past two months because I know if the weather gets warmer it will change everything.
Just so everyone knows, I have always checked tire pressure, and oil changes at 3,000 miles. I even balance tires at every rotation. (believe me that works wonders for extra mileage on the tires)
I found these:
http://www.flex-trax.com/site/521855/product/2660
Only problem is, I know the Escape will accept limited clearance chains, but I haven't been able to find info re: whether Nissan approves of their use on the Murano (ie, does it have the minimal clearance necessary in the wheel wells).
Anybody know?
Check out www.nissanmurano.org/forums and search on 'chains'. Several owners there have tried them.
According to one of them, "On page 5-31 of my 04 manual, Nissan approves the use of SAE Class S snow chains. For AWD they must all be the same type, brand, construction and tread pattern.
They must never be used on the skinny spare tire."
So I suspect any of the low clearance (e.g., those by SCC brand) chains should work:
http://www.scc-chain.com
Thanks, scottva22
The Murano owner's manual for 2003 says on section 9, page 3 that "Use unleaded gasoline with and octane rating of at least 87. For improved vehicle performance, Nissan reccomends the use of unleaded premium with an octane rating of at least 91."
This obvious contradiction has been discussed endlessly by many, many Nissan owners since Nissan first put out this "suggestion" with the first 3.0 liter VQ engine in the 1999 Maxima.
The general concensus seems to be, that if you want maximum performance, use premium. If your cheap, use regular, and if your somewhere in between, use a mid-grade.
I'm on my third VQ motor (third Nissan since 1995, total combined mileage exceeding 340,000) and I used premium exclusively for the first two Maxima's (95 GLE and 00 SE) as they were more performance orientated, at least in my mind.
In my Murano, I use midgrade about half the time and premium about half the time since it's not quite as performance orientated as the Maxima's.
Please refer to page 9-3, owners manual under the section of fuel recommendation. The exact words in bold print are as follows "Use regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI(Anti- knock index) number (Research number 91). For improved vehicle performance NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of atleast 91 AKI number (Research octane number 96).
If you look further ahead on the same page and the next page it says that you can use 85 octane fuel in high altitude areas (over 4000 ft) in places like Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Parts of Texas etc.BTW regular fuel is 87 AKI and 91 research octane number and premium fuel is 91 AKI and 96 research octane number. The number relevant to us at the gas station is the AKI.
I think that should put an end to the contraversy of what fuel to use in a 04 Murano. It has nothing to do with whether you are cheap or rich. The fact is 87 octane( Regular unleaded) works fine for normal driving conditions. You are wasting money by buying premium gas for no added benifit.I cant comment on 03 Muranos as I do not have or seen the owners manual.
-scottva22
I have had my Murano for about 2 weeks and love it. One issue. When I first got the car, the seat would automatically slide back when you put the key in or took it out of the exgnition. Now it does not. Is this controlled via the in dash system or do I need to make my first service appoint?
Thanks