Why Nissan Murano Z50 won't start: complete diagnostics and solutions

The situation when Nissan Murano the second generation (Z50 body) refuses to start, which can cause real panic in the owner. Sudden engine failure, strange clicks or lack of response to turning the key often come as a surprise even to experienced drivers who regularly monitor the condition of the car. The problem does not always lie in a global breakdown of the power unit, and often the reason is hidden in the electrical or safety systems specific to this model.

Many owners are faced with the fact that the starter is simply silent or turns the shaft at insufficient speed. In such cases, it is important not to panic and not try to force start the car, as this may worsen the situation. Correct diagnosis begins with an analysis of the symptoms: how the dashboard behaves, whether the sound of the fuel pump is heard when the ignition is turned on, and whether the car responds to the start button.

Keyless Entry System Intelligent Key in Nissan Murano Z50 is a complex electronic assembly that often becomes a source of startup problems. If the key fob is discharged or there is a failure in the alarm system, the car simply will not recognize the owner and will prohibit the engine from starting. Understanding how these systems work will allow you to quickly isolate the problem and, possibly, start the car yourself without calling a tow truck.

Electrical problems and battery system

The most common reason why Nissan Murano It won't start, it's just a battery discharge. In winter conditions or when parked for a long time, the battery capacity drops critically, and the starter simply does not have enough voltage to rotate the engine. Pay attention to the headlights: if they dim or go out when you turn on the ignition, the problem is almost certainly in the power source.

However, the problem may be not only in the battery itself, but also in the contacts. Oxidation of terminals or loose connections often results in high transient resistance. Even if the battery is new, poor contact will not allow current to flow to the starter in the required amount. Check the condition of the positive and negative terminals, as well as the ground connected to the body.

Owners Murano Z50 should also pay attention to the operation of the starter relay. This component is located in the fuse box under the hood and often fails due to sparking under high loads. If you hear one distinct click when you try to start, but the engine does not turn over, try gently tapping the starter or relay - sometimes this helps restore contact momentarily.

• 🔋 Check the battery voltage with a multimeter: the norm should be above 12.5 V.
• 🔧 Clean the terminals from oxides and make sure they fit tightly.
• 🔌 Inspect the starter fuse in the mounting block under the hood.

Sometimes the problem is disguised as a malfunction of the generator, which did not have time to charge the battery during operation. If the car stalls immediately after starting or shows a charging error on the panel, you need to check the diode bridge and the alternator belt.

⚠️ Attention: When lighting Nissan Murano Z50 Never disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running or immediately after starting, as this may cause a voltage surge and damage the engine control unit (ECU).

Malfunctions of the ignition system and immobilizer

System Intelligent Key - this is the weak point of many Nissans, including Murano Z50. If the key fob is dead, the car may not see its signal, even if you are nearby. In this case, the engine start button will not work and a key error message will appear on the dashboard. To solve this problem, there is an emergency startup method.

To start a car with a discharged key fob, you need to touch it to a special mark on the steering column or to the start button. There is usually a key icon on the steering wheel or near the start button. Attach the key fob at this moment and press the start button while holding the brake pedal. If the system recognizes the chip inside the key fob, the engine will start.

A more serious problem may be the failure of the immobilizer antenna, which is located around the ignition switch or inside the steering column. If the antenna does not receive a signal from the chip, the system blocks the supply of fuel and spark. In this case, even a working key fob will not help start the car without replacing the antenna or reflashing the unit.

• 🔑 Attach the key fob to the start button or mark on the steering wheel for an emergency start.
• 📶 Check if the keys have been replaced without being linked to the car.
• 🛠️ Inspect the antenna around the ignition switch for broken wires.

Sometimes the problem lies in the immobilizer control unit itself, which may freeze due to a power failure. In such cases, a complete reboot of the system helps: remove the negative terminal of the battery for 10-15 minutes, then connect it back and try to start the engine. This will clear temporary errors in the block memory.

Fuel system and high pressure pump

If the starter cranks the engine, but it does not start, and the spark and compression are fine, the problem often lies in the fuel supply. Fuel pump in tank Nissan Murano The strainer may fail or become clogged. Pay attention to the sound: when turning the key to the position ON you should hear the characteristic whirring sound of the pump for 2-3 seconds.

The absence of a sound from the pump may indicate a malfunction of the unit itself, a broken wiring, or a blown fuse. Check the fuel pump relay in the interior fuse box or under the hood. Sometimes the relay “sticks” or the contacts inside it oxidize, interrupting the power circuit.

On VQ35DE engines, which were installed on Murano Z50, the critical element is the fuel pressure regulator. If it doesn't hold rail pressure, the mixture will be too lean to ignite, especially when cold. It is also worth checking the injectors: their contamination can lead to fuel spraying not into the combustion chamber, but towards the cylinder walls.

• ⛽ Check for the sound of the fuel pump when you turn on the ignition.
• 🔍 Inspect the fuel system fuse and relay.
• 💧 Assess the condition of the fuel filter and the quality of the filled gasoline.

In cold weather, the problem may be aggravated by condensation in the fuel tank or thickening of the fuel. If you refuel at a questionable gas station, water or low-quality fuel may have entered the tank, causing the delivery system to fail.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to turn the starter for a long time if the engine does not start - this can lead to battery discharge and flooding of the cylinders with gasoline, which will cause water hammer when starting the next time.

Problems with sensors and engine management system

Modern Nissan Murano Z50 equipped with many sensors, the failure of which can block the engine from starting. It is critical crankshaft position sensor (CPS). If this sensor is faulty, the control unit does not see the engine rotation and does not issue a command for spark and fuel injection. In this case, the starter turns, but starting does not occur.

The phase sensor (DPRV) also plays an important role in synchronizing engine operation. Its failure can lead to difficult starting or complete inability to start, especially if the error was recorded earlier and was not eliminated. Errors for these sensors are usually read by an OBD-II scanner, but sometimes they are not always displayed on the instrument panel.

Sometimes the problem occurs due to a faulty knock sensor or coolant temperature sensor. If the ECU receives incorrect engine temperature data, it may create the wrong fuel mixture. For example, if the sensor shows -40°C when the engine is warm, the system will enrich the mixture too much and the car will not start.

• 📊 Check the errors with an OBD-II scanner, paying attention to the codes for DPKV and DPRV.
• 🔌 Inspect the sensor connectors for oxidation or mechanical damage.
• ⚙️ Check the integrity of the ring gear on the crankshaft if the sensor is working.

You should also pay attention to the condition of the spark plugs. If they are covered with a thick layer of carbon deposits or are flooded with fuel, the spark will be weak or absent altogether. This is a common problem when trying to start a faulty vehicle multiple times.

Mechanical faults of the starter and engine

If you hear a characteristic metallic grinding or crackling sound when you try to start, this may indicate wear on the starter bendix or flywheel teeth. Bendix is ​​a freewheel that transmits rotation from the starter motor to the crankshaft. If its gear does not come out or slips, the engine will not turn over.

In more rare cases, the problem may be mechanical within the engine itself. Seizures in the cylinders, rotation of the liners or a broken timing belt lead to the fact that the engine cannot rotate. If the timing belt breaks, the valves can collide with the pistons, causing them to warp and seize the engine.

To check the mechanical part, you can try turning the engine by hand through the crankshaft pulley. If the shaft does not turn or turns with great effort, the problem is definitely inside the motor. In this case, further attempts to start will only aggravate the situation and lead to expensive repairs.

• 🔊 Listen to the sounds: grinding sounds indicate problems with the bendix or flywheel.
• 🔧 Try turning the engine manually through the crankshaft pulley.
• 🛑 Do not continue to try to start if you hear a grinding or knocking noise.

Sometimes the starter simply “dies” due to wear on the brushes or commutator. In this case, it may work intermittently or completely stop responding to the command. Replacing the starter with Murano Z50 - the procedure is not the most complicated, but it requires the dismantling of a number of attachments to access the unit.

What to do if the starter turns, but does not start?

First of all, check for spark and pressure in the fuel system. If there is no spark, the problem is electrical or sensors. If there is no pressure, the problem is in the fuel pump. Also check the compression in the cylinders, since low compression will not allow the engine to start even with working systems.

Emergency starting methods and prevention

In an emergency, when there is no way to call for help, you can try some starting methods. If the problem is in the battery, use cigarette lighter wires or a jump starter (booster). If the problem is in the immobilizer, use the emergency method by applying the key to the start button.

To prevent such problems, perform regular maintenance. Replace the battery every 3-4 years, even if it appears to be in good condition. Monitor the condition of the fuel system and clean the injectors every 30-40 thousand kilometers. It is also important to check the operation of the sensors when the first signs of unstable engine operation appear.

Don't forget the importance of quality spare parts. The use of cheap analogue sensors or filters can lead to premature failure of control systems. Original parts Nissan or high-quality certified analogues will ensure reliable operation of your car.

• 🔋 Regularly check the condition of the battery and its terminals.
• 🛠️ Conduct fuel system diagnostics and filter replacement.
• 📝 Record all errors with the scanner when the Check Engine appears.

If the problem cannot be solved by simple methods, it is better to contact specialists. Wrong actions can lead to serious damage, the repair of which will cost much more than calling a tow truck. It is especially dangerous to try to start a car with a broken timing belt, as this is guaranteed to lead to a collision of valves and pistons.

⚠️ Attention: When using a booster or lighting from another car, strictly observe the polarity. Mixed-up terminals can instantly burn out electronic control units Nissan Murano, the repair of which will be very expensive.

Diagnostic Summary

To make information easier to understand, we have collected the main symptoms of malfunctions in one table. This will help you quickly navigate the symptoms and make the right decision about further actions.

Symptom	Probable Cause	Recommended Action
The starter does not turn, silence	Discharged battery, poor contact, faulty relay	Check terminals, charge battery, check relay
The starter clicks but doesn't turn over	Weak battery, faulty retractor relay	Light a cigarette from another car, check the starter
The starter turns, but does not start	No spark, no fuel, sensors	Check DPKV, pump, spark plugs, OBD scanner
Immobilizer error on panel	Key fob discharged, system failure	Attach the key fob to the button, replace the battery
Metallic grinding noise on startup	Wear of bendix, flywheel	Replacing the starter or flywheel

Correct diagnosis is the key to successful repair. Don't ignore the first signs of trouble, as they can quickly develop into serious damage. Regular maintenance and attention to detail will help you avoid problems with starting the engine at the most inopportune moment.

Why does the immobilizer error light up on the Nissan Murano Z50?

An immobilizer error may appear due to a low battery in the key fob, damage to the antenna around the ignition switch, or a malfunction in the control unit. This often happens after the car's main battery has been discharged. In this case, the system may lose synchronization with the key.

Is it possible to jump start a Murano Z50 with a dead battery?

Technically, a manual transmission engine can be started using a pushrod, but this is not recommended for the Nissan Murano Z50. The electronic engine control systems and alternator may suffer from power surges during hard starting. In addition, the security system can block the engine if it is started abnormally.

How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump on a Murano Z50?

The cost of a fuel pump varies depending on the manufacturer. An original pump can cost from 15,000 to 25,000 rubles, and high-quality analogues can cost from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles. The replacement work costs about another 3,000 - 5,000 rubles, since access to the pump requires removing the rear seat and hatch.

What to do if the key is lost or misplaced?

If you lose the key, you must contact an official dealer or a specialized service that specializes in chip tuning. To make a new key, you will need the vehicle's VIN code and the availability of all remaining keys to reprogram the system. This is an expensive procedure that takes from 1 to 3 days.

Why does the engine start and immediately stall?

This could be due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor, immobilizer problems, or a faulty idle air control valve. There may also be a problem with a clogged throttle valve or a malfunction of the mass air flow sensor (MAF).