Nissan Murano Z51 won't start: 12 reasons and step-by-step repair instructions

Nissan Murano Z51 (2009–2014) is a reliable crossover, but even it is not immune to engine starting problems. If your Murano won't start, there can be dozens of reasons: from a banal battery discharge to serious malfunctions of the fuel system or electronics. In this article we will analyze all possible scenarios, from the simplest to the most complex diagnostic cases.

Feature Z51 - him V6 3.5L VQ35DE (gasoline) or 2.5L YD25DDTi (diesel for the European market). These engines have unique “sores” that appear over time. For example, problems with crankshaft sensors on gasoline versions after 150,000 km are often disguised as “won’t start when hot”. We will not limit ourselves to general advice - we will give specific verification algorithms for every occasion.

1. Primary diagnosis: what to do if the Murano Z51 does not start

Before committing serious damage, check basic nodes. In 60% of cases, the problem lies in small things that can be fixed on your own in 10–15 minutes.

Start with visual inspection:

• 🔋 Battery: the voltage must be no lower 12.4 V (with the ignition off). If you hear relay clicks when you turn the key, but the starter does not turn, the battery is discharged.
• 🔌 Battery terminals: oxidation or poor contact may simulate discharge. Clean the terminals with sandpaper and check for tightness.
• 🚗 Automatic transmission selector position: Murano Z51 will not start if the lever is in the D or R. Convert to P or N.
• 🔑 Immobilizer: If the key icon flashes on the dashboard, the system does not recognize the chip in the key. Try the second key.

If the base nodes are ok, move on to checking the starter and ignition system. Pay attention to the sounds when you turn the key:

• 🔊 Clicks without rotation: The starter solenoid relay is faulty or there is an open circuit in the power supply.
• 🔄 The starter turns, but the engine does not catch: problems with fuel supply or ignition.
• 🛑 Silence when turning the key: open ignition circuit, faulty lock or fuse.

2. Problems with the battery and electrical system

The battery is the most common reason why Nissan Murano Z51 refuses to start. Especially relevant for cars with Start/Stop system (if installed) or after a long period of inactivity.

How to check the battery without instruments:

1. Turn on the headlights. If they glow dimly or go out when you try to start, the battery is discharged.
2. Listen to the sound of the starter: slow rotation with a “hooting” sound is a sign of low voltage.
3. Check the voltage at the terminals with a multimeter:
   • 🔋 12.6–12.7 V — charge 100%;
   • 🔋 12.0–12.4 V — partial discharge;
   • 🔋 Below 11.9 V - deep discharge, requires charging.

Typical Murano Z51 electrical system problems:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Solution
The starter does not respond to the key, the dashboard does not light up	Broken ground or positive wire from the battery	Check the circuit from the battery to the starter, clean the contacts
The relay clicks under the hood, but the starter does not turn	Low battery or malfunction of the solenoid relay	Charge the battery or replace the starter relay
Dashboard works but starter does not turn	Ignition switch or fuse is faulty	Check fuse F30 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel

⚠️ Attention: If after “lighting up” the Murano Z51 starts, but a few days later the story repeats itself, the problem is not in the battery, but in generator or leakage current. On VQ35DE The diode bridge of the generator often fails after 200,000 km.

3. Malfunctions of the starter and retractor relay

Starter on Nissan Murano Z51 - a weak point, especially after 100,000 km. Symptoms of its malfunction:

• 🔊 Loud grinding When you try to start, the bendix wears out.
• 🔄 The starter turns, but does not “grab” — problems with the solenoid relay.
• 🛑 Single click without rotation - winding breakage or armature jamming.

How to check the starter without removing it:

1. Place the Murano in neutral and turn on the headlights.
2. Remove the chip from the crankshaft position sensor (so that the engine does not start).
3. Use a screwdriver to close the contacts of the retractor relay (thick bolts on the starter). If the starter spins, the relay or control circuit is faulty.

On Murano Z51 starter is located in an awkward place - under the intake manifold. To replace it you will need:

Remove the air filter and pipes|Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Drain some antifreeze (if the pipe is in the way)|Jack the car or use an inspection hole-->

⚠️ Attention: On diesel YD25DDTi The starter often “dies” due to oil entering from the turbine. If you notice oil leaks on the starter, check the turbine seals and the condition of the intercooler.

4. Problems with the fuel system

If the starter turns, but Murano Z51 If it won't start, the fuel system may be at fault. On VQ35DE And YD25DDTi there are some “sores”:

Gasoline engines (VQ35DE):

• ⛽ Fuel pump does not work: When you turn on the ignition, you can't hear the buzzing of the pump in the tank. Check the fuse F15 (15A) and relay K9.
• 🔥 Injectors clogged: The engine may start but immediately stall. Needs flushing or replacement.
• 🛢️ Low rail pressure: norm for VQ35DE — 3.5–4.0 bar. Checked with a pressure gauge on the fuel rail fitting.

Diesel engines (YD25DDTi):

• ❄️ The diesel fuel is frozen: relevant for the winter period. Check the filter for paraffin flakes.
• 🔧 Injection pump faulty: If the pump does not create pressure, the engine will not start. Check the pump power supply (fuse F22 (10A)).
• 💡 The glow plugs have failed: When cold, the diesel engine will not start without heating. Check the resistance of the spark plugs (should be 0.5–6.0 Ohm).

How to check the fuel pump on Murano Z51:

1. Remove the rear seat and open the fuel pump flap.
2. Disconnect the pump connector and apply +12V directly (for example, from the battery). The service pump should hum.
3. If the pump does not respond, check its power supply or replace the module.

How to check fuel rail pressure without a pressure gauge?

If there is no pressure gauge, you can temporarily loosen the fitting on the ramp (using a 17 key) and turn on the ignition. If the pump is working properly, gasoline under pressure should spray out from under the fitting. Be careful - fuel is under pressure!

5. Ignition system malfunctions

On Nissan Murano Z51 with VQ35DE Ignition problems manifest themselves as follows:

• 🔥 The engine starts but does not start: no spark at the plugs.
• 💥 Popping sounds in the exhaust pipe: The fuel ignites not in the cylinders, but in the exhaust.
• 🛠️ Trouble after startup: one or more candles are not working.

How to check spark:

1. Unscrew the spark plug from the 1st cylinder.
2. Put the armored wire on it and attach it to a mass (for example, to a valve cover).
3. Crank the starter. If there is no spark, the problem is in the coil, wires or ECU.

Typical faults:

element	Symptom	Solution
Ignition coils	There is a spark, but weak (orange instead of blue)	Replace the coil (original - Nissan 22448-4M015)
High voltage wires	A spark “breaks through” onto the body (visible in the dark)	Replace wires (recommended NGK or Denso)
Crankshaft position sensor	The engine does not start, but the starter turns	Check the sensor resistance (should be 800–1400 Ohm)

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 after 2012 they often fail custom ignition coils (one per cylinder). If the engine stalls when cold, check the coils of the 2nd and 4th cylinders (the most loaded).

6. Problems with the immobilizer and ECU

If Nissan Murano Z51 it won’t start, but the starter turns, and there is fuel and a spark - it could be the culprit immobilizer or ECU (ECU). Symptoms:

• 🔑 Key icon flashing on the dashboard.
• 🚨 "Check Engine" light comes on with code P1614 (immobilizer error).
• 💻 The engine stalls after 2–3 seconds after launch.

How to reset the immobilizer:

1. Insert the key into the ignition.
2. Rotate to position ON (don't start it!).
3. Wait 10 minutes - the key icon should go out.
4. Turn the key to OFF, then back to ON and try to start it.

If resetting doesn't help, check:

• 🔧 Immobilizer antenna (located around the ignition switch).
• 🔌 fuse F10 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel.
• 💾 ECU firmware - on Murano Z51 After 2013 there are glitches with the software.

7. Engine mechanical problems

If all previous checks have failed, the problem may be engine mechanics. On Nissan Murano Z51 most often found:

Gasoline engines (VQ35DE):

• 🔗 Broken timing belt: The engine does not start, but the starter turns easily (no compression).
• 🛢️ The hydraulic compensator is jammed: A knocking sound is heard from the top of the engine.
• 🔥 Valve burnt out: The engine is running rough, there is no compression in one cylinder.

Diesel engines (YD25DDTi):

• 🔧 Timing chain problems: on YD25DDTi the chain stretches to 150,000 km.
• 💨 Turbine malfunction: The engine does not develop speed, there is a lot of black smoke.
• 🛑 Coked injectors: The engine stalls at idle.

How to check compression without a compression gauge:

1. Unscrew all spark plugs.
2. Insert your finger into the spark plug hole and turn the starter.
3. If the finger does not “shoot” out of the hole, the compression is low.

⚠️ Attention: On VQ35DE after timing belt breaks valve bending in 90% of cases. If you suspect a break, do not try to start the engine, immediately disassemble the cylinder head.

8. Diagnostics by error codes (OBD-II)

If the dashboard lights up Check Engine, connect the scanner OBD-II (For example, ELM327) and read the codes. Decoding the most common mistakes for Murano Z51:

Error code	Description	Probable Cause
P0300	Multiple Cylinder Misfire	Misfire on all cylinders (fuel or spark problems)
P0340	Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit	The camshaft sensor is faulty (on VQ35DE often fails after 180,000 km)
P0171	System Too Lean (Bank 1)	Air leaks into the intake manifold or clogged injectors
P0605	ECM ROM Error	Faulty ECU firmware (reflashing or replacing the unit is required)

To read codes without a scanner you can use self-diagnosis method:

1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Press and hold the daily mileage reset button.
3. Turn the key to position ON (don't start it!).
4. After 5 seconds, error codes will start flashing on the dashboard (for example, 4 flashes - pause - 3 flashes = code 43).

Deciphering self-diagnosis codes for Nissan Murano Z51 can be found in official manual.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Murano Z51

Murano Z51 does not start after refueling. What is the reason?

Most likely it got into the tank quality fuel (especially relevant for diesel engines) YD25DDTi). Possible reasons:

• ⛽ Water in fuel: if you refueled at a questionable gas station.
• ❄️ Paraffins in diesel fuel: In winter, diesel can become “waxed.”
• 🔧 Fuel filter clogged: requires replacement (original - Nissan 16400-4M000).

Solution: drain the fuel, wash the tank and replace the filter. For diesel, add anti-gel.

The starter turns, but the Murano Z51 does not engage. What to do?

The problem may be:

1. No spark (check coils and spark plugs).
2. Lack of fuel (listen to see if the pump is working).
3. Sensors (crankshaft, camshaft, mass air flow sensor).

Start by checking fuel rail pressure And sparks on candles.

Murano Z51 does not start when hot. What's the matter?

Typical problem for VQ35DE — Coolant temperature sensor malfunction or air leak through the intake manifold gasket.

Diagnostics:

• Check the resistance of the temperature sensor (should change when heated).
• Inspect the manifold gasket for cracks.
• Check error codes (often appears P0171 or P0174).

Murano Z51 won't start after washing the engine. What to do?

Water probably got into:

• 🔌 Fuse box under the hood.
• 🔋 Ignition coils or spark plug wells.
• 💻 Sensor connectors (especially the mass air flow sensor and crankshaft sensor).

Solution: dry problem areas with a hairdryer or compressed air. Do not try to start the engine until everything is dry!

Murano Z51 starts and immediately stalls. Why?

Reasons:

• 🔑 Immobilizer blocks the fuel pump after starting.
• 🛢️ Fuel pressure regulator faulty (on VQ35DE located on the ramp).
• 💨 Air leak through a crack in the intake manifold.

Check fuel rail pressure (must hold on 3.5 bar after turning off the ignition).