Antifreeze for Nissan Murano: which one to fill, how much is needed and how to change it correctly

Nissan Murano - a crossover with character, where a powerful engine and a complex cooling system require special attention to the choice of technical fluids. Antifreeze here is not just a “coolant”, but a critical element that affects the resource V6 aluminum block, turbines (in versions with 3.5 Hybrid) and automatic transmission, which gets hotter than usual. An error in choosing or replacing antifreeze can result in overheating of the cylinder head after 20-30 thousand km is a problem that owners have Murano Z51 encounter most often.

In this article we will analyze exact antifreeze specifications for all generations Murano (2003–2026), including hybrid versions, we'll tell you why Nissan Coolant L255N - is not always the best choice, and we will show you how to replace the fluid without the risk of airing the system. You will also find a table of compatibility with analogues, instructions for flushing and answers to questions that are not covered even in official manuals (for example, why after replacing the antifreeze the Check Engine).

What kind of antifreeze is included in the Nissan Murano from the factory?

All models Murano (including restyled versions) leave the assembly line with factory antifreeze Nissan Long Life Coolant (code L255N). This silicate composition based on ethylene glycol, colored green color. Important: despite the “Long Life” inscription, the manufacturer recommends replacement every 90,000 km or 6 years — for Russia it is better to reduce this interval to 60,000 km due to climatic conditions.

Features of factory antifreeze:

• 🔹 Silicate technology: forms a protective film on metal surfaces, but may precipitate over time (critical for radiators with thin channels).
• 🔹 Low freezing point: to -37°C (when diluted 50/50 with distilled water).
• 🔹 Aluminum compatible: optimized for engines VQ35DE And QR25DE, but requires careful washing when switching to other types.

In practice, owners often encounter the fact that after 5-6 years of operation L255N loses properties: foams, changes color to brown or forms gel-like clots in the expansion tank. This is a signal for urgent replacement - ignoring it leads to corrosion. thermostat And pumps.

⚠️ Attention: If in your Murano antifreeze has become cloudy with white flakes, this is a sign of mixing incompatible liquids (for example, silicate and carboxylate). In this case it is required complete flushing of the system with disassembling radiators - a regular replacement will not help here.

Compatible analogues: what can be filled instead of L255N?

Original Nissan L255N it is expensive (from 1,500 ₽ per liter), so many are looking for analogues. Main rule: Only silicate or hybrid antifreezes are suitable for Murano with permission Nissan/Infiniti. Carboxylate (G12+, G13) use it's impossible - they destroy the protective layer on aluminum parts.

Proven analogues:

Brand	Title	Color	Tolerance	Notes
CoolStream	NRC	Green	Nissan/Infiniti	The best budget analogue, does not require flushing when replacing with L255N
Ravenol	HJC Hybrid Japanese Coolant	Green	JIS K 2234	Suitable for hybrid versions, service life up to 100,000 km
Mitsubishi	Super Long Life Coolant	Green	MSZ002007	Identical to the original, but 20-30% cheaper
Aisin	ACT002	Green	Toyota/Nissan	Approved for engines VQ, but requires flushing during transition

Important: even among the “approved” analogues there are nuances. For example, CoolStream NRC can be mixed with L255N without consequences, and Aisin ACT002 - only after washing. When in doubt, use antifreeze test strips (sold in auto chemical stores) - they will show the level of corrosion protection.

Antifreeze volume in the Nissan Murano cooling system

The volume of coolant depends on the generation and type of engine. For Murano Z50/Z51 (2003–2014) with motor VQ35DE (3.5 l) required 8.5 liters with a complete replacement. In hybrid versions (Z52, 2015–2026) volume increases to 9.2 liters due to the additional radiator for the electric motor.

Exact data on models:

• 🔧 Murano Z50 (2003–2007, VQ35DE): 8.5 l (including heater radiator).
• 🔧 Murano Z51 (2008–2014, VQ35DE): 8.7 l (due to modified thermostat).
• 🔧 Murano Z52 Hybrid (2015–2026, VQ35 + electric motor): 9.2 l.
• 🔧 Murano Z52 (2015–2026, QR25DE): 7.8 l (less demanding on volume).

With a partial replacement (for example, during repairs) it takes ~4–5 liters, but this is a temporary solution. Complete replacement required rinsing with distilled water (minimum 2 cycles) or a special composition (Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger).

⚠️ Attention: In hybrid Murano Z52 antifreeze circulates through inverter and battery. Using low-quality liquid may cause P0A80 (hybrid installation cooling system error) - repairs will cost 100,000+ ₽.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing antifreeze

Replacing antifreeze in Murano requires caution: the system is here self-cleaning, but with many “air traps” (especially in hybrid versions). You will need:

• 🛠️ Antifreeze (9–10 liters for a complete replacement).
• 🛠️ Distilled water (20 l for rinsing).
• 🛠️ A set of sockets and a 10 mm wrench (for the drain plug).
• 🛠️ Funnel with extension (for filling through the expansion tank).
• 🛠️ Vacuum pump (optional, for removing air).

Procedure:

1. Draining old antifreeze:

   • 🔩 Place the machine on a flat surface, lift the front part (to drain completely).
   • 🔩 Remove the engine protection (4 bolts by 10 mm).
   • 🔩 Unscrew the drain plug on the radiator (lower right corner) and cylinder block (behind the rear right wheel).
   • 🔩 Drain the liquid into a container (~7–8 liters should come out).

2. Flushing the system:

   • 💦 Fill distilled water through the expansion tank.
   • 💦 Start the engine, let it idle for 10 minutes (heater on maximum).
   • 💦 Drain the water, repeat 2-3 times until it runs clean.

3. Filling with new antifreeze:

   • 🔧 Fill in 5 liters of antifreeze, then top up to the mark MAX after warming up.
   • 🔧 Bleed the system: squeeze the radiator pipes several times to remove air.
   • 🔧 Start the engine, warm it up until the fan turns on, add fluid.

Check the oil level (when draining antifreeze, you may accidentally hit the pan)

Prepare a container with a volume of at least 10 liters

Buy a new gasket for the block drain plug (part number 21057-4M000)

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (for safety when working with an electric fan) -->

In hybrid Murano Z52 required after replacement error reset via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431). Without it it might burn Check Engine due to incorrect temperature sensor readings.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with the cooling system Murano. Here are the most critical ones:

1. Incomplete drainage of old antifreeze:

   In blocks VQ35DE ~1 liter of liquid remains in the “dead zones”. Solution: use air gun for purging the system through the fitting on the thermostat.

2. Ignoring flushing:

   Mixing old and new antifreeze leads to gelation. Symptoms: overheating on the highway, pump noise. Treatment: complete disassembly of the system with ultrasonic cleaning.

3. Overfilling or underfilling:

   B Murano critical precise level: if you underfill, there is a risk of airing; if you overfill, there is a risk of squeezing out liquid through the reservoir cap (especially in hybrids).

4. Using tap water:

   Leads to deposits on temperature sensor (error code P0115) and corrosion of the stove radiator. Use only distilled water with pH 6.5–7.5.

Another typical problem is leak after replacement. Most often the culprit is the block drain plug gasket (part number 21057-4M000). It is disposable and must be replaced every time it is drained!

What should I do if the engine overheats after replacing the antifreeze?

1. Check fan operation - in Murano it turns on at 98°C (at Z52 - at 102°C).

2. Make sure that The thermostat opens (when warming up, the upper radiator hose should become hot).

3. Check temperature sensor (located next to the thermostat) - its malfunction gives false readings on the tidy.

4. If the problem persists, remove pump - in 30% of cases of overheating, a worn pump bearing is to blame.

When to change antifreeze: signs and timing

Official regulations for Murano — every 90,000 km or 6 years, but in Russian realities these terms should be reduced:

• 📅 Every 60,000 km — for regions with sharp temperature changes (Siberia, Ural).
• 📅 Every 4 years - if the car is operated in the city (frequent traffic jams accelerate the degradation of additives).
• 📅 Immediately - if the antifreeze becomes cloudy, flakes or a burning smell appears (a sign of oil getting into the system).

Signs that it’s time to change the antifreeze:

Symptom	Reason	Consequences
Antifreeze has become brown	Oxidation of additives or mixing with tap water	Radiator corrosion, pump leaking
Appeared bubbles in the tank	Cylinder head gasket failure or air leak through a cracked pipe	Overheating, engine detonation
The stove is blowing cold air	Air in the system or clogged heater core	Risk of engine overheating in winter
At the bottom of the tank sediment	Silicate decomposition or sealant intrusion	Blockage of cylinder block passages

To check the condition of the antifreeze, use refractometer (shows freezing point) or test strips Coolant Check. If the freezing temperature is higher -25°C, the fluid must be replaced.

Features of antifreeze for hybrid versions of Murano

Hybrid Murano Z52 (2015–2026) have two cooling systems:

1. Main (engine + radiator): standard antifreeze L255N or its analogues.

2. Hybrid (inverter, battery, electric motor): special liquid Nissan Hybrid Coolant (code KE902-99932).

Key differences of hybrid antifreeze:

• 🔋 Dielectric properties: Prevents current leakage in the system.
• 🔋 Low viscosity: Optimized for electronics cooling.
• 🔋 Color: transparent or light green (not to be confused with regular antifreeze!).

Hybrid system volume - 3.5 liters. Replacement required every 150,000 km, but you need to check the condition of the fluid once every 30,000 km (via the diagnostic connector).

⚠️ Attention: Mixing conventional and hybrid antifreeze leads to short circuit in the inverter! If you are not sure about the type of fluid, flush the system Nissan Hybrid Coolant Flush (item KE902-99933).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about antifreeze in Nissan Murano

Is it possible to mix antifreeze of different colors?

No! Color does not determine composition. B Murano can only be mixed silicate antifreezes with permission Nissan/Infiniti. For example, CoolStream NRC (green) and Mitsubishi Super Long Life (green) are compatible, and L255N (green) and Toyota Red (red) - no.

Why did the Check Engine light come on after replacing the antifreeze?

In 90% of cases this is an error P0128 (thermostat) or P0597 (temperature sensor). Reasons:

1. Airing the system (you need to bleed the pipes).
2. Thermostat malfunction (stuck open).
3. Antifreeze gets on the sensor connectors (wipe with isopropyl alcohol).

Solution: reset the error with the scanner; if it appears again, check the thermostat and sensor circuit.

What antifreeze should I fill in a Murano with a QR25DE engine?

For QR25DE (2.5 l) the same fits L255N, but the volume of the system is smaller - 7.8 liters. Important: in these engines The heater radiator gets clogged more often, so flush every 2 antifreeze changes.

What happens if you don't change antifreeze for 10 years?

Consequences for Murano:

• 🚨 Corrosion aluminum block head (repair ~150,000 ₽).
• 🚨 Destruction plastic pump blades (replacement ~20,000 ₽).
• 🚨 Blockage oil cooler (leads to oil starvation).
• 🚨 Refusal thermostat in the open position (the engine does not warm up, fuel consumption increases).

In hybrid versions there is an additional risk inverter breakdown (cost of a new one ~300,000 ₽).

Can I use antifreeze concentrate?

Yes, but only with proper dilution. For Murano optimal proportion:

• 🌡️ 50/50 (antifreeze/water) - freezing point -37°C.
• 🌡️ 60/40 - freezing point -50°C (relevant for Siberia).

Use only distilled water with pH 6.5–7.5. Tap water contains salts that form scale on the temperature sensor.