Why the air conditioner does not work on Nissan Murano: 10 reasons and solutions

Air conditioning in Nissan Murano Has it stopped blowing cold air or won't turn on at all? This problem is familiar to many crossover owners. Z50 (2003–2007), Z51 (2008–2014) and Z52 (2015–2021). Failure of the climate system can be caused by either a banal freon leak or serious malfunctions of the compressor or electronics. In this article we will look at all possible reasons, we will give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and indicate when you can handle it yourself and when a visit to service is required.

Feature Murano - a complex climate control system with electronic control, where the breakdown of one sensor can paralyze the operation of the entire air conditioner. For example, in models with automatic climate often fails control unit (ECU), and in manual vehicles - compressor relay or fuse. We collected data from manuals, owner reports from forums (including Drive2 And MuranoClub) and recommendations of official dealers Nissanto help you save time and money.

1. First signs of a malfunction: how to recognize the problem

Before disassembling half of the machine, check symptoms, which will help narrow down the range of possible causes. Air conditioning on Murano may behave differently:

• 🔥 Warm air blowing — the compressor does not turn on or there is no freon in the system.
• ⚡ The air conditioner turns on but turns off after 5-10 seconds — protection is triggered due to high pressure or sensor malfunction.
• 💨 Weak air flow — a problem with the fan or a clogged cabin filter.
• 🚨 Extraneous sounds (grinding, knocking) - wear of the compressor bearing or clutch.
• 💡 The A/C indicator on the panel is flashing — error in the climate control unit.

If the air conditioner turns on only at high engine speeds, this almost always indicates lack of freon or condenser clogged. In models Murano Z52 (2015+) protection may also be triggered due to overheating of the air conditioner radiator - it is often clogged with fluff and dirt.

Please note smell: if when you turn on the air conditioner the cabin smells of mold, the problem lies in evaporator contamination (needs cleaning). If you smell a burning smell, check it immediately. compressor clutch, it may burn.

2. The most common causes of breakdown

According to service center statistics, 80% of air conditioner failures on Nissan Murano are associated with five problems. We have ranked them by frequency of occurrence:

1. Freon leak (35% of cases) - through microcracks in tubes, seals or condenser.
2. Compressor fault (25%) - bearing wear, clutch jamming or winding breakage.
3. Pressure sensor failure (15%) - blocks the compressor from turning on.
4. Electrical problems (12%) - blown fuse, relay or broken wiring.
5. System clogged (13%) - dirt in the condenser, clogging of the receiver-dryer.

In models Murano Z50/Z51 common corrosion of air conditioner pipes — they rust due to their close location to the wheel arches. B Z52 (2015+) the problem usually lies in electronics: climate control unit (HVAC Control Unit) may “glitch” due to power surges or moisture.

Model Murano	Typical fault	Repair cost (approx.)
Z50 (2003–2007)	Tube corrosion, freon leak	from 8,000 to 20,000 ₽
Z51 (2008–2014)	Compressor wear, clutch failure	from 25,000 to 45,000 ₽
Z52 (2015–2021)	Climate control unit failure	from 15,000 to 30,000 ₽

If your Murano equipped automatic climate control system, check the work damper servo drives. Their jamming is a common reason why the air conditioner blows only into the feet or onto the windshield, ignoring the settings.

3. Air conditioner diagnostics: step-by-step instructions

Before going to the service center, go through self-diagnosis. You will need:

• 🔧 A set of keys (for checking belt tension).
• 🔦 Flashlight (for inspecting pipes and compressor).
• 📱 Smartphone with an application for reading errors (for example, Torque Pro for Android).

Step 1: Checking the compressor clutch

When you turn on the air conditioner (A/C button on panel) the clutch should click and begin to rotate with the pulley. If this doesn't happen:

• 🔌 Check it out fuse F30 (10A) in the mounting block under the hood.
• 🔄 Make sure that the coupling is receiving 12V (test the wiring with a multimeter).
• 🛠️ If the clutch rotates, but the compressor does not pump - shaft jammed (needs replacement).

Step 2: Checking freon pressure

For this you need gauge manifold. Normal indicators for Murano:

• 🔵 Low pressure (blue scale): 1.5–2.5 bar.
• 🔴 High pressure (red scale): 10–15 bar.

If the pressure is below normal - top up the freon (use R-134a for models up to 2016 or R-1234yf for Murano Z52 2017+). If after refueling the pressure drops again, look for leak.

How to find a freon leak without equipment?

Apply soapy water to pipe connections, seals, and compressor. Bubbles will appear at the leak points. You can also use ultraviolet dye (added during refilling) and a UV lamp for searching.

Step 3: Electronics diagnostics

Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel). Errors related to air conditioning usually have codes:

• P0530 — malfunction of the pressure sensor circuit.
• P0532 - low pressure in the system.
• B1412 - problem with the climate control unit (only for Z52).

4. Freon leak: how to find and fix

In 60% of cases, freon leaks in Nissan Murano occur through microcracks in aluminum tubes or compressor seals. Particularly vulnerable:

• 🔧 Condenser tube (rusts due to its close location to the radiator).
• 🔄 O-rings on joints (over time they become tanned and crack).
• 🚗 Capacitor (damaged by stones or corrosion).

To find a leak, use:

1. Ultraviolet dye (added when refueling, glows under a UV lamp).
2. Electronic leak detector (reacts to freon).
3. Soap solution (cheap, but less accurate).

If a leak is found in tube, it is possible solder with argon welding (cost ~3,000 ₽). If it flows capacitor or compressor - replacement only. Spare parts prices:

• 🔧 Capacitor: 12,000–20,000 ₽ (original Nissan).
• 🔄 Compressor: 25,000–40,000 ₽ (depending on the model).
• 🛠️ Receiver-dryer: 3,000–6,000 ₽.

In models Murano Z50/Z51 leak frequently rear tubes, passing under the bottom. They can be protected anti-corrosion treatment or plastic covers. B Z52 leaks occur more often in front contour due to engine vibrations VQ35DE.

5. Problems with the compressor: repair or replacement?

The compressor is the most expensive element of the system. On Nissan Murano compressors were installed Denso or Sanden, which, with proper operation, last 150–200 thousand km. But there are typical problems:

• 🔊 Noise during operation — wear of the pulley or coupling bearing.
• 🛑 Jamming — belt breakage or destruction of internal parts.
• 💥 Oil leak - a signal about imminent failure.

If the compressor jammed, it will have to be changed. Attempting to repair a seized compressor is usually not cost-effective. Cost of a new one:

• Denso 7SEU17C (for Z50/Z51): ~35 000 ₽.
• Sanden SD7V16 (for Z52): ~40 000 ₽.

If the problem is coupling (does not turn on, but the compressor rotates manually), it can be replaced separately (~8,000 ₽). Also check:

• 🔌 Coupling winding (resistance should be 3.5–4.5 Ohms).
• 🔋 Gap between clutch and pulley (normal: 0.3–0.5 mm).

In models Murano Z52 with engine VQ35DD (3.5 Hybrid) compressor controlled inverter. If it fails, the air conditioner may operate jerkily or not turn on at all. Inverter diagnostics are only possible in a service center with access to Nissan Consult.

6. Electrical faults: fuses, relays, wiring

If the compressor is working properly, freon is charged, but the air conditioner does not work - the problem is electrical. Start by checking:

1. Fuse F30 (10A) — is responsible for powering the climate control.
2. Compressor relay — located in the block under the hood (number K27 for Z50/Z51, K30 for Z52).
3. Pressure sensor - located on the high pressure pipe.

How to check the relay:

1. Remove the relay from the block.
2. Call contacts 85 and 86 (coil resistance: 50-120 ohms).
3. Apply 12V to the contacts 85 (+) and 86 (–) - there should be a click.

If the relay is OK, check wiring from the climate control unit to the compressor. Wires often fray harness under the hood (especially in Z50 due to engine vibrations VQ35DE).

How to check the pressure sensor?

Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the resistance:

- At normal pressure: 2–5 kOhm.

- At low/high: 0 ohms or ∞.

If the values ​​do not match, the sensor is faulty.

In models with automatic climate (Z51/Z52) often fails control unit (HVAC Control Unit). Symptoms:

• 🔄 The air conditioner turns on spontaneously.
• 🚫 Does not respond to temperature settings.
• 💡 All indicators on the panel are lit.

Cost of a new block: ~25,000 ₽. Sometimes it helps flashing (price ~5,000 ₽), but this is a temporary solution.

7. Cleaning and maintaining the air conditioner

Even if the air conditioner is working, it is necessary service regularlyto avoid breakdowns. Recommendations for Nissan Murano:

• 🌿 Replacing the cabin filter — every 15,000 km (or once a year).
• 🧹 Cleaning the evaporator - once every 2 years (use conditioner cleaning spray).
• ❄️ Freon refill — every 2–3 years (even if there are no leaks).
• 🔧 Checking belt tension — at each maintenance (norm: deflection 5–7 mm).

To clean the evaporator:

1. Remove the cabin filter (located behind the glove compartment).
2. Spray cleaner (eg Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger) into the air duct.
3. Turn on the air conditioner at maximum airflow for 10 minutes.

If in the salon appeared mold smell, use antibacterial treatment (For example, Step Up SU-9301). In advanced cases it may be necessary panel disassembly for mechanical cleaning of the evaporator (cost ~10,000 ₽).

In models Murano Z52 with the system Auto A/C may be required after cleaning reset adaptations through a diagnostic scanner. Otherwise, the control unit will not work correctly.

8. When to go to service: difficult cases

Some breakdowns cannot be repaired on your own. Contact the service if:

• 🔧 Required compressor replacement (special equipment for vacuuming is required).
• 💻 Needed climate control unit diagnostics (required Nissan Consult III/IV).
• 🔍 Necessary searching for hidden leaks (for example, in an evaporator).
• ⚡ An error appears U1000 or B1412 (problems with the CAN bus).

Average prices for work in the service:

Service	Cost (₽)
Air conditioner diagnostics	1 500–3 000
Compressor replacement (with refilling)	15 000–25 000
Leak repair (tube soldering)	5 000–12 000
Cleaning the evaporator (with panel removal)	8 000–15 000

When choosing a service, please note:

• 🔧 Do they use original spare parts or high-quality analogues (Denso, Nissens).
• 🧪 Do they have vacuum pump to completely pump out the system before refueling.
• 📝 Do they provide a guarantee for the work (minimum 6 months).

In Moscow and St. Petersburg we recommend services specializing in Nissan:

• Nissan Service Center (official dealers).
• JapKo Service (unofficial, but with good reviews).
• Autobent (they specialize in Japanese cars).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano air conditioner

❓ The air conditioner works, but it blows weakly. What is the reason?

Most likely clogged cabin filter or evaporator. Also check stove fan - in Murano Z50 it often breaks down. If airflow is weak only at certain speeds, the problem is fan resistor (cost ~2,000 ₽).

❓ Is it possible to refuel the air conditioner yourself?

Yes, but only if you are sure there are no leaks in the system. For refueling you will need:

• 🔧 Refilling kit with pressure gauge.
• 🧪 Freon cylinder (R-134a or R-1234yf).
• 🛠️ Vacuum pump (if the system has been opened).

It is impossible to charge the system without vacuuming - moisture will remain inside, which will quickly damage the compressor.

❓ Why does the air conditioner only turn on at high speeds?

This is a sign lack of freon or pressure sensor malfunction. At low pressure, the system blocks the compressor from turning on at idle to avoid overheating. Refill freon and check the sensor (located on the high pressure pipe).

❓ How often should the air conditioner be serviced?

Recommended schedule for Nissan Murano:

• 🔄 Replacing the cabin filter: every 15,000 km.
• ❄️ Checking freon pressure: once a year (in spring).
• 🧹 Cleaning the evaporator: once every 2 years.
• 🔧 Replacing the receiver-drier: Every time the system is opened.

❓ What to do if after refueling the air conditioner does not become colder?

Possible reasons:

• 🔧 Insufficient amount of freon (needs to be refueled).
• 🚫 Condenser clogged (pressure wash it with water).
• 💨 Condenser fan malfunction (check his work).
• 🔄 Thermostatic valve jammed (needs replacement).

If the problem persists, check compressor performance (it may not create the required pressure).