Nissan Murano won't start: a complete analysis of the reasons and solutions

Yours Nissan Murano refuses to start, but unknown icons are on the dashboard? This problem is familiar to many crossover owners. Z50 (2003-2007), Z51 (2008-2014) and Z52 (2015-2021). There can be dozens of reasons - from a dead battery to serious malfunctions ECU or fuel system. In this article we will look at unique "diseases" of Murano that are not found in other Nissans, and we will give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis.

Feature Murano - complex electronics and sensitivity to fuel quality. For example, problems starting after refueling often associated with clogged injectors VQ35DE, and starter failures - with the design features of the flywheel. We collected data from forums Nissan Club Russia, service manuals and owner surveys to identify the most common causes. Let's start with simple ones and gradually move on to complex faults.

1. Battery and electrical system: first checks

Let's start with the obvious: 70% of cases where Murano won't start are related to the battery or terminals. Moreover, the problem can manifest itself in different ways:

• 🔋 Clicking noise when turning the key - a classic sign of a dead battery or oxidized terminals.
• 💡 Dim dashboard light When you try to start, the battery does not hold the load.
• ⚡ Complete silence — there may be a ground break or a malfunction of the main relay.

U Murano Z51/Z52 there is a feature: Intelligent Key continues to consume energy even when the ignition is turned off. If the car sits for more than 3 weeks without moving, the battery may be completely discharged. Check the voltage with a multimeter:

Battery condition	Voltage (V)	Actions
Full charge	12.6–12.8	Look for the problem further
Partial discharge	12.0–12.5	Recharge 2-4 hours
Deep discharge	11.5–12.0	Charge 10+ hours or replace
Critical discharge	Below 11.5	Replacing the battery

⚠️ Attention: On Murano with the system I-KEY You cannot “light” from a donor with the engine running! A power surge can burn out the immobilizer control unit. Use only booster (starting device) or turn off the donor mass.

2. Starter: why does it click but doesn’t turn?

If you hear when you turn the key single clicks, and the engine does not start, the problem in 90% of cases is related to the starter. U Murano There are three typical faults:

1. Bendix wear — the gear does not mesh with the flywheel. Characteristic sound: metallic grinding when trying to start.
2. Burnt contacts of the solenoid relay — The starter clicks, but does not turn. Often accompanied by a burning smell.
3. Armature winding break - complete silence or intermittent attempts to turn over.

For diagnostics:

1. Try starting the engine bypassing the immobilizer: turn the key to position ON, then briefly close the contacts B And S on the solenoid relay (see diagram in the manual).
2. If the starter spins, the problem is ECU or immobilizer. If not, it’s in the starter itself.

Tap the starter housing with a hammer (sometimes helps with burnt contacts)

Check the voltage at terminal S when turning the key (should be 12V)

Measure the resistance of the armature winding (standard: 0.1–0.5 Ohm)

Inspect the flywheel teeth for wear (a common problem after 150 thousand km)

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⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z52 with engine VQ35DD (3.5L Hybrid) starter integrated with generator (ISG). Self-repair without a diagnostic scanner Consult-III may lead to errors P0615 or P0617!

3. Immobilizer and Engine Control Unit (ECU)

If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, and the dashboard flashes key icon — a problem in the immobilizer system. U Murano There are two typical faults:

• 🔑 Key synchronization failure with ECU - often occurs after replacing the battery or disconnecting the terminals.
• 📱 Error in block NAT (Nissan Anti-Theft) - requires flashing or replacing the chip.

To reset the immobilizer error:

1. Insert the key into the ignition.
2. Rotate to position ON (without starting the engine).
3. Wait 10 minutes — the key indicator should go out.
4. Turn the key to position OFF, then try starting it.

If the procedure does not help, check:

• 🔌 Condition of the immobilizer antenna (located around the ignition switch).
• 📶 Presence of errors U1000 or B2100 in ECU (scanner required).

How to bypass the immobilizer in an emergency

Attention! This method only works on Murano Z50/Z51 before 2010 release and may cause errors ECU. Use at your own risk.

1. Open the fuse box under the hood.

2. Remove the fuse #32 (10A) - this will disable the immobilizer.

3. Try starting the car for 5 minutes.

4. After starting, immediately replace the fuse.

4. Fuel system: from the fuel pump to the injectors

If the starter turns, but the engine does not "get enough", check the fuel system. U Murano there are three weak points:

• ⛽ Gasoline pump - often fails after 100 thousand km. Symptom: The engine starts and immediately stalls.
• 🔥 Injectors - clogged when using lower fuel AI-95. Symptom: tripping and misfires (P0300–P0306).
• 🔄 Fuel pressure regulator - on VQ35DE located on the fuel rail and often leaks.

How to check the fuel pump:

1. Remove the rear seat and open the gas filler flap.
2. Connect the pressure gauge to the fuel rail (normal pressure: 3.5–4.0 bar).
3. Turn the key to position ON - the pressure should rise in 2-3 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z52 with the system Direct Injection the pressure in the ramp should be 10–12 bar. If it is lower, check high pressure pump (located on the block head). Replacing it costs 40–60 thousand rubles.

5. Sensors and electronics: hidden reasons

Modern Murano equipped with dozens of sensors, the failure of any of which can block the launch. The most problematic:

Sensor	Symptoms of malfunction	Error code
Crankshaft sensor (CKP)	Engine does not start, no spark	P0335
Camshaft sensor (CMP)	Long startup, speed fluctuates	P0340
Throttle position sensor (TPS)	RPM freezes, jerks during acceleration	P0120
Mass air flow sensor (MAF)	Rich/lean mixture, black smoke	P0100

Particularly insidious crankshaft sensor - if it fails, the engine may turn with the starter, but not start due to the lack of a signal for ECU. Check:

1. Sensor resistance (standard: 500–700 Ohm).
2. The presence of metal shavings at the end (a sign of wear on the crankshaft gear).

On Murano Z51 often fails coolant temperature sensor (ECT). If it shows incorrect data, ECU may block startup. Check its readings with a scanner - the temperature should match the real one (for example, after an overnight stay it should show 15–25°C, not -40°C).

6. Immobilizer and chip keys: Nissan specifics

System Nissan Immobilizer on Murano has a unique feature: it is tied not only to the key, but also to block BCM (Body Control Module). If the unit was replaced or reflashed without binding the keys, the car will not start. Common problems:

• 🔑 Lost synchronization — after replacing the battery or disconnecting the terminals.
• 📶 Antenna damage — located around the ignition switch, often breaks due to careless repairs.
• 🔧 Errors in NAT-chip — require reflashing from an official dealer.

To retrain keys:

1. Insert the first key into the ignition.
2. Rotate to position ON for 5 seconds.
3. Return to position OFF and remove the key.
4. Repeat the procedure with the second key.
5. Insert the first key again and turn to ON — if the key indicator blinks 2 times, the training was successful.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z52 with the system Intelligent Key retraining keys is only possible through a diagnostic scanner Consult-III Plus. Attempts on your own may block all keys!

7. Mechanical faults: timing belt, marks, compression

If all electrical systems are ok but the engine does not start, check the mechanical parts. U Murano with engines VQ35DE/VQ35DD there are three critical points:

• 🔗 Timing belt — a break leads to a collision of pistons with valves (the engine “wedges”).
• 🎯 Timing marks — even with a shift of 1 tooth, the engine will not start.
• 💨 Compression — low compression in the cylinders (below 10 bar) blocks starting.

How to check timing marks:

1. Remove the upper timing belt cover.
2. Install the piston of the 1st cylinder in TDC (top dead center).
3. Check the alignment of the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys (see diagram in the manual).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z52 with engine VQ35DD (Hybrid) timing belt is replaced every 90 thousand km (versus 120 thousand km on atmospheric versions). Skipping a replacement may result in a major engine overhaul (from 250 thousand rubles).

8. Diagnosis by sounds and behavior

Experienced mechanics can determine the cause of the problem by the sounds and behavior of the car. Here are the typical symptoms for Murano:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Actions
Clicks, but the starter does not turn	The battery is discharged or the solenoid relay is faulty	Check the voltage at the starter terminals
The starter turns, but the engine does not "get enough"	No fuel or spark	Check the rail pressure and spark plugs
The engine starts and immediately stalls	The crankshaft sensor is faulty or the injectors are clogged	Read errors with scanner
Long startup (5+ seconds)	Low compression or wear of fuel injection pump (on diesel engines)	Measure the compression

If the engine Starts only when cold, the problem may be:

• 🔥 Air leak through cracks in the intake manifold.
• 💧 Fuel rail leaks (on VQ35DD).
• 🔌 Temperature sensor malfunctions (ECT).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the launch of Nissan Murano

Is it possible to push start the Murano?

✅ Yes, but only models Z50/Z51 with manual transmission. On slot machines (RE0F10A/RE0F10D) this method prohibited - the box may be damaged. For automatic transmission, use only a booster or charger.

Instructions for manual transmission:

1. Turn on the ignition.
2. Depress the clutch and engage 2nd gear.
3. Accelerate the car to 10–15 km/h.
4. Quickly release the clutch and add gas.

Why won't my Murano start after replacing the battery?

🔋 The reason is the settings reset ECU and immobilizer. You need:

1. Wait 10 minutes with the ignition on (to reset the immobilizer).
2. Carry out the throttle valve learning procedure:

1. Зажигание ON → подождать 3 сек.
2. 5 раз нажать педаль газа до упора.
3. Подождать 7 сек.
4. Нажать педаль газа до упора и удерживать 10 сек.
5. Отпустить педаль и выключить зажигание.

What kind of oil should I put in Murano to avoid starting problems?

🛢️ For VQ35DE (gasoline) recommended:

• 5W-30 — for regions with temperatures from -30°C to +35°C (Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30).
• 0W-20 — for cold climates (below -30°C, Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist).

⚠️ On Murano Z52 Hybrid use only approved oils Nissan KE900-90042 (For example, Nissan Genuine Oil 0W-20). Failure to comply leads to errors P0011 And P0021 (timing phases).

How much does it cost to diagnose a fault in a service?

💰 The cost depends on the type of diagnosis:

Diagnostic type	Cost (₽)
Computer (scanner)	1 500–3 000
Checking the fuel system	2 000–4 000
Starter/generator diagnostics	1 000–2 500
Compression check	3 000–5 000

⚠️ On Murano Z52 Hybrid diagnostics cost 30–50% more due to the complexity of the system ISG.

Is it safe to drive if the Murano only starts after a few tries?

❌ No! If the car does not start the first time, this is a sign of a serious malfunction:

• 🔥 Risk starter overheating (the winding may burn out).
• 💥 Possible water hammer with faulty injectors (on VQ35DD).
• 🚗 It may stall while driving (for example, due to the crankshaft sensor).

🔧 Recommendation: Drive the car away with a tow truck or call a mobile diagnostician.