Comfortable travel in a car Nissan Murano directly depends on the quality of the air that the driver and passengers breathe. Many owners forget the importance of regularly replacing the air element, focusing only on the engine, but this is a serious mistake. A clogged filter not only impairs the performance of the climate system, but also becomes a source of unpleasant odors and allergens inside the cabin.
In a metropolis with a high concentration of exhaust gases and dust, cabin filter works at the limit of its capabilities after 10,000 kilometers. Ignoring this element leads to the fact that the fan begins to make more noise, and the air flow from the deflectors becomes weak. If you notice that the windows are fogging up faster than usual or there is a damp smell, it’s time to check the condition of the filter element.
Replacement process on models Murano Z50, Z51 and Z52 has its own nuances that are important to consider so as not to damage the fragile plastic parts of the instrument panel. Proper selection of parts and careful installation ensure that the recirculation system will work effectively, protecting the respiratory tract from harmful contaminants. Let's consider all aspects of the selection and maintenance of this important component.
Why change the filter and how to understand that it is dirty
The main task of the air element is to trap dust, pollen, soot and small particles of dirt, preventing them from entering the ventilation system. When the filter pores become clogged, cleaning efficiency drops to zero. Carbon dioxide begins to accumulate in the cabin, which causes drowsiness and fatigue of the driver, especially in traffic jams.
The need for replacement can be determined by a number of obvious signs that should not be ignored. First of all, this is a decrease in the intensity of airflow when the air conditioner or stove is turned on. You will have to set the fan speed to maximum to get the desired air flow.
Also pay attention to the following symptoms:
- ❌ The appearance of a specific musty smell, which intensifies when the air blower is turned on
- ❌ Increased fogging of windows due to insufficient ventilation and air circulation
- ❌ Creaking or humming of the stove fan caused by increased load on the motor
- ❌ Dust flying out of the deflectors when switching climate control operating modes
If you live in a region with active flowering plants or in an industrial area, you need to change the element more often than prescribed by the regulations. The standard replacement interval is 15,000 - 20,000 kilometers, but real operating conditions can halve this period.
⚠️ Attention: Vehicle operation Nissan Murano with a clogged filter can lead to overheating of the heater motor and its subsequent failure, which will require expensive repairs to the instrument panel.
Types of filters and criteria for selecting a suitable part
There are several types of filter elements on the auto parts market, and choosing the right option depends on your priorities and operating conditions. The simplest and cheapest option is a regular mechanical filter, which filters only large dust and leaves. It does not remove gases or odors from the air.
For urban conditions it is strongly recommended to install carbon filter. Inside its layers there is activated carbon, which absorbs harmful gases, exhaust products and unpleasant odors. This is especially true for Nissan Murano, where the ventilation system works in conjunction with powerful climate control.
There are also combined options with an electrostatic layer, which better retain the smallest particles, including allergens. When choosing, pay attention to the manufacturer and the build quality of the frame. Cheap analogues often have hard plastic, which may not fit into the seat or damage the guides.
Here are the main differences between filter types for Murano:
- 🛡️ Regular paper: basic dust protection, low price, does not retain odors
- 🌿 Coal: protection against gases and odors, average price, optimal choice for the city
- 🌬️ With antibacterial coating: protection against mold and mildew, high price, for allergy sufferers
It is important to check whether the size of the purchased part matches the dimensions of the seat. Even a slight deviation in thickness can cause the filter to hang loose, allowing dirt to pass through the edges, or it may not be able to be installed completely.
- Regular paper
- Coal
- Antibacterial
- I don't change at all
Table of analogues and original articles
Buying an original part is a guarantee of quality, but often the cost of such products is much higher. There are many high-quality analogues on the market that are not inferior to the original in terms of cleaning efficiency, but are cheaper. The main thing is to choose trusted manufacturers.
Original item for most generations Nissan Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52) has a number 27277-AX00A or 27277-AX00B. However, before purchasing, always check the VIN code of your car, as there may have been slight changes in the design of the ventilation system in different years of production.
Below is a table of popular analogues that have proven themselves in operation:
| Manufacturer | Article | Filter type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Original) | 27277-AX00A | Coal | Original part |
| Cabin Filter | CF-1156 | Coal | High efficiency |
| Sakura | C-25002 | Coal | Good value for money |
| Knecht/Mahle | LAK 762 | Coal | Premium class, long service life |
| Profit | 1520-0727 | Ordinary | Budget option |
When choosing an analogue, give preference to those brands that specialize specifically in air filtration. Cheap Chinese knockoffs often have a thin layer of carbon that washes away in one ride in the rain, turning into a useless piece of plastic.
The original filter provides a perfect fit, but quality analogues from Mahle or Sakura can be even more effective at a lower cost.
Tools and preparation for replacement
Replacing the filter with Nissan Murano - a procedure that does not require complex professional equipment. You will need a minimum of tools that can be found in any garage or even in the glove compartment of a car. The main thing is accuracy and patience, since access to the filter is often limited by plastic panels.
Before you begin, make sure you have a clean cloth and possibly a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment. A layer of dust and small debris often accumulates in the filter niche, which is best removed before installing a new part. This will prevent dirt from entering the ventilation system immediately after installation.
List of required tools and materials:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (medium size) for unscrewing screws
- 🔧 Plastic spatula or coin (for prying up latches, if any)
- 🌬️ New cabin filter (prepared in advance)
- 💨 Vacuum cleaner or compressed air (for pre-cleaning the niche)
Don't forget to wear gloves, as there may be a lot of old dust and possible traces of fungus in the filter niche. It is also recommended to open the hood and make sure that the battery is connected securely, although electricity is not involved in this process, it is better to be safe.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Step-by-step instructions for replacing a Nissan Murano
The replacement process may vary slightly depending on the generation of your car, but the general algorithm of actions remains similar. On most models Murano The filter is located on the passenger side, behind the glove box.
First, open the glove box and remove all contents from it. You will need to release it from the stoppers so it can lower down. Usually there are special stops or screws on both sides of the glove compartment that limit its movement. Gently push the sides of the drawer inward to release the stoppers.
Once the glove compartment is completely lowered, you will see a plastic filter cover. It is secured with latches or one or two screws. Open the cover and remove the old filter. Pay attention to the direction of the arrows on the body of the old element in order to correctly install the new one.
Before installing a new part, carefully inspect the niche. Remove all leaves, dust and debris using a vacuum cleaner or duster. Make sure that the rubber seal on the filter cover is not deformed or cracked. This is important for the tightness of the system.
Insert the new filter exactly in the direction of air flow arrow (usually indicated as FLOW or UP). If the filter is installed incorrectly, its efficiency will decrease, and the fan may begin to work with overload. Close the lid tightly and return the glove box to its original position by latching the stops.
Before inserting a new filter, lightly squeeze its sides to make it easier to fit into the narrow seat without deforming the carbon layer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemical solvents to clean the niche, as the fumes can damage the plastic parts of the instrument panel and cause them to crack in the future.
Features of replacement for Murano Z52 (new generation)
On new models, access to the filter may be organized differently; sometimes it is necessary to remove the passenger's foot deflector. Be careful with the plastic clips, they are very fragile.
Common maintenance mistakes and expert advice
Many owners make the same mistake: they install a filter without clearing the niche of old debris. As a result, even a new element quickly becomes clogged with a mixture of dust and old residues, and the smell of rot remains in the cabin. Always take a couple of minutes to thoroughly clean the installation area.
Another common mistake is installing a filter without taking into account the direction of air flow. The arrow on the filter should point down or in the direction of air movement from the fan. If you mix up the sides, the resistance to air flow will increase sharply, and the stove will stop heating normally.
It is also important not to squeeze the filter too hard when installing. Carbon filters have a fragile structure, and excessive pressure can lead to destruction of the carbon layer or deformation of the corrugation. The filter should fit into the niche with light force, but without deformation.
If you notice that after replacement the filter quickly becomes dirty, check the condition of the ventilation system. There may be a lot of dirt accumulated in the air ducts that needs to be cleaned professionally. This is especially true for vehicles that have traveled more than 100,000 kilometers.
High-quality cleaning of the niche before installing a new filter extends its service life by 30-40% and guarantees the absence of unpleasant odors in the first weeks of operation.
Compliance with the replacement regulations and the correct choice of parts is the key to clean air and a comfortable trip in your Nissan Murano. Do not skimp on your health and do not delay replacement until obvious symptoms of a malfunction appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you change the cabin filter on a Nissan Murano?
The recommended replacement interval is 15,000 – 20,000 kilometers or once a year. In conditions of dusty roads or cities with high air pollution, it is better to change it every 10,000 kilometers.
Is it possible to install a regular filter instead of a carbon filter?
This is technically possible, but not recommended. A conventional filter does not retain exhaust gases and odors, which can be unpleasant in city traffic. The carbon filter provides better protection and comfort.
What to do if the filter does not fit into the niche?
Check that the item is selected correctly. You may have purchased a filter for the wrong model or year. Also make sure you remove all glove box stops and clear out any old debris from the glove box.
How to determine the direction of installation of the filter?
There is always an arrow on the filter housing indicating the direction of air flow (usually down or towards the engine). If there is no arrow, follow the direction on the old filter or the instructions for the part.
Does replacing the filter affect fuel consumption?
Indirectly - yes. A clogged filter creates resistance, causing the fan to work harder, which increases the load on the generator and engine. Free air flow improves engine and air conditioning efficiency.