Owning a crossover Nissan Murano The second generation (Z51 body) brings a lot of design pleasure, but over the years, owners are faced with typical problems with rear optics. The plastic of the lenses becomes cloudy, the reflectors burn out, and standard incandescent lamps no longer meet modern safety and aesthetic requirements. This is not just a matter of appearance, but also a critical aspect of the car's visibility on the road in bad weather.
Many car owners try to save money by ignoring dimming headlights, which ultimately leads to a fine from the traffic police or, worse, an accident due to poor visibility of your dimensions. Completely replacing a unit with an original new unit is often financially burdensome, especially considering the cost of shipping parts.
The solution to the problem lies in competent diagnosis and choosing the right recovery strategy. You have to decide whether to try to restore the original plastic, replace only the lamps with LEDs, or completely replace the unit with a tuned analogue. Each of these paths has its own nuances, which we will examine in detail.
Design features and typical problems of Z51 optics
Rear optics Nissan Murano The Z51, produced between 2009 and 2014, features a complex system integrated into the overall body design. Plastic lenses are made of polycarbonate, which inevitably undergoes degradation over time under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes. This leads to a characteristic haze that cannot be removed by simple polishing for a long time.
There are reflectors inside the case, which also often lose their properties. Burnout of the chrome layer makes the light beam dim and scattered. In addition, the design provides for special chambers for ventilation, which over time become clogged with dirt, which can contribute to the formation of condensation inside the unit.
- 🔦 Cloudiness of plastic reduces light efficiency by 40-50% after 5-7 years of operation.
- 💧 Condensation inside the housing indicates a violation of the tightness of the seals or clogging of the ventilation valves.
- 🔥 Burnout of reflectors makes the use of powerful halogen lamps dangerous due to the risk of overheating.
Owners often notice that brake lights begin to work unstable. This can be caused not only by a burnt-out lamp, but also by oxidation of the contacts in the connector, which is located in a hard-to-reach place behind the trunk trim. Checking the electrical circuit should be the first step before purchasing new parts.
⚠️ Attention: Using high-power lamps without replacing reflectors can lead to melting of the plastic housing and fire of the wiring!
Restoring standard lights: myths and reality
There is a popular belief that polishing your taillights will restore them to their factory shine forever. Unfortunately for Nissan Murano Z51 is only a temporary measure. Deep scratches and microcracks formed in the thickness of the plastic will reappear over time if a protective coating is not applied. Simple polishing removes the top layer, but does not protect against new influences.
If you decide to restore the optics yourself, you will need not only polish, but also a high-quality varnish coating. Applying varnish requires ideal surface preparation and conditions that prevent the ingress of dust. In garage conditions, it is extremely difficult to achieve results comparable to factory ones.
- 🛡️ Mandatory application of UV protective varnish after polishing will extend the life of transparency by 1-2 years.
- 🧪 The use of abrasive pastes with a grain size of 800 to 3000 grit is necessary to level the surface.
- 🌡️ Work should be carried out at an air temperature of at least +20°C for proper polymerization of the varnish.
An alternative to polishing is to replace the lens separately from the body. However, find a separate transparent lens for Murano The Z51 is almost impossible to sell for free. Often you have to look for donors or order parts from abroad, which increases the cost of repairs to the price of a new non-original unit.
Hidden information about chemical reduction
There are special chemical compounds to restore transparency that work by dissolving the top layer of plastic. However, they require precise control of the exposure time, otherwise the plastic can become cloudy forever or become deformed.
Switching to LED lamps: pros, cons and risks
Replacing standard incandescent lamps with light-emitting diode (LED) modules is the most popular way to update optics. LEDs produce brighter, whiter light, which greatly improves the visibility of brake lights and markers. In addition, they consume less energy and last many times longer than conventional lamps.
However, there is a serious problem here. Standard reflectors Nissan Murano Z51 are designed for a specific glow point of an incandescent lamp. If you install an LED lamp with the wrong crystal arrangement, the light beam will be scattered incorrectly. This may blind drivers from behind and may not provide adequate brightness in desired areas.
- 💡 Choose LED lamps that simulate the position of the filament for correct light distribution.
- ⚠️ Pay attention to the presence of a cooling radiator or active fan in the design of the LED lamp.
- 🔌 Make sure the base is compatible and there are no errors on the dashboard (installation of decoys is required).
In some cases, installing high-power LED lamps may cause an error on the dashboard due to low current consumption. The car system may perceive this as a lamp burnout. To fix the problem, it is necessary to install special decoy resistors that simulate the load of a standard lamp.
- Replacement with LED lamps
- Complete block replacement
- Restoration by polishing
- Leave as is
Taillight tuning: blackening and LED stripes
For those who want to radically change the appearance of the crossover, there is an option with blackened lights. This procedure involves applying tint film or paint to the inside of the clear lens, leaving only the operating areas of the brake lights and turn signals exposed. The result is an aggressive, “predatory” look, characteristic of many modern sports models.
Blackening is often combined with the installation of LED strips or dynamic turn signals. This not only changes the style, but also improves safety. A dynamic turn signal (ticker) attracts more attention on the road than a static flasher. However, such changes require a professional approach to electronics installation.
- 🖤 Use only special car tint films that are resistant to high temperatures from lamps.
- 🚦 Dynamic turn signals require the installation of an additional controller or flashing of the body control unit.
- 🔧 To install LED strips, it is often necessary to modify the reflectors by removing part of them or replacing them with transparent analogues.
Traffic police officers may regard this as a violation of the requirements for lighting devices if the brake lights are not fully visible. The optimal level of dimming is when during the day you can see the color of the lamp, and at night it looks like black, but shines brightly.
Before starting blackening work, remove the lights from the car and thoroughly degrease the inside of the surface with alcohol or anti-silicone.
Comparison of original and non-original blocks
If restoration is not possible, the choice arises between purchasing an original unit from Nissan and analogues from third-party manufacturers. The original guarantees the ideal quality of the plastic, compliance with lighting standards and the durability of the reflectors. However, the price of such a solution can be prohibitive, especially for right-hand drive versions.
Analogs from brands like TYC, Depo or Hella offer a more affordable price. The quality of their plastic may be slightly lower, and the reflectors may fade faster over time. However, many owners Murano Z51 successfully operate non-original units for 5-7 years without significant problems if they are installed correctly.
| Characteristics | Original (Nissan) | High-quality analogue (TYC/Hella) | Cheap analogue (No Name) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | High | Average | Low |
| Plastic quality | Excellent, UV resistant | Good, requires protection | Low, quickly becomes cloudy |
| Fit accuracy | Perfect | Good (gaps possible) | Often requires adjustment |
| Service life | 10+ years | 5-7 years | 1-3 years |
| Tightness | High | Average | Often broken |
When choosing a non-original unit, be sure to check the package contents. Sometimes the kit does not include the necessary rubber seals or fasteners, which complicates installation. Also pay attention to the markings: they must correspond to the body code of your car.
☑️ Check before purchasing an analogue
Do-it-yourself procedure for replacing lights
Replacing rear lights with Nissan Murano Z51 is a moderately difficult task that can be completed in your own garage. First you need to open the trunk and remove the decorative trim in the area where the lamp is located. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver and possibly a plastic spatula to remove the clips.
Once the trim is removed, you will see three or four nuts securing the canopy to the body. Unscrew them and gently pull the block towards you to disconnect it from the latches. Be careful as plastic can be brittle, especially if it is old and has been exposed to temperature changes.
- 🔩 Unscrew the nuts evenly so as not to damage the threads in the body.
- 🔌 Before complete removal, disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the latch.
- 🧤 Wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the inside of the new flashlight.
Installing a new unit is done in the reverse order. Make sure all seals are in place and not twisted. After installation, be sure to check the operation of all functions: dimensions, brake lights, turns and reversing lights. Test the seal by spraying the lamp with water from a hose.
Correct installation of seals is the key to the absence of condensation inside the new lamp in the future.
Legal aspects and requirements for lighting devices
Any changes in the design of lighting devices must comply with the Road Traffic Regulations. Installing lamps that are a different color from the standard color (for example, blue or red LED modules in areas not intended for this purpose) may result in loss of license. Stop lights must be exclusively red.
Tinting of rear lights is permitted only if it does not reduce the brightness of the luminous flux below the established standards. In practice, this means that the tint should be so light that during the day it is almost invisible, or applied only to non-working areas of the plastic. Complete blackout with bright red dots is a gray area that inspectors often interpret as a violation.
When undergoing a technical inspection or random check on the road, specialists can use photometric devices to measure brightness. If the indicators are below the norm, you will be fined and required to correct the problem. Therefore, before any tuning manipulations, it is worth studying the current GOST requirements.
⚠️ Attention: The use of lighting devices that do not correspond to the type of vehicle will result in an administrative fine and possible towing of the vehicle.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to replace only the flashlight lens and not the entire unit?
In most cases for Nissan Murano Z51 lenses are not sold separately. Manufacturers do not provide such service replacement. You will have to look for a donor flashlight or change the entire unit. The exception is some tuning kits, where the lens comes complete with a new reflector.
Why does condensation form inside the flashlight?
Condensation appears due to leaks or clogged ventilation valves. If there is little moisture and it disappears after turning on the headlights, this is normal. If water accumulates in puddles, you need to check the seals and replace them, or use silicone sealant around the perimeter of the joint.
What lamps are best for brake lights?
It is recommended to use high-quality LED lamps with a P21/5W base and a design that imitates a filament. This will ensure proper light distribution. Avoid cheap Chinese analogues without radiators, as they quickly burn out.
Is it difficult to remove the trunk trim to access the lights?
No, this is a simple procedure. You need to snap off the plastic clips and unscrew a few screws. Be careful with the clips, they may break when removed. It is best to use a special spatula for dismantling.
Is it possible to install lights from Murano Z52 (new generation)?
No, the lights are from Nissan Murano Z52 will not fit on Z51 due to differences in body geometry, mounts and electrical wiring. These are different platforms with different optics characteristics.