Nissan Murano Z50 is a popular crossover, known for its comfort and reliability, but even in it the air conditioning system can malfunction. One of the common reasons for a non-working climate is air conditioner relay - a small but critical element that is responsible for supplying power to the compressor. If your Murano the air has stopped cooling, but the fan is working properly, the problem most likely lies in this component.

In this article we will figure out how check air conditioner relay on Nissan Murano Z50 (2007–2014), where it is located, what symptoms indicate its failure, and how to replace it yourself. You will also find out what diagnostic errors even experienced car owners admit it and how to avoid them. The material is supported by diagrams, photos and practical advice from service station experts.

Where is the air conditioner relay located? Nissan Murano Z50?

B Murano Z50 The air conditioning relay is located in fuse and relay box under the hood (so-called fuse box or power distribution box). The exact location depends on the year of manufacture and configuration, but in 90% of cases it can be found:

  • 🔧 To the left of the battery - under a plastic cover with the inscription FUSE & RELAY BOX.
  • 📍 Near the main fuse box (usually black or gray).
  • 🔍 Under the cover with markings - look for inscriptions A/C RELAY, COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY or MAGNETIC CLUTCH RELAY.

On some modifications Murano Z50 (for example, with an engine VQ35DE) the relay can be duplicated or integrated into climate control module. To avoid guessing, use the diagram below:

Year of manufacture Engine Relay location Number in block
2007–2010 VQ35DE (3.5 l) Block under the hood (to the left of the battery) R-12 or R-14
2011–2014 VQ35DE (3.5 l) Block under the hood (next to the fuse A/C 10A) R-15
2009–2014 (hybrid) VQ35DE + electric motor Additional block behind the glove compartment R-7

Important! On diesel versions Murano (for example, with a motor YD25DDTi) the scheme may differ. If you do not find the relay according to the standard instructions, check service manual for your modification or use a diagnostic scan tool to search by fault code (for example, P0532 - low voltage of the air conditioning relay circuit).

📊 Where is your air conditioning relay located in Murano Z50?
  • Under the hood to the left of the battery
  • In the cabin behind the glove compartment
  • Near the fuse box in the trunk
  • I don't know, I haven't looked yet

Symptoms of a bad air conditioning relay

A/C relay Nissan Murano Z50 rarely fails suddenly - usually preceded by indirect symptoms, which owners do not pay attention to. Here are the key signs that indicate a problem:

  • ❄️ Air conditioner won't turn on - when pressing a button A/C The light on the panel lights up, but the compressor does not activate (there is no characteristic click).
  • 🔊 Clicking noises under the hood — the relay is trying to operate, but the contacts are burnt or stuck (multiple clicks are heard without the compressor starting).
  • 🌡️ Unstable climate control — the air conditioner turns on, but after 5–10 minutes it turns off spontaneously.
  • ⚡ The fuse blows A/C 10A - if the relay is “stuck” in the closed state, this leads to a short circuit.
  • 🚨 Error P0532 or P0533 on the dashboard - codes associated with the relay control circuit.

Critical moment: if the air conditioner relay is in Murano Z50 failed due to overheating, there is a high probability that the compressor was also damaged (for example, due to prolonged operation without lubrication). In this case, replacing only the relay may not solve the problem - diagnostics of the pressure in the system will be required.

⚠️ Attention! If the fuse trips when you turn on the air conditioner A/C 10A, do not replace it with a more powerful one (for example, 15A or 20A). This may cause the wiring to catch fire! First check the relay and compressor circuit.

How to check the air conditioner relay for Nissan Murano Z50?

Before replacing the relay, you need to make sure that it is the problem. For this you will need multimeter (or a simple test light bulb) and a screwdriver. Follow the step by step instructions:

  1. Remove the relay from the block (pull it up, shaking it slightly). In its place, you can temporarily install a known-good relay (for example, from a cooling fan) to check the operation of the air conditioner.
  2. Call contacts:
    • 🔌 Contacts 85 And 86 (coil) - the resistance should be 50–120 Ohm.
    • 🔌 Contacts 30 And 87 (power section) - in the normal state the circuit is open (resistance ∞).
  • Apply 12V to the coil (contacts 85 And 86) - there should be a clear clicking sound, and the contacts 30 And 87 close (resistance 0 ohm).

    • If the relay does not click or the contacts do not close, it must be replaced. Also inspect relay block connector for oxidation or melting - this is a common cause of false positives.

    Ring the coil (contacts 85–86)

    Check the power section (pins 30–87)

    Apply 12V to the coil (there should be a click)

    Inspect the connector for oxidation

    Try a known good relay -->

    Advice: If you don't have a multimeter at hand, you can use light bulb tester (12V). Connect it to contacts 30 And 87, and then apply voltage to the coil - the light should light up when the relay operates.

    Step-by-step replacement of the air conditioner relay

    Replacing the relay with Nissan Murano Z50 takes no more than 10 minutes, but requires care. Here's what you'll need:

    • 🔧 New relay (original article number - 25230-4M000 or analogues Omron G8JN-1A4P-DC12, TYCO V23134-C1002-A301).
    • 🔨 Plastic spatula or screwdriver with a thin sting.
    • 🧴 Contact lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly Kontakt-Spray).

    Instructions:

    1. Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal) to avoid short circuit.
    2. Remove the relay box cover — it is fixed with latches. Pry it off with a spatula on the left side.
    3. Find the A/C relay (see table above) and remove it by pulling it up.
    4. Clean the block contacts from oxidation (use alcohol or a special cleaner).
    5. Install a new relay - it should stand up with a slight click.
    6. Check the operation of the air conditioner before assembly. If the compressor does not start, check the fuse A/C 10A.

    Important! After replacing the relay Do not turn on the air conditioner at full power immediately. Give the system 2-3 minutes to stabilize the pressure to avoid water hammer in the compressor.

    💡

    If the air conditioner is unstable after replacing the relay, check the freon level. B Murano Z50 normal pressure in the system should be 250–350 kPa at idle speed (at +20°C).

    Typical mistakes during diagnostics and repair

    Even experienced car owners Nissan Murano Z50 make mistakes that lead to unnecessary expenses or aggravation of the problem. Here are the most common:

    • 🔍 Confusing the air conditioner relay with the fan relay - they are similar in appearance, but have different coil resistances. Always check the labeling!
    • ⚡ Ignore the fuse A/C 10A - if it burns out, the new relay will also burn out.
    • 🛠️ Freon pressure is not checked - a low refrigerant level can simulate a relay malfunction (the compressor will not turn on due to the pressure sensor triggering).
    • 🔌 Forgetting to clean the block contacts — oxidation leads to poor contact and repeated failure of the relay.

    Case study: Owner Murano 2012 I replaced the air conditioning relay, but the problem remained. It turned out that wiring from relay to compressor was rubbed against the engine bracket. Diagnostics with a multimeter showed a break in the harness - the circuit had to be restored.

    ⚠️ Attention! If after replacing the relay the air conditioner turns on, but turns off after 1–2 minutes, check freon pressure sensor (located on the high pressure pipe). When the refrigerant level is low, it blocks the compressor from working.

    Cost of spare parts and repairs

    Air conditioner relay price for Nissan Murano Z50 varies depending on the manufacturer and place of purchase:

    Relay type Article Price, rub. Where to buy
    Original (Nissan) 25230-4M000 1 200–1 800 Official dealer, Exist.ru
    Analogue (Omron) G8JN-1A4P-DC12 400–700 Chip and Dip, AliExpress
    Analogue (TYCO/TE Connectivity) V23134-C1002-A301 500–900 Autodoc, Emex
    Universal (no brand) — 200–400 Market, Avito

    The cost of replacing a relay in the service is 500–1,500 rub., but the procedure is so simple that doing it yourself is more profitable. If the problem lies in compressor or electrical wiring, the cost of repairs will increase to 5,000–20,000 rub. (depending on complexity).

    Where can I buy a relay cheaper?

    On AliExpress you can find original relays 25230-4M000 at a price of 600–900 rubles, but delivery takes 2–4 weeks. If you need it urgently, look for an analogue in local stores (for example, Omron G8JN).

    Preventing air conditioner relay malfunctions

    To make the air conditioner relay in Nissan Murano Z50 last longer, follow simple recommendations:

    • 🔄 Turn on your air conditioner at least once a month (even in winter) - this prevents acidification of the relay and compressor contacts.
    • 🧴 Treat relay block contacts special lubricant (for example, CRC 2-26) once a year.
    • 🚗 Keep your air conditioner radiator clean — overheating of the system leads to increased load on the relay.
    • ⚡ Check the on-board voltage - horse racing (below 11V or higher 15V) reduce the service life of the relay.

    Interesting fact: B Murano Z50 With a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the air conditioning relay fails 3 times more often than in new cars. This is due to compressor wear, which begins to consume more current when starting, which leads to burning of the relay contacts.

    💡

    Regular air conditioner maintenance (cleaning the radiator, refilling freon) reduces the load on the relay and extends its service life by 30–50%.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the air conditioner relay Nissan Murano Z50

    Is it possible to drive without an air conditioning relay?

    Technically yes, but the air conditioning won't work. However not recommended Leaving the system without a relay for a long time can lead to tube corrosion (due to lack of oil circulation) or compressor jamming.

    How to distinguish a faulty relay from problems with the compressor?

    If the relay clicks but the compressor does not start, check:

    • 🔧 Compressor clutch (may scroll).
    • 📉 Freon pressure (if the level is low, the compressor will not turn on).
    • 🔌 Power supply to compressor (ring the wire from the relay to the clutch).

    If the relay does not click, it is faulty.

    Which relay can be used instead of the original one?

    Analogs with the following parameters are suitable:

    • 🔌 Coil Voltage: 12V.
    • 🔌 Contact current: minimum 30A.
    • 🔧 Contact type: 4-pin (85, 86, 30, 87).

    Popular substitutes: Omron G8JN-1A4P-DC12, TYCO V23134-C1002-A301, Hella 4RA 003 546-121.

    Why does a new relay burn out quickly?

    Reasons:

    • ⚡ Short circuit in the compressor circuit (check coupling and wiring).
    • 🔥 Relay block overheating (install additional cooling or move the unit).
    • 🔋 Unstable voltage (check the generator and battery).

    If the relay burns out repeatedly, contact an auto electrician for a full diagnosis.

    Can the A/C relay be repaired?

    In most cases, no - modern relays are non-separable. However, if the problem is oxidized contacts, they can be cleaned with fine sandpaper (P1000) and process contact lubricant. But this is a temporary solution - it is better to replace the relay.