Crossover operation Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) often confronts owners with the unpleasant problem of failure of the gear shift unit. Unlike simpler cars, where the gearshift lever is a mechanical rod, in Murano Z51 a complex system with electronic mode switching is used. This means that she automatic transmission handle is not just a decorative element, but part of the electronic transmission control interface.
Problems with the selector can manifest themselves in different ways: from a banal tearing of the plastic to a refusal to change gears or getting stuck in a certain position. Ignoring symptoms often leads to costly repairs to the entire valve body or replacement of the control unit. Understanding the Device gear selector will allow you to diagnose the malfunction in a timely manner and choose the right repair method, be it replacing it yourself or contacting a service center.
Typical faults and their symptoms
The first alarm bell is usually mechanical damage to the housing. The plastic from which it is made shift knob, loses elasticity over time and can crack under load. Most often, the lock button located under the base of the lever breaks. If you feel that the lever moves too freely or, conversely, with enormous force, this is a direct signal to check the mechanism.
In addition to mechanics, it is worth paying attention to electrical contacts. Moisture or dust often gets inside the handle, which leads to oxidation of the contacts of the lock button. As a result, you may not be able to switch from P (Park) even when the brake pedal is pressed. The security system does not operate and the transmission remains locked. In such cases, replacement is required contact group or the entire handle assembly.
Another common problem is the locking mechanism wearing out. The microswitch that fixes the position of the lever loses sensitivity over time. This may result in the car not recognizing the gear is engaged and preventing the engine from starting. Diagnosing such a malfunction requires a careful approach to the electrical circuit.
Design and arrangement of the selector
Device gear lever on Nissan Murano Z51 has its own characteristics that distinguish it from analogues of previous generations. The main part consists of a plastic housing that houses the swing mechanism and the electromechanical unit. Inside there is a spring mechanism that provides tactile feedback when switching between modes.
The critical element is the Shift Lock Solenoid. It is he who holds the lever in position P until the brake pedal is pressed. If the solenoid is stuck, the lever cannot be moved. This is not a breakdown of the handle itself, but a malfunction of the electrical part, but often owners change the handle without knowing the real reason.
It is also worth mentioning the decorative inserts. Top trim levels use wood or metal inserts, which often come off or crack. This is an aesthetic defect, but it can affect the resale value of the vehicle. To restore the appearance, a complete replacement of the unit or the use of special repair kits is often required.
Dismantling and removing the gearshift knob
Removal process automatic transmission handles requires care, as body plastic and interior trim elements can be fragile. You need to start by dismantling the decorative lining of the tunnel. Usually it is attached to clips, which must be carefully pryed off with a plastic spatula so as not to damage the paintwork.
After removing the cover, access to the mounting bolts of the selector itself opens. After unscrewing them, you need to disconnect the electrical connector going to the switching unit. Be careful: contacts may be fragile. It is recommended to press the connector lock and pull it straight, without distortion.
If you plan to replace the entire assembly, then after unscrewing the bolts and disconnecting the wires, the lever can be freely removed. If the task is to replace only the lining or button, then the process will be more labor-intensive, since it will be necessary to disassemble the handle itself, which is often done using heat or a special tool.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the interior, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent accidental short circuits and deployment of airbags located near the dashboard.
- The plastic is broken
- Lock button doesn't work
- The lever is jammed
- No electrical contact
Selection of components and analogues
When choosing a new shift knobs The owner is faced with a dilemma: the original or a high-quality analogue. Original part from Nissan guarantees a perfect match in all respects, including tactile sensations and plastic color. However, the cost of such spare parts can be quite high.
There are high-quality analogues on the market from third-party manufacturers. They are often cheaper than the original and have acceptable quality plastic. However, it is worth remembering that the color may differ from the factory one, and the switching mechanism may have a different rigidity. Before purchasing, be sure to check the article numbers and visual correspondence.
In some cases, it is advisable to buy a used part from disassembly. This can be an advantageous solution if you are looking for a rare color or a specific package. But when buying it in person, you need to carefully check the condition of the mechanism and the absence of cracks, since the plastic could have been overdried.
A comparison of the main component options is presented in the table below:
| Part type | Cost (approximate) | Service life | Plastic quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original (Nissan) | High | Long | Excellent |
| Analog (OEM/Third-party) | Average | Medium | good |
| Used from disassembly | Low | Unknown | Depends on condition |
| Repair kit (button) | Very low | Short | Compatible |
Installation and configuration instructions
Installing a new automatic transmission handles carried out in the reverse order of removal. First you need to connect the electrical connector to the switch unit. Make sure the connector clicks into place to prevent bad contact in the future.
Then install the lever itself in its original place and secure it with bolts. Do not tighten them too much at once, as you will need to align the position of the handle with the interior. After preliminary fixation, check the free movement of the lever in all positions.
Next, install the decorative tunnel trim. It should fit into its clips without effort. If it doesn't fit, don't force it, but check to see if any bolts or wires are in the way. After complete assembly, connect the battery and check the operation of all switching modes.
☑️ Check before final assembly
It is important to make sure that the lock button works correctly. Press the brake pedal and try to move the lever from P in R. The mechanism should move smoothly. If there is resistance, the lever may be installed crookedly or the locking mechanism may be faulty.
⚠️ Attention: After installing a new handle, be sure to check the operation of the indicators on the instrument panel. If the gear indicator does not light up or lights up incorrectly, the selector position sensor may be out of calibration.
Hidden nuances and advice from professionals
Many owners Nissan Murano Z51 They don’t know that behind the outer plastic handle there is a complex mechanism that can be repaired without a complete replacement. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean the contacts or replace the spring. This saves your budget significantly.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the cable drive if it is used in your modification. Over time, the cable can stretch, causing inaccurate gear shifting. Adjusting the cable often solves the problem when the indicators on the panel do not correspond to the actual position of the lever.
How to check the serviceability of the lock solenoid?
To test the solenoid, you need to apply 12V voltage directly to its contacts. If the solenoid is working properly, you will hear a clear click and the locking mechanism will release the lever. If there is no click, the solenoid requires replacement or repair.
Sometimes the problem lies not in the handle itself, but in the brake pedal. The pedal sensor may not send a signal to the control unit, which is why the lock is not removed. In this case, replacing the handle will not help, and diagnostics of the pedal electrics will be required.
Before purchasing a new pen, check the condition of the contacts in the connector. Oxidation or melting of contacts can lead to repeated failure even after installing a new spare part.
Another point is the use of special products for caring for plastic. Regular polishes can make the surface too slippery, making it difficult to control. Use special matte compounds that preserve the tactile properties of the surface.
Regular cleaning of the lock button contacts can extend the life of the mechanism by several years and avoid the need to completely replace the handle.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Why doesn't the lever shift from position P?
This is most often due to a faulty brake pedal sensor or a stuck lock-up solenoid. Check if the brake light comes on when you press the pedal. If not, the problem is in the pedal electrics.
Is it possible to replace just the lock button?
Yes, in many cases a repair kit is sold that includes a button and a spring. However, this will require carefully disassembling the pen body, which requires certain skills and tools.
How much does it cost to replace an automatic transmission handle at a service center?
The cost of work varies from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles, depending on the complexity of dismantling and the need to adjust the drive cables. The price of the spare part itself is not included in this amount.
Is it necessary to do adaptation after replacement?
In most cases, adaptation is not required, since the mechanics and electronics work directly. However, if the control unit has been changed, scanning and resetting errors will be required.
Why did the plastic handle crack?
Plastic on Nissan Murano Z51 may become brittle due to aging and exposure to ultraviolet light. Also affected by temperature differences and mechanical loads during inaccurate switching.