<em>Nissan Murano Z50</em>starter: how to diagnose and troubleshoot problems

Starter in Nissan Murano Z50 (2008–2014) - one of the key components of the engine starting system. Its malfunctions appear unexpectedly, often at the most inopportune moment: the car refuses to start, makes grinding or clicking noises, and the battery discharges to zero overnight. Owners Murano second generations encounter these problems especially often after 150–200 thousand kilometers, when the wear of parts reaches a critical point.

In this article we will analyze all typical starter faults Z50, from brushes and bendix to the solenoid relay, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and replacement. You will learn how to distinguish a broken starter from problems with the battery or alarm, what tools are needed for repairs, and how much a new unit costs in 2026. We will pay special attention hidden problem of the Murano Z50 - premature wear of the Bendix gear due to the design of the flywheel, which is not written about in official manuals.

Signs of a starter malfunction Nissan Murano Z50

The first symptoms of starter problems are often confused with a dead battery or a faulty ignition switch. However, Murano Z50 there are a number unique "bells", which will help to accurately identify the source of the problem:

• 🔋 Clicks without scrolling. One or more clicks when turning the key, but the engine does not start. This is a sign of a problem solenoid relay or burnt contacts.
• 🔄 Grinding noise on startup. The sound of metallic friction indicates wear on the Bendix gear or flywheel teeth. B Murano Z50 this problem is aggravated by dual mass flywheel, which “breaks” the teeth over time.
• ⚡ Slow rotation. The starter turns sluggishly, even with a fully charged battery. Culprits: worn brushes, bearings or short circuit in the winding.
• 🔥 Burning smell. Appears during prolonged startup attempts. Indicates overheating of the windings or short circuit.
• 🚗 Spontaneous startup. The engine starts after several unsuccessful attempts without turning the key. The reason is jamming of the bendix or a malfunction of the contact group.

If you observe any of these signs, do not delay diagnosis. B Murano Z50 the starter is located in an inconvenient place (under the intake manifold), and replacing it at a service station will cost 2–3 times more than timely repairs.

⚠️ Attention: If the starter turns, but the engine does not start, check immobilizer And chip in key. B Murano Z50 The immo antenna often malfunctions, blocking the start. Try starting the car with the second key.

How to check the starter Nissan Murano Z50 without removing

Before removing the starter, perform a number of checks to help narrow down the possible problems. You will need: a multimeter, a screwdriver and an assistant (for the "jumper" test).

Step 1. Check the battery and power circuit

• Measure the voltage at the battery terminals with the ignition off - it should be 12.6–12.8 V.
• Have an assistant turn the key to the "Start" position and measure the voltage. If it falls below 10 V, the problem is in the battery or generator.
• Check the ground on the body and engine - oxidized contacts can simulate a starter malfunction.

Step 2: Solenoid Test

When you turn the key, the retractor should make a distinct click. If there is no click:

• Remove the chip from the relay (on the starter) and check for +12 V on the control wire when trying to start.
• If there is voltage, but the relay does not operate, it is faulty.
• If there is no voltage, the problem is ignition switch or wiring.

Step 3. Bendix check

If the starter turns "idle" (without engagement with the flywheel), try the following:

1. Put the car in gear and try to push start the engine. If it starts, the bendix does not engage.
2. With the ignition off, engage 3rd gear and push the car back. If you hear a grinding noise, the Bendix gear is worn out.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the starter

Replacing the starter with Nissan Murano Z50 complicated by its location: the unit is hidden under the intake manifold, and to gain access you will have to dismantle several elements. On average, the work takes 3–4 hours for beginners and 1.5–2 hours for experienced car owners.

Required tools:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and extensions (required) 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm)
• 🔨 Ratchet handle and crank
• 🔩 Screwdrivers (phillips and flathead)
• 🔋 Multimeter
• 🧲 Telescopic magnet (for bolts in hard-to-reach places)

Procedure:

1. Removing the air duct and filter. Unscrew the clamps and disconnect the corrugation from the throttle assembly. Remove the air filter housing.
2. Removing the intake manifold. Disconnect all connectors (mass air flow sensor, canister valve, sensors), unscrew the manifold mounting bolts (8 pieces) and remove it. Attention! There are o-rings under the manifold - don't lose them.
3. Disconnecting the starter wires. First, remove the chip from the solenoid relay, then unscrew the power wire nut (the key is on 12 mm).
4. Removing the starter. Unscrew the 3 mounting bolts (two on top, one on bottom). Be careful - the knot weighs about 5 kg and can slip out.

Disconnect battery|

Take a photo of the location of the connectors|

Prepare a container for bolts|

Check for new O-rings -->

⚠️ Attention: Do not damage the collector when removing it. absolute pressure sensor (MAP-sensor), located on its rear wall. Replacing it will cost 8–12 thousand rubles.

Diagnostics of the starter after removal

Once the starter has been removed, a detailed inspection of its components can be carried out. At this stage, it will be revealed what exactly requires repair or replacement: brushes, bendix, solenoid relay or windings.

Checking the solenoid relay:

• Connect +12 V from the battery to the relay control contact, and ground to the starter housing. A working relay should click and push out the Bendix gear.
• If there is no click, the relay is faulty. If the gear does not move out, the problem is in the mechanical part (the armature is jammed).

Bendix check:

• Try turning the Bendix gear by hand. It should rotate freely in one direction, and be blocked in the other. If it rotates in both directions, the clutch is worn out.
• Inspect the gear teeth. If they are worn out or chipped, the bendix must be replaced.

Checking brushes and windings:

• Remove the starter rear cover and inspect the brushes. If their length is less 5 mm, replacement is required.
• Test the windings with a multimeter in ohmmeter mode. The resistance between the housing and the windings should be endless (no short circuit).

Component	Symptom of malfunction	Verification method	Repair/replacement
Solenoid relay	Clicks without operation, burning smell	Supply +12 V to the control contact	Relay replacement (1.5–2 thousand rubles)
Bendix	Grinding, slipping when starting	Checking gear rotation, inspecting teeth	Replacement of bendix (2–3 thousand rubles)
Brushes	Slow rotation, burning smell	Visual inspection, length measurement	Replacing brushes (RUB 500–800)
Windings	The starter does not turn, there is smoke coming from the housing	Testing with a multimeter	Replacing the starter (new unit)

Choosing a new starter: original vs analogues

When purchasing a new starter for Nissan Murano Z50 (engine code VQ35DE) owners have three options: the original, high-quality analogues and budget substitutes. Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Original starter Nissan (article 23300-4M510):

• ✅ Guaranteed compatibility and resource (150–200 thousand km).
• ✅ High-quality materials (copper in windings, steel Bendix gears).
• ❌ Price: 25–35 thousand rubles (depending on the supplier).

Premium analogues:

• Denso (280-0002) - Japanese quality, resource like the original. Price: 18–22 thousand rubles.
• Bosch (0 001 108 005) - German reliability, but may require modification of the fastenings. Price: 20–24 thousand rubles.
• Mitsuba (M000T27601) - supplier for the conveyor Nissan. Price: 16–20 thousand rubles.

Budget analogues (risky choice):

• KRAUF (KR5001) - Chinese production, resource 50–80 thousand km. Price: 8–10 thousand rubles.
• StartVolt (LS 0143) - Russian assembly, frequent complaints about the solenoid relay. Price: 9–12 thousand rubles.

When choosing, pay attention to complete set: The box should contain mounting bolts, O-rings and instructions. If the seller offers a starter without Bendix (“naked”), refuse it, since it is extremely difficult to select a separate gear.

How to distinguish a fake original starter?

Original starter Nissan has:

1. Logo Nissan or Denso stamped on the body (not a sticker!).

2. Serial number matching the number on the package.

3. Metal terminals with anti-corrosion coating (for fakes - galvanized or painted).

4. Packaging made of thick cardboard with a hologram.

Counterfeits are often delivered in plastic bags or boxes with typos in the article number.

Do-it-yourself starter replacement: step-by-step process

Installing a new starter on Murano Z50 goes in the reverse order of removal, but there are several critical nuancesthat are often missed:

Step 1. Preparing a new starter

• Check the completeness (bolts, washers, seals).
• Lubricate the bendix gear and armature shaft graphite lubricant (not lithol!).
• Make sure that the solenoid relay does not jam during the manual test.

Step 2. Installation in place

1. Carefully lower the starter into the seat, lining up the bolt holes.
2. Tighten the lower fastening bolt (the most inconvenient - use an extension and a telescopic magnet).
3. Connect the power wire (nut 12 mm), then the solenoid relay chip.

Step 3. Assembling the intake tract

• Install new O-rings onto the manifold.
• Tighten the manifold mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern (tightening torque 25 Nm).
• Connect all connectors, check the connections for tightness.

Step 4. Check functionality

• Connect the battery and try to start the engine.
• Listen to the starter operation: there should be no grinding noise, extraneous noise or burning smell.
• Check the voltage at the battery terminals during startup - it should not drop below 11 V.

💡

After replacing the starter, be sure to clear errors in the engine control unit (ECU) using a scan tool or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes. Otherwise it may catch fire Check Engine due to a fault in the starting circuit.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when working with the starter. Murano Z50. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Incorrect manifold bolt tightening torque. Over-tightening leads to deformation of the flange, under-tightening leads to air leaks. Use a torque wrench!
• ⚡ Ignoring weight check. Poor ground contact on the engine or body can simulate a starter malfunction. Clear all ground points.
• 🔩 Lost O-rings. Without them, the collector will suck in air, which will lead to an error P0171 (lean mixture). Buy spare rings in advance (item no. 14035-4M000).
• 🔋 Forgetting to disconnect the battery. When working with the starter, be sure to remove the negative terminal! A short circuit can burn out the control unit.
• 🧲 Using the wrong lubricant. Litol, grease or WD-40 are not intended for Bendix. They thicken in the cold and lead to jamming.

Another common mistake is purchasing a starter without taking into account engine modifications. For Murano Z50 with VQ35DE (3.5 l) and VQ25DE (2.5 l) different starters are used! Check the article number using the VIN code or data from the plate under the hood.

⚠️ Attention: If the engine is difficult to start after replacing the starter, check crankshaft position sensor (DPKV). When removing the starter, it is easy to hit it, which will lead to displacement or damage to the sensor.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter Nissan Murano Z50

Is it possible to repair the starter yourself, or just replace it?

Repair is possible if the problem is in the brushes, solenoid relay or bendix. It is almost impossible to restore the windings and armature in a garage. For Murano Z50 most often changed:

• Brushes (500–800 rubles per set).
• Bendix (2–3 thousand rubles).
• Solenoid relay (1.5–2 thousand rubles).

If the windings are burned out or the armature shaft is worn out, only replace the starter.

How long does the starter on a Murano Z50 last on average?

Service life depends on operating conditions:

• Urban mode (frequent starts): 100–150 thousand km.
• Route (rare launches): 180–250 thousand km.
• Extreme conditions (frost, high humidity): 80–120 thousand km.

B Murano Z50 the starter fails earlier due to dual mass flywheel, which creates additional load on the bendix.

Which starter is better to choose for a Murano Z50 with a mileage of 200 thousand km?

With this mileage we recommend:

1. Original Nissan (23300-4M510) - if the budget allows.
2. Denso or Mitsuba — optimal price/quality ratio.
3. Starter with reinforced bendix (For example, Bosch with ceramic rollers).

Avoid Chinese analogues - they rarely last more than 50 thousand km.

What to do if the starter turns, but the car does not start?

The problem is not always with the starter. Check:

1. Immobilizer - try the second key.
2. Crankshaft sensor - if it is faulty, the ECU does not produce a spark.
3. Fuel pump - When the ignition is turned on, a buzzing sound should be heard.
4. Spark plugs — unscrew one and check for a spark.

If the starter turns too slowly (even with a charged battery), check power wire from the battery to the starter - it can be oxidized or damaged.

Is it possible to start a Murano Z50 with a faulty starter?

Yes, there are three ways:

1. From the pusher. Put the car in 2nd gear, accelerate to 10–15 km/h and release the clutch.
2. Towing. Similar to pushing, but with the help of a different vehicle.
3. Closing the starter with a screwdriver. Dangerous method! A screwdriver is used to close the contacts of the solenoid relay, but if you make a mistake, you can burn the windings.

⚠️ Attention: B Murano Z50 With an automatic transmission it is impossible to start from a pusher! Only tow at speeds no higher than 30 km/h.