Replacing the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Murano Z50: instructions with photos and nuances

Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Murano Z50 - A critical element of the engine management system. Its malfunction leads to engine malfunctions, difficult starting or a complete stop of the car. Unlike many sensors, the DPKV has no mechanical moving parts, but can fail over time due to corrosion, damaged wiring, or manufacturing defects.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for replacing the sensor taking into account the specifics Murano Z50 (including models with engines VQ35DE And VQ25DE), and also list of malfunction symptoms, which will help accurately diagnose the problem. We will look at how to avoid common mistakes during dismantling, what tools are needed, and why you should not skimp on the quality of a new part.

Symptoms of a faulty crankshaft sensor on a Nissan Murano Z50

The DPKV transmits data about the crankshaft position to the ECU, and if it fails, the engine loses ignition and injection synchronization. On Murano Z50 Symptoms of trouble may vary depending on the extent of damage to the sensor or its wiring.

Most common symptoms:

• 🔴 Engine won't start or stalls immediately after starting (the ECU does not receive a signal about the crankshaft position).
• ⚠️ Floating speed at idle speed, especially after the engine has warmed up.
• 🚗 Jerks and dips during acceleration, loss of power (the ECU goes into emergency mode).
• 🔧 Check Engine with errors P0335 (DCCV circuit malfunction) or P0340 (camshaft sensor error, which may be false due to a failure of the camshaft sensor).
• 🔌 Intermittent failures - the engine suddenly stalls, but starts again after a few minutes (typical of oxidized contacts).

On Murano Z50 with engine VQ35DE faulty DPKV often appears difficult hot start — the starter turns, but the engine does not catch. This is due to the fact that when heated, the resistance in the damaged sensor circuit increases and the signal disappears.

⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights up Check Engine, don't ignore the error P0335 - it directly points to DPKV. On Murano Z50 this malfunction can lead to damage to the catalyst due to incorrect fuel mixture.

Crankshaft sensor diagnostics: how to confirm the malfunction

Before you start replacing, make sure that the problem is in the DPKV. On Nissan Murano Z50 diagnostics can be carried out independently using a multimeter or scanner ELM327.

Verification methods:

1. Reading errors. Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel on the left). Errors P0335, P0336 or P0339 directly indicate DPKV. If there are no errors but symptoms persist, check the wiring.
2. Checking resistance. Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the resistance between the terminals. For Murano Z50 normal value - 550–750 Ohm (depends on temperature). A deviation of more than 10% indicates a malfunction.
3. Inductance check. For this you will need a megohmmeter. The insulation resistance between the sensor terminals and the housing must be more than 20 MOhm.
4. Visual inspection. Check the sensor for cracks, corrosion, or damage to the magnetic core. Also inspect the wiring for chafing or oxidation of the contacts.

If the sensor is externally intact, but errors persist, the problem may lie in gap between the sensor and the drive disk. On Murano Z50 optimal clearance - 0.5–1.5 mm. It can be measured with a feeler gauge after removing the sensor.

Choosing a new sensor: original vs analogues

On Nissan Murano Z50 crankshaft sensors with article number are installed 23731-4M000 (for engines VQ35DE) or 23731-5M000 (for VQ25DE). Original part from Nissan will cost 3,500–5,000 rubles, but there are high-quality analogues on the market.

Recommended analogues:

• 🔧 Denso (article 550-0103) - a reliable Japanese manufacturer, compatible with Murano Z50 without modifications.
• 🔧 Hitachi (article CPS-A001) - high build quality, suitable for engines VQ.
• 🔧 Bosch (article 0 261 210 115) - German quality, but requires checking compatibility by VIN.
• 🔧 Febi (article 23731) is a budget option (about 1,500 rubles), but there are fakes.

On Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, it is recommended to install a sensor with a metal housing (for example, Denso), since plastic analogues fail faster due to vibrations.

Manufacturer	Article	Price (RUB)	Features
Nissan (original)	23731-4M000	4 500–5 000	Guaranteed compatibility, high strength magnetic core
Denso	550-0103	3 000–3 500	Japanese quality, suitable for heavy-duty use
Hitachi	CPS-A001	2 800–3 200	Resistant to temperature changes, long service life
Bosch	0 261 210 115	2 500–3 000	Requires VIN verification, possible calibration problems

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check cable length and connector. On Murano Z50 There are sensors with different wire lengths (15 cm and 25 cm), and a short cable may not reach the connector.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace DPKV with Nissan Murano Z50 No special equipment is required, but you will need:

• 🔧 10 mm head with an extension (for unscrewing the fastening bolt).
• 🔧 Socket wrench or ratchet handle.
• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (to disconnect the connector).
• 🔧 Probe 0.5–1.5 mm (to check the gap).
• 🔧 WD-40 or equivalent (if the bolt is stuck).
• 🔧 Multimeter (to test the new sensor before installation).

Before starting work:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (to avoid short circuit).
2. Remove air filter and move the wiring harness aside to gain access to the sensor.
3. Clean the area around the DPKV from dirt (debris getting into the engine is unacceptable!).

Disconnect battery|

Remove the air filter|

Clean the sensor installation area|

Prepare a new sensor and tools -->

Sensor location: On Murano Z50 DPKV is on gearbox, next to the flywheel, under the intake manifold. He is easily identified by black plastic case with a wire sticking out.

What happens if you don't disconnect the battery?

When working with live sensors and wiring, there is a risk of short circuits that can damage the ECU or fuses. On Murano Z50 The engine control unit is especially vulnerable (ECM), the repair of which will cost 20,000+ rubles.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

Replacement process Nissan Murano Z50 takes 20–40 minutes depending on access to the sensor. Follow the instructions to avoid errors:

1. Disconnect the connector. Press the latch and carefully pull out the block. If the contacts are oxidized, clean them alcohol solution.
2. Unscrew the fastening bolt. Use a 10mm socket. If the bolt does not budge, process it WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the sensor. Gently pull it towards you, rocking it from side to side. Do not use force - you may damage the seat!
4. Clean the seat. Remove dirt and metal shavings (if any) using magnet or compressed air.
5. Install a new sensor. Insert it all the way, making sure the O-ring is in place. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
6. Connect the connector. Make sure the latch snaps into place.
7. Check the gap. There must be a gap between the sensor and the drive disk 0.5–1.5 mm. If it is larger, the sensor may not work.

After installation, connect the battery and start the engine. If Check Engine does not go out, reset the errors with a scanner or by disconnecting the terminal for 10 minutes.

Typical replacement mistakes:

• ❌ Tightening the fastening bolt - may lead to deformation of the sensor housing.
• ❌ Ignoring Gap - too large a gap causes false alarms.
• ❌ Dirt getting into the seat — leads to rapid failure of the new sensor.

Frequently asked questions and problems after replacement

Even after correctly replacing the DPKV with Nissan Murano Z50 questions may arise. Let's look at the most common ones:

The engine does not start after replacing the sensor. What to do?

There may be several reasons:

1. The gap is set incorrectly (check with a feeler gauge).
2. The wiring or connector is damaged (check with a multimeter).
3. The new sensor is defective (check the resistance).
4. ECU errors have not been reset (use a scanner or reset the terminal).

If the problem persists, check sensor power circuit (on Murano Z50 it goes through the fuse #32 in the block under the hood).

Is it possible to drive with a faulty DPKV?

Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The ECU goes into emergency mode, which leads to:

• Increased fuel consumption (up to +30%).
• Loss of power and jerking during acceleration.
• Risk of catalyst damage due to incorrect fuel mixture.

On Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, driving with a faulty DPKV can accelerate wear ignition coils And injectors.

How often should the crankshaft sensor be replaced?

DPKV is a non-consumable element, and under normal operating conditions it serves 150,000–200,000 km. However, on Murano Z50 its resource may be reduced due to:

• Operation in high humidity conditions (contact corrosion).
• Frequent temperature changes (cracks in the housing).
• Engine vibrations (loose mounting).

It is recommended to check the condition of the sensor at every service (every 15,000 km).

Cost of replacement at a service station vs self-repair

If you are not confident in your abilities, replacing DPKV with Nissan Murano Z50 can be trusted to professionals. Let's look at the prices:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Time
Diagnostics (read errors)	500–1 000	15–30 min
Sensor replacement (without part cost)	1 500–2 500	30–60 min
Comprehensive diagnostics (checking wiring, clearances)	2 000–3 500	1–2 hours

Replacing it yourself will cost only the cost of the sensor (1,500–5,000 rubles), but requires caution. At a service station, the price of work depends on the region and level of service. In Moscow and St. Petersburg for replacing DPKV with Murano Z50 ask 2,000–3,000 rubles, in the regions - 1,000–1,800 rubles.

When to go to the service station:

• 🔧 If after replacing the sensor there is an error P0335 does not disappear (possible problems with wiring or ECU).
• 🔧 If you have no experience working with diagnostic equipment (you need a scanner to reset adaptations).
• 🔧 If the sensor is located in a hard-to-reach place (on some modifications Murano Z50 pan must be removed).