License plate light on Nissan Murano Z51 - it would seem like a trifle, but it is precisely this that often becomes the cause of a fine or problems during technical inspection. The light bulb burns out suddenly, and the service center charges from 1,500 rubles to replace it, although the procedure takes 10 minutes. In this article we will look at how to replace it yourself without damaging the plastic and electrical parts.
Feature Murano Z51 (2015–2021) - inconvenient location of the lamps: they are integrated into the bumper and can only be reached from below or through the trunk. We tested 3 replacement methods and chose the fastest one. You will also learn which lamps are best suited (including LED counterparts), and how to avoid contact corrosion - the main reason for re-burnout.
Which lamps are suitable for license plate illumination on Murano Z51
B Nissan Murano Z51 type lamps are installed from the factory W5W (T10) with plinth SV8.5-8. The power of a standard halogen lamp is 5 W, voltage 12 V. However, not all analogues are equally good. Here's what to consider when choosing:
- 🔹 Halogen lamps: original Nissan 26510-4M000 or analogues Osram 2825, Philips 12962. Service life is 1–2 years, but cheaper than LED.
- 💡 LED lamps: Brighter and more durable, but require polarity. Best options - Osram LEDriving W5W (white light) or Philips X-tremeUltinon (6000K). Pay attention to the size of the radiator - in the ceiling Murano not enough space!
- ⚠️ Xenon lamps: not suitable! They overheat the plastic of the lampshade and can melt it.
If you want maximum brightness, take LED with chips CREE or COB, but check that they are with built-in resistor — otherwise there will be an error on the instrument panel due to low resistance. For an accurate selection, use catalog number of the original lamp: 26510-4M000.
| Lamp type | Model | Color temperature | Service life | Price (RUB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halogen | Osram 2825 | 2800K (yellow) | 1–2 years | 80–150 |
| LED | Philips X-tremeUltinon | 6000K (white) | 5–7 years | 800–1200 |
| LED | Osram LEDriving W5W | 4000K (neutral) | 4–6 years | 600–900 |
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing with an LED the lamp blinks or lights dimly, the problem is reverse polarity. Turn the lamp in the base 180° - in 90% of cases this helps.
Tools and materials for replacement
To work, you will need a minimum of tools, but without some tools you can damage the clips or scratch the bumper. Here's the full list:
- 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip - it’s convenient to pull out the lamp).
- 🔨 Plastic pick or a special spatula for removing clips (so as not to break the latches).
- 💡 New lamp (stock up on two - often both burn out at the same time).
- 🧴 WD-40 or silicone grease - if the clips are stuck.
- 🔋 Multimeter (optional, to check the voltage on the contacts).
If you plan to install LED, also take heat shrink tube or electrical tape - sometimes you have to shorten the wires so that they do not interfere with the closure of the lampshade. But soldering iron not needed: all connections are in the number plate illumination Murano Z51 detachable.
- Halogen (cheap and reliable)
- LED (bright and durable)
- Haven't tried changing it yet
- Other
Step-by-step instructions: how to change a light bulb
The fastest way is to remove the lampshade through the trunk. The alternative option (removing the bumper) takes 3 times longer and is only needed if the lampshade clips are broken. Follow this algorithm:
- Open the trunk and find the license plate light (it is located in the center under the trim).
- Remove the trunk trim:
- 🔹 Unscrew the 2 plastic pistons on the sides (use a flat screwdriver).
- 🔹 Gently pull the trim towards you - it is held on by 4 clips.
- Get to the ceiling:
- 🔹 Disconnect the power connector (press the latch and pull it down).
- 🔹 Turn the lampshade counterclockwise 30° and pull it out.
- Replace the lamp:
- 🔹 Press the lamp and turn it counterclockwise (the W5W base is fixed by turning).
- 🔹 Insert the new lamp, secure it by turning it clockwise.
When installing the LED lamp, check that radiator do not rest against the plastic of the lampshade - this will lead to overheating. If the lamp does not light, turn it upside down in the base (polarity problem).
☑️ Checklist before assembly
⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the glass bulb of a halogen lamp with your bare hands! Oil from the fingers causes local overheating, and the lamp will burn out within a week. Use gloves or a cloth.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing the license plate lamp with Murano Z51. Here are the most common:
- 🔧 Broken lamp clips: Never pull the lamp by force! It locks in place by turning rather than pressing. If it doesn't turn, spray WD-40 into the gap.
- ⚡ Short circuit: occurs if the exposed wires of the LED lamp touch the metal of the body. Insulate them with heat shrink.
- 💡 The lamp does not light after replacement:
- 🔹 Check the fuse
F37 (10A)in the block under the hood - it is responsible for illuminating the license plate. - 🔹 Oxidized contacts in the connector? Clean them with an eraser or contact lubricant.
- 🔹 Check the fuse
Another typical problem is The lamp won't go back down due to a crookedly installed lamp. Make sure that the base is turned all the way and that the lamp does not protrude beyond the edge of the lampshade. If you're using LED, you may need to trim the heatsink with wire cutters (but don't overdo it - it's needed for cooling!).
What to do if the lamp burns out again after a week?
The reason is voltage surges in the on-board network. Check the generator with a multimeter (no-load voltage should be 13.8–14.5 V). Also install voltage stabilizer for LED lamps (for example, Canbus resistor).
Alternative method: replacement without removing the trim
If you don’t want to disassemble the trunk, you can change the lamp from below, through the technological hole in the bumper. This method is suitable for Murano Z51 from 2017 (in earlier models the hole may be covered with protection).
Instructions:
- Drive the car onto an overpass or pit.
- Remove crankcase protection (4 bolts per 10).
- Find the license plate light - it is visible through the bumper grille.
- Reach in and feel for the power connector. Unplug it.
- Turn the lamp counterclockwise and pull it down.
The disadvantage of this method is that it is inconvenient to work with one hand, especially if the lamp is stuck. But you don't need to disassemble the interior. Advice: use flexible extension for screwdriver (sold in car dealerships) to turn the ceiling light.
Before replacing, take a photo of the location of the lampshade and wires with your phone. When reassembling, this will help not to confuse the polarity, especially if you are installing LED lamps.
How to extend the life of a license plate lamp
Average lamp life W5W in Murano Z51 — 1–3 years, but it can be increased by 2–3 times if you follow these tips:
- 🔋 Check the voltage: If the generator produces more than 14.8 V, the lamps burn faster. Install voltage regulator relay.
- 💧 Protect your contacts: once a year, clean the lamp connector from oxidation and apply contact lubricant (For example, Liqui Moly Kontakt-Spray).
- 🌡️ Avoid overheating: If you are stuck in a traffic jam in the summer, turn off the license plate light (it works constantly when the ignition is on).
- 🔄 Swap in pairs: If one lamp burns out, the second will soon follow. Saving 100 rubles is not worth re-analysis.
Critical for LED lamps cooling quality. If the radiator is small or tightly pressed to the lampshade, the LEDs will degrade within 6 months. Choose models with aluminum radiator and avoid cheap Chinese lamps without a driver.
Use lamps with markings "Canbus" - they simulate the resistance of halogen lamps and do not cause errors on the dashboard.
Video instructions and additional materials
If you have any questions, watch the video with step-by-step lamp replacement Nissan Murano Z51:
Recommended videos:
- 🎥 Replacing the Murano Z51 license plate lamp (through the trunk method)
- 🎥 How to change a lamp from below without disassembling the interior
- 🎥 Review of LED lamps for Murano: which ones are not suitable and why
It is also useful to download wiring diagram number plate illumination Murano Z51 (useful if the problem is in the wiring). She is in official Nissan manual (section Body Electrical → Exterior Lighting).
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install lamps more powerful than 5 W?
No! Lamps more powerful than 5 W (W10W or W16W) will melt the lampshade Murano Z51 - its plastic is not designed for high temperatures. The maximum is LED lamps with equivalent power (but their actual consumption is 1–2 W).
Why does the backlight blink after replacing it with LED?
The reason is low resistance LED lamps. On-board system Murano perceives this as a broken circuit. Solutions:
- 🔹 Install Canbus resistor (resistance 6.8 Ohm) parallel to the lamp.
- 🔹 Buy lamps from built-in stabilizer (the description should say "Error Free").
How to remove the lampshade if it is stuck?
Don't try to pull it out by force! Water the gap around the lampshade WD-40 or rust remover and wait 10 minutes. Then gently pry the plastic pick from both sides, rocking from side to side.
Where is the license plate light fuse located?
fuse F37 (10A) located in fuse box under the hood (near the battery). The block diagram is on the back of the cover. If the fuse is blown, check the wiring for a short circuit!
Is it possible to drive without license plate lights?
Technically yes, but this violation of traffic rules (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). Fine - 500 rubles. In addition, without illumination, you cannot pass inspection. Temporary solution: connect the lamp directly to the dimensions (but this breaks the electrical circuit).