Replacing the fuel pump on a Nissan Murano Z50: step-by-step instructions with photos and tips

Fuel pump in Nissan Murano Z50 (first generation, 2003–2007) is one of those nodes that sooner or later requires attention. Owners are faced with its failure at mileages of 150,000 km, but sometimes problems arise even earlier - especially if the car was operated on low-quality fuel or with the habit of driving “without a light bulb”. Unlike many modern crossovers, where the pump is integrated into the fuel module, Murano Z50 its replacement is possible without completely dismantling the tank, which simplifies repairs.

This article is not just a retelling of the standard instructions - here you will find specific life hacks on diagnostics, selection of spare parts (including analogues and original articles), as well as common mistakes, which even experienced masters admit. We will figure out how to replace the pump with your own hands without damaging the fuel level sensor float, why you can’t ignore P0190 or P0193 in diagnostics, and what to do if after replacement the engine still stalls. For clarity, we provide a table of pump compatibility and a video with key points of the process.

Signs of a faulty fuel pump on a Nissan Murano Z50

Symptoms of a “dying” pump on Murano Z50 often disguised as other problems - from clogged injectors to a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor. However there is characteristic features, which directly point to the pump:

• 🔴 The engine stalls while driving for no apparent reason, especially during sudden acceleration or at high speeds. This is due to the fact that the pump does not have time to supply a sufficient amount of fuel under pressure.
• 🔴 Difficulty starting “hot”: after a short stop (for example, at a gas station), the starter turns, but the engine catches only after several attempts.
• 🔴 Power Loss when climbing a hill or overtaking, the car “stumbles”, as if someone was holding it by the bumper. An error may appear in the diagnostics P0171 (lean mixture).
• 🔴 Noise from the gas tank: A working pump operates almost silently, but a worn one makes a loud buzzing or whistling sound.

A particularly dangerous symptom is sudden engine stop at speeds over 80 km/h. This happens because the pump overheats and turns off, and when the load is reduced (for example, by coasting), it can start working again. If you notice this behavior, the machine cannot be used - this is fraught with an accident!

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z50 with engine VQ35DE (3.5 l) a faulty pump can provoke detonation due to a lean mixture. If you ignore the problem, it will lead to damage to the piston group.

Diagnostics: how to confirm that the pump is to blame

Before you rush to change the pump, make sure that this is the problem. On Murano Z50 There are several diagnostic methods:

1. Checking fuel pressure. The normal pressure in the system should be 3.0–3.5 bar (depending on the operating mode). If it is below 2.5 bar, the pump is faulty. To check, you will need a pressure gauge that connects to the fitting on the fuel rail (located under the hood, next to the intake manifold).
2. Listening test. When you turn on the ignition (without starting the engine), the pump should hum for 2-3 seconds, creating pressure in the system. If there is no sound or it is intermittent, the problem is obvious.
3. Diagnosis of errors. OBD-II scanner can show codes P0190 (fuel pressure sensor circuit malfunction) or P0193 (high pressure in the system). However, these errors may also indicate problems with the pressure regulator or wiring.

If you don't have a pressure gauge, you can use alternative method: Disconnect the fuel line from the rail and route it into an empty container. When you turn on the ignition, a steady stream of gasoline should come out of the hose. Weak pressure or its absence is a direct sign of a pump malfunction.

What should I do if the pump is humming, but there is no pressure?

This could mean that:

- The coarse mesh is clogged (located at the pump inlet in the tank).

- The pump check valve is faulty - fuel flows back into the tank.

- The pump membrane is damaged (found on low-quality analogues).

In such cases, the pump must be replaced, even if it is “humming.”

Choosing a fuel pump: original vs analogues

On Nissan Murano Z50 production pump installed Hitachi or Denso, depending on the year of manufacture. Original article - 17040-4M000 (for models before 2005) or 17040-4M001 (after 2005). However, the original is expensive (from 12,000 rubles), so many people choose analogues. The table below shows the tested options:

Manufacturer	Article	Price (RUB)	Features
Hitachi (OEM)	17040-4M000 / 17040-4M001	12 000–15 000	2 year warranty, fully compatible
Denso	950-0101	8 000–10 000	High quality, but may not fit some facelift models
Bosch	0 580 454 035	6 500–8 000	A good budget option, but the resource is lower than the original
Airtex	E2300M	5 000–6 500	Often counterfeited, check the packaging
Carter	P74039M	7 000–9 000	Suitable for Murano since 2005, mesh included

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to two critical parameters:

• 🔧 Performance - at least 120 l/h (the original produces 130–140 l/h).
• 🔧 Pressure - should correspond to 3.0–3.5 bar. Some cheap pumps (for example, Chinese brands) do not reach these values.

⚠️ Attention: Pumps from Nissan X-Trail T30 (article 17040-4M00A) are similar in appearance, but have different performance! They cannot be installed - this will lead to over-enrichment of the mixture and an error P0172.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the pump with Murano Z50 you don’t need a lift or a pit—a garage with good lighting is enough. Here full list of tools:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and a ratchet wrench (a 10 mm socket is required for attaching the pump hatch).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat and cross-shaped tip (for removing clamps and connectors).
• 🔧 Pliers or a special puller for fuel hoses.
• 🔧 Pressure gauge for checking pressure (optional, but recommended).
• 🔧 Rags and rubber gloves (gasoline is aggressive for the skin).
• 🔧 Fire extinguisher (required! Work is carried out with fuel).

Before starting work necessarily:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid sparks).
2. Relieve pressure in the fuel system. To do this, locate the fuel pump fuse (in the block under the hood, usually F15 at 15A) and pull it out. Start the car and let it stall.
3. Make sure there is less than ¼ fuel in the tank - this will make it easier to remove the pump and avoid gasoline spills.

Relieve pressure in the system|Disconnect the battery|Prepare a fire extinguisher|Wear gloves|Check the fuel level in the tank-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the fuel pump

On Murano Z50 The pump is located under the rear seat, so removing the tank is not required. Follow the algorithm:

1. Removing the rear seat.

   Pry up the plastic plugs for the seat fastenings (there are 2–4 of them) and unscrew the bolts with a 12 mm socket. Lift the seat up and it will release from the latches. Under the seat you will see an access hatch to the pump (fastened with 4-6 10 mm bolts).

2. Removing the fuel module.

   Disconnect the pump power connector (the lock must be released with a screwdriver). Then use pliers to compress the clamps on the fuel hoses and remove them. Be careful - even after releasing the pressure, there may be gasoline left in the hoses!

   Unscrew the pressure ring of the pump (8 bolts by 8 mm). Carefully remove the module by tilting it so as not to damage the fuel level sensor float. If the float gets caught on the edge of the tank, it can break!

3. Pump replacement.

   The pump is secured in the module with 3–4 latches. Press them out with a screwdriver and remove the old pump along with the mesh. Install the new pump after lubricating the O-ring with a petrol-resistant sealant (for example, Loctite 577).

   Important! When installing, make sure that the arrow on the pump body is directed towards the fuel line (usually marked on the module).

4. Assembly.

   Place the module back into the tank, secure the clamping ring and connect the hoses. Before starting the engine, turn on the ignition for 5–10 seconds (the pump must build up pressure). Check the tightness of the connections - there should be no smell of gasoline.

If after replacement the engine does not start or runs intermittently, check:

• 🔧 Polarity of connecting the pump connector (plus and minus should not be mixed up).
• 🔧 Tightness of the fuel line (air leakage will cause an error P0171).
• 🔧 System pressure (if it is below 2.8 bar, the pump may be defective).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing a pump with Murano Z50. Here TOP 5 misses and their consequences:

1. Ignoring the mesh filter.

   Many people install a new pump without changing the coarse filter. This leads to dirt from the tank quickly damaging the pump. Solution: always change the mesh (article no. 16400-4M000) or at least wash it in acetone.

2. Mixed up hoses.

   There are two hoses on the module: fuel supply and return. If they are mixed up, the engine will run intermittently or will not start at all. Solution: Before removing the hoses, mark them with a marker or take a photo.

3. Damage to the level sensor float.

   When removing the module, it is easy to break the plastic float, which will lead to incorrect fuel readings on the dashboard. Solution: Carefully tilt the module when removing it, holding the float with your hand.

4. Leaky O-ring.

   If the ring is old or installed crookedly, gasoline will evaporate and a persistent odor will appear in the cabin. Solution: always change the ring (item no. 17342-4M000) and lubricate it with sealant.

5. Unreset adaptations.

   After replacing the pump, the ECU needs to be “retrained” to the new pressure parameters. If this is not done, errors may appear. P0190 or P0193. Solution: Reset the battery terminal for 10 minutes or reset the adaptations with the scanner.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pump the engine shakes or burns Check Engine, do not rush to blame the pump. Often the problem lies in dirty injectors — they should be washed or checked on a stand.

What to do if problems remain after replacement

Situation: the pump is new, but the car still has trouble starting or stalls. What could be the matter?

Here diagnostic algorithm:

1. Check fuel pressure. If it is below 2.8 bar, the pump is defective or does not fit the parameters. If above 3.5 bar, the pressure regulator (located on the fuel rail) is faulty.
2. Ring the wiring. There should be 12V at the pump connector when the ignition is turned on. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the pump relay (in the unit under the hood) or in the wiring.
3. Check the fuel filter. On Murano Z50 it is located under the car, next to the rear beam. If the filter is clogged, the pump will work overload.
4. Diagnose mass air flow sensor and lambda probes. Errors P0100 or P0130 may simulate fuel supply problems.

If all checks are passed and the problem remains, the ECU may be to blame. On Murano Z50 There are often cases when the control unit “glitches” after replacing the pump. The solution is to reset the adaptations or flash the ECU.

How to check the pump relay?

Fuel pump relay Murano Z50 located in the fuse box under the hood (usually marked Fuel Pump Relay). To check it:

1. Pull out the relay and shake it - if something rattles inside, it is faulty.

2. Measure the resistance between pins 85 and 86 - it should be 50–120 Ohms.

3. When 12V is applied to pins 85 and 86, a short circuit should appear between 30 and 87.

If the relay is faulty, replace it (part no. 25230-4M000).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the pump on a Nissan Murano Z50

Is it possible to drive with a faulty fuel pump?

Short term - yes, but it is dangerous. With low fuel pressure, the engine runs on a lean mixture, which leads to overheating and detonation. In the worst case, you can “catch” scuffed pistons or burnt out valves. If the pump is already dying, replace it as soon as possible.

How long does it take to replace a pump?

If you have experience - 1.5–2 hours. It may take 3-4 hours for a beginner, especially if there are difficulties dismantling the module or connecting hoses. The main thing is to take your time and make sure the connections are tight.

Do I need to change the mesh filter when replacing the pump?

Definitely! The cost of the mesh (article 16400-4M000) - only 300–500 rubles, but if it is not replaced, dirt from the tank will quickly kill the new pump. As a last resort, wash the old mesh in acetone and blow with compressed air.

Can I install a pump from another Nissan model?

Only if the article matches exactly! For example, a pump from Nissan Pathfinder R51 (article 17040-4M005) is similar in appearance but has different performance. Installing an incompatible pump will lead to errors P0171 or P0172.

What should I do if the Check Engine light comes on after replacing the pump?

First check the error code:

• P0190, P0193 - pressure problems (check the pump and regulator).
• P0171 — air leaks (check the tightness of the hoses).
• P0300 — misfires (may be related to injectors).

If the error does not clear, do a fuel system adaptation with a scanner or reset the battery terminal for 10 minutes.