Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Nissan Murano Z50: photos, signs of malfunction and replacement

Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) on Nissan Murano Z50 (2003-2007) is a critical element of the engine management system. Its incorrect operation leads to ignition failures, a drop in power and even complete engine failure. Owners of this crossover often encounter difficulties in finding the sensor: it is hidden under a layer of dirt and pipes, and its location is described vaguely in the manuals.

In this article you will find exact sensor coordinates with reference to visual landmarks under the hood, photo of actual location (and not diagrams from service books), and also step-by-step replacement instructions without removing the engine protection. We will look at how to distinguish an original sensor from a fake, what errors (P0335, P0336) indicate its malfunction, and why even a new DPKV may not solve the starting problem.

The exact location of the crankshaft sensor on the Nissan Murano Z50

On Murano Z50 with engines VQ35DE (3.5L) crankshaft sensor installed on oil pump housing, which is attached to the cylinder block from the side right (in the direction of travel) wheel. More specifically, next to crankshaft pulley, but not on the pulley itself, but slightly higher and to the left (when viewed from the front of the car).

Visual guidelines for searching:

• 🔧 Crankshaft pulley — the sensor is located 2–3 cm above its upper edge.
• 🛢️ Oil filter — DPKV is on the same vertical line with it, but closer to the front bumper.
• 🔌 Sensor connector - a black plastic connector with a lock, sticking up (often covered with oil or dirt).

To see the sensor, it is not necessary to remove the engine protection. Enough:

1. Open the hood and remove air filter (unscrew 4 10mm bolts).
2. Remove plastic engine cover (held on by 4 latches).
3. Shine a flashlight into the area between the crankshaft pulley and the oil filter.

Attention! On some modifications Murano Z50 (for example, for the US market) the sensor may be shifted 1–2 cm to the left due to a different location of the generator bracket. If you do not find it at the described coordinates, check the area between the oil pump and the pump.

Photo and sensor location diagram

Below are the real photos of the sensor on Nissan Murano Z50 (2005 onwards, engine VQ35DE). The sensor itself is circled in red, its connector is circled in yellow:

Photo of the crankshaft sensor on the Murano Z50 (click to view)

[There should be an image with notes: the sensor is circled in red, the connector is in yellow, the arrow indicates the installation guide]

Sensor connection diagram:

Contact	Wire color	Purpose
1	Black	Weight (–)
2	Red/white	Power (+5 V)
3	Green/black	Signal output (to ECU)

The sensor connector has latch - you need to press it out with a flat screwdriver to disconnect the connector. On some versions of the Murano Z50, the connector may be green (Hitachi original) rather than black (Denso analogue).

Signs of a faulty crankshaft sensor

DPKV on Nissan Murano Z50 rarely fails suddenly - usually problems grow gradually. Here key symptoms, indicating its malfunction:

• ⚡ The engine stalls while driving, especially when suddenly releasing gas or changing gears.
• 🔥 Misfires in cylinders (errors P0300–P0306), although the spark plugs and coils are working properly.
• 🚗 Car won't start or it starts only after several attempts (the starter turns, but there is no spark).
• 📉 Power drop and “failures” during acceleration, as if the car was being “held” by the rear bumper.
• 🔧 Check Engine with errors P0335 ("Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit") or P0336 ("Range/Performance of the DPKV circuit").

Important! The same symptoms can cause:

• 🔋 Discharged battery (voltage below 11.8 V).
• 🛢️ Dirty oil filter (putting pressure on the sensor).
• 🔌 Oxidized contacts in the ECU connector (the unit is located under the glove compartment).

Before replacing the sensor be sure to check:

1. Sensor resistance with a multimeter (standard: 550–750 Ohm at +20°C).
2. The voltage at the connector (between the red/white and black wires should be 4.8–5.2 V).
3. The integrity of the toothed disk on the crankshaft pulley (sometimes the teeth get knocked down or break).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the sensor

Replacing DPKV with Murano Z50 takes 20–30 minutes. You will need:

• 🔧 10 mm socket wrench (for fastening bolt).
• 🔩 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for the connector).
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar cleaner (the bolt often sticks).
• 📦 New sensor (original number: 23731-AL50A or equivalent Hitachi CPS-VQ35).

Procedure:

1. Disconnect the sensor connector by squeezing the lock with a screwdriver. Don't pull the wires! — the connector often breaks.

2. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt with a 10 mm wrench. If the bolt does not budge, treat it with WD-40 and wait 5 minutes.

3. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side. On some Murano Z50s, the sensor sits on a sealant - do not use force to avoid breaking the housing.

4. Install the new sensor by aligning the protrusion on its body with the groove in the block. Tighten the bolt firmly 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).

5. Connect the connector and check the operation of the engine. If the error P0335 remains, reset it with a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes.

Attention! After replacing the sensor, the engine may be unstable for the first 2-3 starts - this is normal, as the ECU “learns” new signals. If the problem persists, check:

• 🔌 Connector connection polarity (mixed up wires are a common mistake!).
• 🛠️ The gap between the sensor and the toothed disk (must be 0.5–1.5 mm).
• 🔋 Sensor supply voltage (if less than 4.5 V, the problem is in the wiring).

Original vs analogue: which sensor to choose

Original crankshaft sensor for Nissan Murano Z50 has an article number 23731-AL50A (manufacturer - Hitachi). Its average price is 3,500–4,500 rub. However, there are high-quality analogues on the market that serve no worse:

Manufacturer	Article	Price, rub.	Features
Hitachi (OEM)	23731-AL50A	3 500–4 500	2 year warranty, exact compatibility
Denso	550-0103	2 800–3 200	High quality, but may require adapting the connector
Beck/Arnley	180-0530	2 500–3 000	Good budget option, but check the packaging for authenticity
Standard Motor Products	PC-406	2 200–2 700	Often counterfeited - buy only from authorized dealers

How to distinguish an original from a fake:

• 🏷️ On the original sensor Hitachi inflicted laser logo (not a sticker!).
• 🔍 The body must be matte, and not glossy (counterfeits often shine).
• 📦 Included metal washer (analogs may not have it).

Attention! If you buy a disassembled sensor, be sure to check its resistance with a multimeter. Even an externally serviceable sensor may have an internal break, which will appear after 1–2 weeks of operation.

Common replacement errors and their consequences

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with DPKV on Murano Z50. Here are the most common:

1. Incorrect clearance between sensor and toothed disc. If the sensor is recessed too deeply or, conversely, protrudes, the signal will be unstable. Consequence: error P0336 and floating speed.

2. Metal shavings getting into the oil pump. When cleaning the sensor seat, do not use metal brushes - chips may clog the oil receiver. Consequence: oil starvation and engine knock.

3. Reversed connector polarity. If you connect the sensor upside down, the ECU will receive an inverted signal. Consequence: engine won't start at all, although the sensor is working.

4. Ignoring errors in the power supply circuit. If replacing the sensor did not help, and the voltage at the connector is less than 4.5 V, the problem is in the wiring or the computer. Consequence: endless troubleshooting in innocent nodes.

How to avoid mistakes:

• 📏 Before installing a new sensor measure the gap between its end and the toothed disk (should be 0.5–1.5 mm).
• 🧲 Use magnet to clean the seat - it will collect metal shavings.
• 🔍 Take a photo of the connector before disconnecting so as not to confuse the polarity.

Alternative causes of errors P0335 and P0336

If replacing the sensor did not solve the problem, and errors P0335/P0336 continue to appear, look for the reason in:

Reason	How to check	How to fix
Oxidation of contacts in the ECU connector	Remove the ECU (under the glove compartment) and inspect the contacts	Clean contacts with alcohol and lubricate with special lubricant
Damage to the toothed disc on the crankshaft pulley	Remove the pulley and inspect the disc for chips	Replace the pulley or disk (part number: 12342-JA00A)
Open circuit or short circuit in the sensor wiring	Test the wires with a multimeter (resistance should be close to 0 Ohm)	Restore wiring or replace harness
ECU malfunction	Connect a known good ECU	Reflash or replace the unit (article: 23710-AL510)

The most insidious case - when the problem arises due to ECU software. On Murano Z50 Before the 2005 release, there was a firmware bug that caused the unit to incorrectly interpret the sensor signal. The solution is to flash the ECU to the version 79001-AL510 or newer.

If you are not sure about the diagnosis, contact a diagnostician with an oscilloscope. Signal of a working sensor should look like this:

An example of an oscillogram of a working DPKV

[There should be an image here with a graph: smooth voltage peaks of 0-5 V with a frequency corresponding to crankshaft revolutions]

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Murano Z50 crankshaft sensor

Is it possible to drive with a faulty crankshaft sensor?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. The engine will operate in emergency mode, with reduced power and increased fuel consumption. In addition, an unstable spark can lead to misfires and damage to the catalyst (if it has not yet been removed).

How to reset P0335 after replacing the sensor?

There are three ways:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10–15 minutes.
2. Reset the error using a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).
3. Wait until the ECU resets the error itself after 3–5 successful engine starts.

If the error appears again, the problem is not with the sensor.

What are the differences between the sensors for the Murano Z50 and Z51?

Sensors not interchangeable! On Z50 (2003–2007) sensor with article number is used 23731-AL50A, and on Z51 (2009–2014) — 23731-JK00A. The difference is:

• The length of the wire (on the Z51 it is 5 cm shorter).
• The shape of the case (on the Z51 the fixation protrusion is shifted to the left).
• Sensitivity (the sensor for Z51 does not read the signal from the Z50 toothed disk).

Is it possible to clean the old sensor instead of replacing it?

Cleaning is possible, but not always effective. If the sensor is contaminated with oil or metal dust, it can be washed:

1. Remove the sensor and clean the housing lint-free clothsoaked in isopropyl alcohol.
2. Blow with compressed air (do not use a compressor - only a can).
3. Check resistance (should be 550-750 ohms).

If the resistance is outside the norm or the sensor has mechanical damage, replacement is required.

What other sensors can cause P0335?

In addition to DPKV, an error P0335 may provoke:

• 🔧 Camshaft sensor (error P0340 often paired with P0335).
• ⚡ Ignition module (misfires simulate a DPKV malfunction).
• 🛢️ Knock sensor (on Murano Z50 it is located under the intake manifold).

For accurate diagnosis you need oscilloscope or a scanner showing parameters in real time.