All-wheel drive Nissan Murano Z51: operating principle, modes and features

Crossover Nissan Murano Z51 (third generation, 2014–2023) equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system Intelligent AWD, which automatically distributes torque between the axles depending on road conditions. Unlike "hard" all-wheel drive systems, there are no mechanical differential locks - everything is controlled electronically and hydraulically. It does Murano stable on slippery roads, but requires understanding how the system works in different modes.

Many owners mistakenly believe that Intelligent AWD It turns on only when slipping, but in fact the algorithm analyzes dozens of parameters: from the position of the steering wheel to the angle of the body. In this article we will look at unique feature Murano Z51 — the ability to redistribute up to 50% of the torque to the rear axle in a fraction of a second, even if the front has not yet lost traction. You'll also learn how to diagnose problems and why the system may shut down without warning.

Intelligent AWD all-wheel drive system design

At the core Intelligent AWD lies electromagnetic clutchlocated in the rear gearbox. It connects the driveshaft to the rear axle at the command of the control unit AWD Control Module. Unlike mechanical systems (for example, Nissan X-Trail T32), there is no rigid connection - the clutch operates smoothly, which reduces the load on the transmission.

Key system components:

• 🔧 Electromagnetic clutch — controls the rear axle locking. It works based on data from ABS, ESP and steering angle sensors.
• 📡 AWD control unit — analyzes signals from 12 sensors (including an accelerometer and a gyroscope) and makes a decision on torque distribution.
• ⚙️ Rear gearbox — contains a planetary gear, which increases torque on the rear wheels if necessary.
• 🔄 Hydraulic pump — creates pressure to compress the clutch pack in the clutch. Works only when the ignition is on.

Interesting detail: in Murano Z51 the clutch is activated not only when slipping, but also when sharp acceleration (even on dry asphalt) to prevent the front end from sagging. This distinguishes the system from competitors like Toyota RAV4, where all-wheel drive is engaged only when traction is lost.

All-wheel drive operating modes

B Murano Z51 Three main modes are available, which are selected by a button next to the automatic transmission selector:

Mode	Torque distribution	When to use	Features
2WD (Auto)	100% to the front axle	Driving on dry asphalt	The system is ready to connect the rear axle in 0.2 seconds
AWD Auto	From 0% to 50% on the rear axle	Rain, snow, gravel	Real-time adaptive distribution
AWD Lock	Fixed 50% on the rear axle	Off-road, ice	Operates up to 30 km/h, then switches off automatically

Important nuance: in mode AWD Lock the system does not lock the differentials completely - it simply forces 50% of the torque back. This does not replace the "lowering" (which is not in Murano), but helps on slippery climbs. At speeds above 30 km/h the system goes into AWD Autoto avoid overheating of the coupling.

⚠️ Attention: If after activation AWD Lock The "AWD" indicator on the dashboard flashes, this means the clutch is overheating. Stop immediately and allow the system to cool (usually 5-10 minutes). Repeatedly ignoring the signal may lead to failure of the hydraulic pump.

How the system recognizes the need to connect all-wheel drive

Control unit AWD Control Module analyzes data from sensors every 0.01 seconds. Main triggers for rear axle activation:

1. Difference in wheel speed (even 5–10% is enough for partial connection).
2. Steering angle more than 15° — the system anticipates possible slippage during maneuver.
3. Longitudinal or lateral acceleration (for example, during a sharp start or skidding).
4. Ambient temperature below +4°C — the system assumes possible ice.

How to check if all-wheel drive is working?

To make sure the system is working properly, run the test:

1. Turn on the mode AWD Lock.

2. Drive off on a flat surface (asphalt, concrete).

3. Ask an assistant to look at the rear wheels - they should begin to rotate at the same time as the front ones.

If the rear axle does not connect, check the fuse F37 (10A) in the block under the hood and the oil level in the rear gearbox.

The controller also takes into account driving style. For example, if you often brake hard before turning, the system can prepare the rear axle for the load in advance. This algorithm is called Predictive AWD and is only available on models with the package Safety Shield.

Frequent malfunctions and their symptoms

Despite the reliability, the system Intelligent AWD has weaknesses. Here are typical symptoms of malfunctions:

• 🚨 "AWD" indicator is on on the instrument panel - can mean either a minor sensor error or a failure of the clutch.
• 🔥 Rear axle is not connected even in mode AWD Lock - most often the culprit is a worn clutch pack or a faulty hydraulic pump.
• 💦 Oil leak from rear gearbox - leads to overheating of the clutch and its blocking.
• ⚡ Jerks when switching to four-wheel drive - indicates contaminated oil or malfunction of the solenoids in the clutch.

The most expensive breakdown is wear and tear electromagnetic coupling. Its resource is about 150–200 thousand km, but with aggressive off-road driving it can be reduced to 80 thousand km. Replacing the coupling at an official service center costs 80–120 thousand rubles (including work).

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil in the rear gearbox, the all-wheel drive system began to work worse (for example, jerking appeared), non-original oil was probably filled in. Nissan recommends using only Nissan Matic S AWD Fluid (catalog number KE909-99932). Other gear oils may foam under high loads.

All-wheel drive system diagnostics

To read errors Intelligent AWD requires a scanner that supports the protocol Nissan Consult-III. The most common fault codes:

Error code	Description	Possible reason	Solution
C1105	Malfunction of the steering angle sensor	The wire or the sensor itself is damaged	Checking the connector, replacing the sensor
C1111	Low pressure in the hydraulic system	Oil leak or pump wear	Adding oil, replacing the pump
C1130	Electromagnetic clutch malfunction	Friction wear or winding breakage	Replacing the coupling assembly
C1148	Communication error with ABS unit	Corroded contacts or faulty unit	Cleaning connectors, ABS diagnostics

To test it yourself, follow these steps:

If the scanner shows an error C1130, but there are no external signs of failure, try resetting the clutch adaptations through the service menu. To do this:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Move the automatic transmission selector to position N.
4. Click the button AWD Lock 10 times in a row (with an interval of no more than 1 second).
5. Turn off the car and restart the engine.

This procedure resets saved errors and can restore system operation if the failure was software.

Tips for operation and service life extension

So that the system Intelligent AWD lasted longer, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Change the oil in the rear gearbox every 60 thousand km (the official regulations indicate 90 thousand km, but for Russia it is better to reduce the interval).
• ❄️ Avoid long drives in AWD Lock mode on dry asphalt - this leads to overheating of the coupling.
• 🚿 After high pressure washing Check the tightness of the connectors of the ABS sensors and the rear gearbox.
• 🛠️ When replacing tires, use wheels of the same diameter and tread pattern. — the difference in wheel speed accelerates clutch wear.

Pay special attention oil in the rear gearbox. B Murano Z51 special liquid is used Nissan Matic S AWD Fluid, which is not compatible with conventional gear oils. When mixing different types of oils, foam may form, which will lead to loss of pressure in the hydraulic system and clutch failure.

If you often drive off-road, install rear gear protection (for example, from Cobra or Ironman 4x4). This will prevent damage to the gearbox housing and oil leakage when hitting obstacles.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

System Intelligent AWD in Murano Z51 has several advantages over analogues:

• ⚡ Reaction speed — the clutch is activated for 0.2 seconds (y Toyota RAV4 — 0.5 s).
• 🔄 Predictive algorithm — takes into account driving style, not just slippage.
• 🛠️ Fewer mechanical parts compared to Haldex (used in Volkswagen Tiguan), which increases reliability.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• 💸 Expensive service — replacing the coupling costs 2–3 times more than repairs Haldex.
• 🌡️ Sensitivity to overheating - when driving for a long time in AWD Lock cooling is required.
• 🔧 Complex diagnostics — to read errors you need a proprietary scanner Nissan Consult.

For comparison, in Subaru Forester Symmetrical all-wheel drive with a mechanical centrifugal differential is used, which does not require electronics. This makes the system simpler, but less adaptive. Murano Z51 it is more suitable for mixed use (city + light off-road), where smooth operation is important.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about all-wheel drive Murano Z51

Is it possible to tow a trailer with four-wheel drive engaged?

Yes, but with reservations. In mode AWD Auto towing is permitted (maximum trailer weight - 1.5 tons). However, in mode AWD Lock You cannot tow a trailer - this will lead to overheating of the coupling. Also make sure that the rear gearbox is filled with fresh oil, as towing increases the load on the system by 30-40%.

Why did all-wheel drive start to work worse after changing the oil in the automatic transmission?

Most likely, when changing the oil in the automatic transmission, the adaptive algorithm of the control unit was reset AWD. The system needs 200–300 km run to “learn” again. If the problem persists, check the unit's firmware version - it may require an update via Nissan Consult.

Is it possible to disable all-wheel drive completely?

Yes, all you have to do is press a button AWD Lock and hold her 10 seconds — the system will go into mode 2WD (front wheel drive). However, it is not recommended to do this for a long time: when driving for a long time in 2WD the oil in the rear gearbox does not circulate, which can lead to corrosion of internal parts.

What kind of oil should I put in the rear gearbox?

Only original Nissan Matic S AWD Fluid (art. KE909-99932). Analogs (for example, Mobil ATF 3309) are not suitable due to different additive packages. Refill volume - 1.2 liters. After changing the oil, be sure to reset the clutch adaptations (see instructions in the "Diagnostics" section).

What to do if all-wheel drive does not work after an accident?

First of all, check the integrity of the driveshaft and ABS sensor connectors. Even a minor impact to the rear can dislodge the rear axle angle sensor, causing system failure. If there is no external damage, read the errors with a scanner - often after an accident a code appears C1148 (communication error with ABS unit).