Lambda probe for Nissan Murano Z51: diagnostics, errors and DIY replacement

Oxygen sensor (or lambda probe) in Nissan Murano Z51 - a key element of the engine control system, responsible for the correct operation of the fuel mixture. Its malfunction leads to increased fuel consumption, unstable engine operation and even the risk of damage to the catalyst. Owners Murano 2008–2014 model years (body Z51) often encounter problems with sensors due to their natural wear or poor fuel quality.

In this article we will look at how self-diagnose Lambda probe malfunction, let's decipher it error codes (For example, P0130–P0167), we will show where the sensor is located on Murano Z51 with engines VQ35DE And QR25DE, and we will give step-by-step instructions for replacement. We will also compare original spare parts (Nissan 22690-4M000) with analogues from Bosch, Denso And NGKto help with your choice.

How does the lambda probe work on the Nissan Murano Z51?

The lambda probe measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gases and sends data to Engine ECU (electronic control unit). Based on them, the computer adjusts the fuel-air mixture ratio for optimal combustion. B Murano Z51 a system of two sensors:

• 🔹 Upper (before catalyst) — controls the composition of the mixture to correct injection.
• 🔹 Lower (after catalyst) — checks the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Sensors on Murano Z51 — broadband (type AFR or UEGO), which makes it possible to more accurately measure oxygen content over a wide range. Service life of the original probe - 80–120 thousand km, but if you use low-quality fuel or oil with additives, it may fail earlier.

Signs of malfunction appear gradually. At first, the ECU compensates for inaccurate sensor readings, but over time the errors become critical. For example, if the probe “sticks” in one position, the engine starts to run on a rich or lean mixture, which leads to overheating or loss of power.

Signs of a malfunctioning lambda probe on a Murano Z51

Symptoms of a broken oxygen sensor are often confused with spark plug or injector problems. However, there are specific signs that directly indicate a lambda probe:

• ⚠️ Check Engine lights up periodically or constantly (errors P0130–P0167).
• 🛢️ Fuel consumption increases by 10–30% for no apparent reason.
• 🔥 Engine troubles at idle or during acceleration.
• 💨 Exhaust turns black (rich mixture) or with a strong odor (lean mixture).
• 🚗 Power dips when accelerating, especially at speeds of 2000–3000 rpm.

Feature Murano Z51 — sensitivity of the ECU to the signal from the second sensor (after the catalyst). If it fails, the control unit may activate emergency mode, limiting the speed to 3000–3500 rpm. This is protection against damage to the catalyst, but driving in this mode is dangerous - the risk of engine overheating increases by 2-3 times.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the sensor the error P0130 (“Low signal level”) does not disappear, check wiring from the probe to the ECU. On Murano Z51 Wires near the manifold or gearbox often fray.

Decoding lambda probe errors (P0130–P0167) on Murano Z51

Trouble codes related to oxygen sensors on Nissan Murano Z51 are divided into two groups: problems with signal And heating probe. Below is a table with a breakdown and typical reasons:

Error code	Description	Possible reasons
P0130	Sensor 1 Signal Low (Bank 1)	Sensor wear, open circuit, soot contamination
P0133	Slow response of sensor 1 (bank 1)	Old probe, air leak in the exhaust system
P0135	Sensor 1 Heater Malfunction (Bank 1)	Heating element burnt out, poor contact
P0141	Sensor 2 Heater Malfunction (Bank 1)	Heater circuit break, connector corrosion
P0161	Sensor 2 heater circuit open (bank 2)	Wiring or fuse problems (on V6)

On Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE (3.5 l) bugs P0130–P0135 refer to first bank of cylinders (driver's side) and P0150–P0167 - to the second. On QR25DE (2.5 l) there is only one bank, so errors are duplicated for both sensors.

If the scanner shows an error P0420 (“Low catalyst efficiency”), this indirectly indicates a malfunction second lambda probe. The ECU compares the signals from the two sensors, and if the difference exceeds the permissible values, a failure is detected.

Where is the lambda probe located on the Nissan Murano Z51?

On Murano Z51 sensors are located on exhaust manifold And exhaust pipe after the catalyst. The exact location depends on the engine type:

• 🔧 VQ35DE (3.5L V6):
  • 🔹 Sensor 1 (bank 1) - on the manifold on the driver's side.
  • 🔹 Sensor 2 (bank 1) - after the catalyst, in front of the resonator.
  • 🔹 Sensors 3 and 4 (bank 2) - similar, but on the passenger side.
• 🔧 QR25DE (2.5L R4):
  • 🔹 Sensor 1 - on the manifold (before the catalyst).
  • 🔹 Sensor 2 - on the flange after the catalyst.

To access the top sensor on VQ35DE will need to be removed heat shield (fastened with 4 bolts). The lower sensor on both engines is easier to remove, but may require extension for key (due to limited space).

The photo below shows the location of the sensors on Murano Z51 with VQ35DE (bottom view):

Photo of the location of the lambda probes

The image shows that the upper sensor (bank 1) is located immediately behind the exhaust manifold, and the lower one is on the flange after the catalyst. To replace the upper one, you will need a 22 mm wrench with an extension; the lower one can be unscrewed with a standard tool.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 after 2012 model year the sensors can be fixed special clamps instead of carving. In this case, for dismantling you need a puller or a hacksaw (carefully cut the clamp).

How to check the lambda probe on Murano Z51 with a multimeter?

Before replacing the sensor, you can check it yourself. For this you will need multimeter with the function of measuring voltage (up to 1–2 V) and resistance. Verification algorithm:

1. Heater check:
   • 🔋 Disconnect the sensor connector.
   • 🔌 Measure the resistance between the heater contacts (usually white and black wires).
   • 📊 Normal: 2–10 Ohm (at 20°C). If the resistance is infinite - open, 0 Ohm - short circuit.
2. Signal check:
   • 🔌 Connect the multimeter between the signal wire (usually gray) and ground (black).
   • 🚗 Start the engine and warm up to operating temperature.
   • 📈 At idle speed the voltage should fluctuate in the range 0.1–0.9 V (1-2 vibrations per second).

If the voltage frozen at one level (for example, 0.45 V) or outside the range of 0.1–0.9 V, the sensor is faulty. Also a sign of failure is slow response: When you press the gas sharply, the voltage should change instantly.

On Murano Z51 with VQ35DE you can check further heater power supply. To do this:

1. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine).
2. Measure the voltage between black and white sensor connector wires.
3. Norm: 12 V. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or fuse (F37 at 15A in the block under the hood).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the lambda probe on a Murano Z51

Replacing the sensor with Nissan Murano Z51 does not require special skills, but there are nuances. For example, on VQ35DE The top sensor of bank 1 is difficult to unscrew due to limited space, and on QR25DE It may be necessary to remove the engine protection. Tools you will need:

• 🔧 22 mm wrench (special for lambda probes or cap with extension).
• 🔧 Penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or Liqui Moly).
• 🔧 Dielectric grease for connectors.
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional, for tightening with a torque of 40–50 N m).

Sequence of actions:

1. Preparation:
   • 🚗 Turn off the engine and let it cool (2-3 hours).
   • 🔌 Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
   • 🔍 Find the sensor (see location section).
2. Dismantling:
   • 🔧 Disconnect the sensor connector (press the lock).
   • 🔧 Treat the thread with penetrating lubricant and wait 10-15 minutes.
   • 🔧 Carefully unscrew the sensor counterclockwise. Don't use too much effort — risk of breaking the probe or stripping the thread!
3. Installing a new sensor:
   • 🔧 Apply to the thread of the new sensor copper grease (For example, Permatex Anti-Seize).
   • 🔧 Screw in the sensor by hand, then tighten it with a wrench (torque 40–50 Nm).
   • 🔌 Connect the connector (the latch should click).
4. Check:
   • 🔋 Connect the battery.
   • 🚗 Start the engine and check for errors with the scanner.
   • 📊 Drive 50–100 km - if Check Engine does not light up, the replacement was successful.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 after replacing the sensor it may be necessary reset ECU adaptations. To do this, disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader).

Which lambda probe to choose for Murano Z51: original vs analogues

On Nissan Murano Z51 Sensors with catalog numbers are installed:

• 🔧 Original: 22690-4M000 (for bank 1), 22690-4M005 (for bank 2).
• 🔧 Analogues:
  • 🔹 Bosch — 0 258 006 537 (universal, requires crimping the connector).
  • 🔹 Denso — DOX-0208 (complete analogue of the original).
  • 🔹 NGK — NTK 24335 (good price/quality ratio).

Comparison of original sensors and analogues:

Manufacturer	Average price (RUB)	Service life	Features
Nissan (original)	8 000–12 000	100–150 thousand km	1 year warranty, exact compatibility
Denso	4 500–6 000	80–120 thousand km	The best analogue, often installed on the conveyor
Bosch	3 000–4 500	60–100 thousand km	Universal, may require modification of the connector
NGK (NTK)	3 500–5 000	70–110 thousand km	Good accuracy, but sensitive to fuel

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to number of wires:

• 🔌 4 wires — two for the heater, two for the signal (standard for Murano Z51).
• 🔌 5 wires — additional wire for wideband sensors (on some modifications after 2012).

If your budget is limited, the best choice is Denso DOX-0208. It is compatible with ECU Murano Z51 without modifications and has a resource close to the original. Avoid cheap Chinese sensors (eg. Febi or Meyle) - they often fail after 20–30 thousand km.

Frequently asked questions about lambda probes for the Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to drive with a faulty lambda probe?

Short term - yes, but this leads to:

• 🔥 Increased fuel consumption (up to +30%).
• 💥 Risk of engine overheating due to incorrect mixture.
• 🚫 Damage to the catalyst (replacement will cost 30-50 thousand rubles).

Long-term driving with a faulty sensor reduces engine life by 15–20%.

How to reset a lambda probe error after replacement?

Methods:

1. 🔋 Disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes (it will reset the ECU adaptations).
2. 🔧 Use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) to reset errors and adaptations.
3. 🚗 Drive 50–100 km in gentle mode (without sudden acceleration).

If an error is returned, check wiring or the quality of the installed sensor.

What is the difference between the sensors for VQ35DE and QR25DE?

Main differences:

Parameter	VQ35DE (3.5L V6)	QR25DE (2.5L R4)
Number of sensors	4 (2 for each bank)	2 (before and after the catalyst)
Wire length	Short (up to 30 cm)	Long (up to 50 cm)
Connector type	Rectangular (4 pins)	Round (4 pins)

Sensors not interchangeable! Make sure the part number matches your engine.

Is it possible to clean the lambda probe instead of replacing it?

Theoretically yes, but the efficiency is low. Methods:

• 🧹 Ultrasonic cleaning (in specialized services).
• 🔥 Calcination on a gas burner (risk of damaging the ceramic element).
• 🧴 Soaking in phosphoric acid (removes carbon deposits, but does not restore electrodes).

The result lasts for 10–20 thousand km, after which the sensor will still have to be changed. Cleaning is only justified for temporary solution (for example, before selling a car).

What are the consequences of ignoring P0135 (sensor heater)?

Error P0135 indicates a malfunction heating element sensor Consequences:

• ❄️ The sensor does not warm up to operating temperature (300–400°C), which leads to false testimony on a cold engine.
• ⚡ The ECU goes into emergency mode, enriching the mixture - fuel consumption increases by 15–25%.
• 🔥 Risk catalyst overheating due to incorrect composition of exhaust gases.

On Murano Z51 with VQ35DE ignoring P0135 may lead to melting of catalyst honeycomb (repairs will cost 40–60 thousand rubles).