Yours Nissan Murano refuses to start, but warning lights are flashing on the dashboard? This problem is familiar to many crossover owners. Z50 (2003–2007), Z51 (2008–2014) and Z52 (2015–2021). There can be dozens of reasons - from a banal battery discharge to serious malfunctions in the fuel system or electronics. In this article we will look at all possible scenarioswhy Murano does not respond to turning the key or the starter turns, but the engine does not start.

Feature Murano - complex electronics and sensitivity to fuel quality. For example, on models with a VQ35DE (3.5 l) engine, a common problem is a clogged throttle valve, which blocks starting due to error P0507. And in hybrid versions Murano Hybrid The culprit may be a discharged high-voltage battery. We have collected proven solutions that will help diagnose the problem without visiting a service station - from simple checks to in-depth diagnostics using a scanner ELM327.

1. Discharged or faulty battery

The most obvious but often ignored reason is dead battery. On Nissan Murano with the system Intelligent Key even a weak battery charge can block starting: the immobilizer does not recognize the key, and the starter only makes clicking sounds. This is especially true for cars that have been sitting idle for more than a week or are operated in frosts below -15°C.

How to check:

  • 🔋 Terminal voltage: must be 12.6–12.8 V with the ignition off. If less 12.2 V - battery discharged, below 11.8 V - deep discharge.
  • 🔌 Terminal oxidation: White coating on the contacts increases resistance. Clean with sandpaper or a special spray.
  • 🚗 Test under load: ask someone to turn the key, mientras you look at the voltmeter. If the voltage drops below 9 V - the battery is faulty.

If the battery is completely discharged, do not try to push start the car - on Murano with an automatic transmission this can result in the transmission breaking. It is better to use a starter charger or “light it” from another car, observing the polarity. After starting, check the generator: if it does not charge (13.8–14.4 V at idle), the problem will return.

📊 How often do you check the battery charge in your Nissan Murano?
  • Once a month
  • Just before winter
  • Never
  • When it won't start anymore

2. Problems with the starter: clicks, but does not turn

If you hear when you turn the key single clicks or a series of quick clicks, but the starter does not rotate - this is the culprit. On Murano starters Mitsuba or Denso serve on average 100–150 thousand km, but may fail earlier due to:

  • 🔧 Solenoid relay wear - the contacts burn out and the current does not reach the starter motor.
  • 🛠️ Jammed Bendix — the gear does not mesh with the flywheel.
  • ⚡ Winding break — the starter is silent or barely turns.

Diagnostics:

  1. Try tapping the starter housing with a wrench (not too hard!). Sometimes this temporarily restores contact.
  2. Check the voltage on the control wire of the solenoid relay (thin wire) - there should be 12 V when turning the key.
  3. If the starter turns, but very slowly, the problem is dead battery or poor ground contact (check the wire from the body to the engine).
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On the Nissan Murano Z51, the starter is secured with three bolts, but access to it is difficult. To remove it without a hole, you will have to dismantle the air duct and part of the protection.

3. Malfunctions of the immobilizer and ignition system

Nissan Murano equipped with an immobilizer NAT (Nissan Anti-Theft), which blocks startup if the key code and the ECU do not match. If the dashboard flashes red key, and the starter is silent or idles - there is a problem in the safety system. Common reasons:

  • 🔑 Dead battery in the key (even if the buttons work).
  • 📡 Sync failed between the key and the receiver (immobilizer antenna).
  • 🔧 Oxidation of contacts in the immobilizer control unit (located under the dashboard).

How to solve:

  1. Try the second key. If the car starts, the problem is the first one.
  2. Reboot the system: remove the key, open/close the driver's door, insert the key and turn the ignition to 10 seconds without starting.
  3. If all else fails, you need to flashing the key or replacing the immobilizer antenna (a common problem on Murano Z50).

On models with Intelligent Key (keyless entry) the immobilizer may block starting due to demagnetized chip in the key. In this case, only reprogramming at an authorized dealer will help.

What to do if you lose your Murano key?

If you only have one key left, make a duplicate immediately! If you lose your only key, you will have to:

1. Drive the car on a tow truck to the dealer.

2. Provide a title and a document confirming ownership.

3. Pay for the replacement of the immobilizer unit and flashing new keys (from 30,000 rubles).

4. Problems with the fuel system: pump, filter, injectors

If the starter turns vigorously, but the engine does not “get enough” - check fuel system. On Nissan Murano with engines VQ35DE And QR25DE common problems:

  • ⛽ Fuel pump failure: when you turn on the ignition, you can’t hear the characteristic buzzing from the tank (on Murano Z51 the pump is located under the rear seat).
  • 🔧 Clogged fuel filter: on models before 2010 it is remote (change every 40–60 thousand km), on new ones it is built into the pump.
  • 💦 Water in the gas tank: If the car has been parked for a long time with a half-empty tank, condensation may block the fuel line.

Diagnostics:

  1. Check the fuel rail pressure: VQ35DE there must be 3.5–4.0 bar. If below 2.5 bar - the problem is in the pump or pressure regulator.
  2. Disconnect the fuel line in front of the ramp and turn the key to position ON (without starting the engine). If gasoline does not flow, the pump does not work.
  3. Check the fuel pump fuse (15 A, unit under the hood) and relay (on Murano Z52 it is located behind the glove compartment).

On Murano Hybrid additional problem - dirty fuel injectors. Due to the nature of the hybrid cycle (frequent engine starts/stops), carbon deposits form faster. The solution is ultrasonic cleaning or washing with a special liquid (for example, Wynn's).

Open the gas tank cap (listen to the pump operation)

Check fuse F12 (15 A) in the block under the hood

Measure the pressure in the rail with a pressure gauge

Inspect the fuel filter for blockages

Try starting the engine when cold (if the problem is only when hot)

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5. Sensor malfunctions: DPKV, mass air flow sensor, crankshaft sensor

Modern engines Nissan extremely sensitive to sensor failures. If the ECU does not receive the correct data, it blocks the start or puts the engine into emergency mode. The main "culprits":

Sensor Symptoms of malfunction Error code
Crankshaft position sensor (CPS) The engine does not start, the starter turns freely P0335, P0340
Mass air flow sensor (MAF) Starting is difficult, speed fluctuates P0100, P0102
Coolant temperature sensor (DTOZH) Long startup with cold, rich mixture P0115, P0117
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Jerky startup, error P0507 P0120, P0122

On Murano Z50/Z51 most often fails DPKV — its magnetic core is covered with metal shavings. Check the sensor with a multimeter: the winding resistance should be 500–700 Ohm. If the sensor is faulty, the engine will turn over, but will not start - the ECU simply does not “see” the position of the crankshaft.

Mass air flow sensor on VQ35DE often clogged due to oil dust (especially if the air filter is clogged). Clean it with alcohol or a special spray, but do not touch the sensitive element! If the error P0100 remains - replacement is required.

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On a Nissan Murano with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the crankshaft sensor is the first thing to check if there are problems with starting. Its cost is ~2,000 rubles, replacement takes 10 minutes.

6. Electrical problems: fuses, relays, wires

Electronics Murano complex, and even a small short circuit can paralyze the start. Start by checking:

  • 🔌 ECU main relay (on Z51 it is located under the glove compartment, on Z52 - behind the center console). If the engine fails, it will not receive a signal to start.
  • 📋 Fuses F1 (10 A) and F10 (15 A) — are responsible for the ignition and fuel pump circuits.
  • 🔋 Engine weights: on Murano it often oxidizes at the attachment to the cylinder block (clean until shiny!).

Typical "electrical" symptoms:

  • 🚨 The dashboard does not turn on or flashes.
  • 🔊 The starter does not respond to turning the key, but the relay clicks.
  • ⚡ When you try to start, all the relays under the hood are triggered (characteristic crackling sound).

If you find melted wires or smell something burning - immediately disconnect the battery! On Murano With mileage, the wiring harness near the gas pedal often frays, which leads to a short circuit.

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To diagnose the relay, use the “swap” method: swap the fuel pump relay and, for example, the fan relay. If the problem has moved, the relay is faulty.

7. Mechanical faults: timing, compression, oil starvation

If the engine Nissan Murano suddenly stopped starting after a jerk or knocking - possible mechanical breakdowns:

  • 🔗 Broken timing belt: on VQ35DE this leads to bending of the valves (the engine cannot be repaired, only replaced).
  • 🛢️ Oil fasting: If the oil pressure sensor lights up when starting, but the engine does not turn over, the liners may be stuck.
  • 🔥 Hydraulic compensators: when cold they can knock, blocking the start (especially on runs beyond 200 thousand km).

How to check:

  1. Remove the timing cover and inspect the belt. If it is torn or has come off, the engine will not start.
  2. Check the compression in the cylinders: if one or more values are lower 10 bar - problem with the piston group.
  3. Turn out the spark plugs: if they are wet from gasoline, there is an ignition problem; if they are dry, fuel is not flowing.

On Murano Z52 with engine VQ35DD (direct injection) additional risk - coking of injectors. If the car has been standing for a long time, the gasoline in the ramp evaporates, leaving deposits. The solution is to flush the system or replace the injectors (from RUB 20,000/piece).

What to do if the timing belt breaks?

On a Nissan Murano with a VQ35DE engine, the timing belt is broken guaranteed valve bending. Next steps:

1. Do not try to start the car - this will worsen the breakdown.

2. Tow the car to a service center.

3. Prepare for a major overhaul of the engine (from 150,000 rubles) or replacement with a contract one (from 200,000 rubles).

8. External factors: weather, fuel, driver errors

Sometimes Murano It won’t start not because of a breakdown, but for external reasons:

  • ❄️ Frost below -20°C: Diesel fuel waxes and gasoline evaporates poorly. The solution is to use winter additives or a heater.
  • ⛽ Bad gasoline: If you refuel at a questionable gas station, drain the fuel and flush the system.
  • 🔑 Steering lock: on models with Intelligent Key The steering wheel may lock if you turn the key sharply. Rock the steering wheel left and right when starting.

On Murano Hybrid additional factor - high voltage battery discharge. If the hybrid system does not start and the "Check Hybrid System", diagnostics are required at a service station with equipment for hybrids.

If the car does not start after washing or rain, check:

  • 💧 Water getting into the air filter (on Z50 the filter box is located low).
  • ⚡ Short circuit in the fuse box under the hood.
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On a Nissan Murano with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km necessarily use fuel with an octane rating of at least 95. Low quality gasoline leads to detonation and damage to the knock sensor (code P0328), which prevents starting.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano starting problems

Is it possible to push start the Murano if the battery is dead?

❌ No! On models with automatic transmission, this will lead to damage to the box. Mechanically it is theoretically possible, but the risk of damage to the catalyst is high. It’s better to “light it” from another car or use a jump-start charger.

Why does Murano start and then immediately stall?

Reason - insufficient fuel pressure (weak pump, clogged filter) or DMRV malfunction. Check the rail pressure and inspect the air filter. Also possible air leak through a cracked intake manifold pipe or gasket.

The starter turns, but the engine does not catch. What to do?

Check:

  1. Spark on the spark plugs (unscrew one and apply to the ground).
  2. Fuel pressure in the rail.
  3. Scanner error codes (for example, P0300 — misfires).

If there is no spark, the problem is in the ignition coils or ECU. If fuel does not flow, the pump or relay is to blame.

After refueling, the Murano stopped starting. What to do?

Drain the bad fuel and flush the system. If the gasoline contains water, add it to the tank. 200 ml alcohol (it will bind water) and let the engine idle 10–15 minutes. In severe cases, the injectors will need to be cleaned.

Murano won't start after replacing battery. What's the matter?

The ECU settings have been reset. Try:

  1. Remove the battery terminal at 5 minutes, then connect back.
  2. Carry out “training” of the throttle valve (press the gas pedal all the way to 10 seconds with the ignition on).

If it doesn’t help, diagnostics of the immobilizer is required (the key binding may have been reset).

If none of the tips helped, the problem may be Engine ECU (for example, corrosion on the board or a burnt out transistor). In this case, you cannot do without professional diagnostics. For Nissan Murano with mileage for 150 thousand km We recommend keeping a diagnostic scanner on hand (for example, Launch CReader) - it will save time and money on troubleshooting.