What antifreeze to fill in Nissan Murano Z51 (2008–2014): choice, volume and replacement

Nissan Murano Z51 is a crossover that has gained popularity due to its reliability and comfort. However, even the most reliable equipment requires regular maintenance, and one of the key aspects is the right choice coolant. Incorrect antifreeze can lead to corrosion of aluminum engine parts, overheating, or even failure of the pump.

In this article we will look at what antifreeze to fill in Nissan Murano Z51 (2008–2014 model years), what volume is needed for a complete replacement, what brands and standards are compatible with the original fluid, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for replacement. We will pay special attention to the nuances that even experienced car owners often miss - for example, the influence of the color of antifreeze on its properties and the consequences of mixing different types.

Original antifreeze for Nissan Murano Z51: part numbers and specifications

The manufacturer recommends using original Nissan coolant with catalog number KE902-99932 (concentrate) or KE902-99931 (ready solution). This liquid meets the standard Nissan Long Life Coolant (LLC) and has green color (unlike later models which use pink antifreeze).

It is important to understand that antifreeze color is not just a marketing ploy, but an indicator of its chemical composition. Original green antifreeze for Murano Z51 belongs to the type hybrid (HOAT), that is, it contains both organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors. This is critical for aluminum engine blocks VQ35DE And VQ25DEinstalled on this model.

• 🔹 Concentrate article: KE902-99932 (requires dilution with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio)
• 🔹 Article number of the finished solution: KE902-99931 (already diluted, freezing point -37°C)
• 🔹 Standard: Nissan LLC (Long Life Coolant), compliant JIS K 2234
• 🔹 Service life: up to 5 years or 120,000 km (depending on operating conditions)

Original green Nissan LLC antifreeze is incompatible with most European and American ethylene glycol-based antifreezes with other additive packages (for example, G12++ or G13). Mixing them may result in the formation of a gel or precipitation.

Analogues of the original antifreeze: what can be filled instead of Nissan LLC

If original antifreeze is not available, you can use certified analoguescompliant with the standard Nissan LLC or JIS K 2234. It is important that the substitute has hybrid formula (HOAT) and was compatible with aluminum alloys.

Below are proven analogs that are often recommended by dealers and experienced car owners:

Brand	Product name	Article	Color	Notes
Ravenol	JC4 Japanese Coolant Concentrate	4014835755406	Green	Full analogue of Nissan LLC, suitable for all Japanese cars
CoolStream	Premium HOAT	CS0101	Green	Compliant with JIS K 2234, can be mixed with the original
Aisin	Super Long Life Coolant	ACT002	Green	Used on Toyota production lines, but compatible with Nissan
Motul	Inugel Optimal	105784	Yellow	Versatile HOAT, but requires a complete system flush

⚠️ Attention: Antifreeze based silicates (eg many European G11) are not suitable for Murano Z51, as they can clog radiator channels and accelerate aluminum corrosion. Also avoid products labeled G12+ or G13 without a compatibility mark JIS K 2234.

Antifreeze volume in the Nissan Murano Z51 cooling system

Total volume of the cooling system Nissan Murano Z51 depends on engine type and configuration:

• 🔧 Engine VQ35DE (3.5 l): 9.5–10 liters (including radiator and engine block)
• 🔧 Engine VQ25DE (2.5 l, for some markets): 8.5–9 liters

When partial replacement (draining through the radiator cap) it is usually possible to update about 5–6 liters liquids. For complete replacement with flushing will be required 12–14 liters ready-made antifreeze (or 6–7 liters of concentrate + distilled water).

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to flush the system, please note that there may be up to 1–1.5 liters old fluid. Therefore, for mixing it is better to use the same type of antifreeze that was poured earlier.

Why can the volume of antifreeze differ?

In practice, the volume depends on:

- Ambient temperature (when the engine is cold, there is more fluid in the system).

- The presence of additional radiators (for example, oil or automatic transmission).

- Residual amount of old antifreeze after draining (it is impossible to completely remove it without special equipment).

When to change antifreeze in Nissan Murano Z51: signs and regulations

Nissan's official regulations require replacing antifreeze every 5 years or 120,000 km (whichever comes first). However, in Russian conditions with sharp temperature changes and poor quality of roads, it is better to reduce this interval to 3–4 years or 80,000–100,000 km.

Signs that antifreeze has lost its properties and requires replacement:

• 🚨 Color Change: if the green antifreeze turns brown or rusty, this is a signal of corrosion in the system.
• 🚨 Turbidity or sediment: indicates degradation of additives or mixing of incompatible fluids.
• 🚨 Foam in the expansion tank: may indicate air ingress or pump malfunction.
• 🚨 Engine overheating: if the temperature is constantly above normal, check the level and quality of antifreeze.

It is also worth checking the antifreeze if:

• 🔧 You bought a used one Murano Z51 and you don’t know what was uploaded earlier.
• 🔧 There was a repair involving disassembly of the cooling system (for example, replacing a radiator or pump).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing antifreeze in Nissan Murano Z51

Replacing antifreeze with Murano Z51 does not require special equipment, but will require care. Below is step by step instructions for engine VQ35DE (3.5 l). For VQ25DE the process is similar, but the volume of liquid is smaller.

Required tools and materials:

• 🔧 New antifreeze (9–10 liters of ready-made or 5 liters of concentrate + 5 liters of distilled water).
• 🔧 Funnel and hose for filling.
• 🔧 Drain container (minimum 10 liters).
• 🔧 10 mm wrench (for radiator drain plug).
• 🔧 Screwdriver (for removing engine protection, if any).
• 🔧 Gloves and rags.

Procedure:

1. Preparation:
   • Place the car on a flat surface (preferably on an overpass or lift).
   • Allow the engine to cool (working with a hot system is dangerous!).
   • Remove the expansion tank cap (to relieve pressure).
2. Draining old antifreeze:
   • Place a container under the radiator drain plug (lower left corner).
   • Unscrew the plug with a 10 mm wrench and wait until it drains completely.
   • Unscrew the plug on the engine block (if there is access) to drain the residue.
3. Flushing the system (optional):
   • Fill with distilled water or a special cleaning solution.
   • Run the engine for 5-10 minutes, then drain the water.
   • Repeat as necessary until the drained fluid is clear.
4. Filling with new antifreeze:
   • If you use concentrate, mix it with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio.
   • Fill the liquid through the expansion tank to the mark MAX.
   • Start the engine and let it idle for 3-5 minutes.
   • Add antifreeze to the level (when it warms up, air will leave the system).
5. Check:
   • Make sure there are no leaks.
   • Check the level after 1–2 days of use.

Fluid level in the expansion tank|No leaks under the car|The operation of the cooling fan|Engine temperature at idle and under load|The color of the antifreeze after 1-2 weeks (should not become cloudy)-->

Common mistakes when replacing antifreeze and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that can lead to serious problems. Here are the most common ones:

• ❌ Mixing incompatible antifreezes: For example, green Nissan LLC with red G12++. This can cause gel formation and blockage of the canals.
• ❌ Using tap water: When diluting the concentrate, be sure to use distilled water — impurities in ordinary water accelerate corrosion.
• ❌ Incomplete drainage of old antifreeze: If more than 20% of the old fluid remains in the system, the properties of the new one deteriorate.
• ❌ Ignoring air pockets: Air in the system can lead to local overheating of the engine.
• ❌ Exceeding the level in the tank: When heated, the liquid expands and excess can be squeezed out through the valve.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the antifreeze, the engine begins to overheat and cold air is blowing from the heater, most likely there is air left in the system. To remove it, turn off the engine, let it cool, then remove the hose from the throttle body and add antifreeze until bubbles come out.

Another typical problem is leak after replacement. Most often it occurs due to:

• 🔧 Incorrectly tightened radiator drain plug (must be tightened with a force of 10–12 N m).
• 🔧 Cracks in the expansion tank (check it for microcracks).
• 🔧 Wear of pipes (on Murano Z51 The hoses going to the heater core often leak).

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to mix green Nissan LLC with red G12++ antifreeze?

No, you absolutely cannot mix them. Green Nissan LLC is a hybrid antifreeze (HOAT), and red G12++ - carboxylate (OAT). Their additives will react, which will lead to the formation of sediment and loss of protective properties. If you need to top up, use only original or certified analogue.

What antifreeze is included in the Nissan Murano Z51 from the factory?

From factory to Murano Z51 (2008–2014) poured green antifreeze Nissan Long Life Coolant (LLC) with article number KE902-99931 (ready) or KE902-99932 (concentrate). It meets the standard JIS K 2234 and is designed for 5 years of operation.

What happens if you fill in cheap antifreeze not according to the standard?

Using uncertified antifreeze may result in:

• 🔥 Corrosion of aluminum engine parts (up to destruction of the cylinder head).
• 🔥 Clogging of the radiator and cooling system channels.
• 🔥 Engine overheating and cylinder head gasket deformation.
• 🔥 Accelerated pump wear.

Repairs in this case will cost tens of times more than the savings on antifreeze.

Do I need to flush the system when replacing antifreeze?

Flushing is required if:

• 🔧 You don’t know what antifreeze was filled in earlier.
• 🔧 Old fluid has a rusty color or sediment.
• 🔧 You are switching to another type of antifreeze (for example, from G11 to HOAT).

For rinsing use distilled water or special formulations (for example, Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger).

How to check the quality of antifreeze?

Antifreeze condition assessment:

• 🔍 Visually: The color should be rich (green), without cloudiness or flakes.
• 🔍 Test strip: Checks pH levels and inhibitor content (available at auto parts stores).
• 🔍 Hydrometer: Check density (should be 1.070–1.080 g/cm³ for -37°C).
• 🔍 For smell: A strong odor (such as ammonia) indicates decomposition of additives.

If the antifreeze has lost its properties, it must be replaced, even if the regulations do not comply.