Transfer case Nissan Murano Z51: how all-wheel drive works and what breaks most often

Nissan Murano Z51 is a crossover that has gained popularity thanks to its combination of comfort, dynamics and reliable all-wheel drive. However, it is the system All-Mode 4WD with an electronically controlled transfer case often becomes a source of questions and problems for owners. Unlike classic “part-times” with manual connection, here everything works through complex electronics, a fluid coupling and a control unit - which means that breakdowns can be both mechanical and software.

In this article we will look at how the distribution box works. Murano Z51 (2003–2007), what its weaknesses are, how to diagnose malfunctions and what to do to extend the life of the system. The material is based on the experience of service technicians, owner reports and technical documentation Nissan - without “water” and general phrases.

Murano Z51 transfer case design: how all-wheel drive works

B Murano Z51 all-wheel drive system is used All-Mode 4WD with electronic control. Unlike X-Trail or Pathfinder, where the transfer case can have a reduction gear, is implemented here on-demand drive: the rear axle engages automatically when the front axle slips. Key elements of the system:

• 🔧 Fluid coupling in the transfer case - is responsible for the smooth connection of the rear axle. It works due to the oil pressure created by the pump.
• 📱 AWD control unit — analyzes data from wheel speed sensors, steering angle, throttle position and turns on the rear axle if necessary.
• ⚙️ Torsen differential in the rear gearbox - distributes torque between the wheels of the rear axle (in some versions a viscous coupling is used).
• 🛢️ Oil pump — provides pressure in the fluid coupling. Its malfunction is one of the most common causes of transfer case failure.

In normal mode (on dry asphalt) Murano Z51 It drives like a single-wheel drive - the front axle is driven, the rear axle is disabled. When slipping occurs, the control unit activates the fluid coupling, and until 50% torque can be transmitted to the rear axle. In mode LOCK (activated by a button on the panel) the rear axle is forcibly connected, but only up to speed 30–40 km/h.

It is important to understand that the system not intended for serious off-road use. This is not Patrol with locks - there is no downshift, and the fluid coupling is sensitive to overheating. However, for snow, mud and wet asphalt All-Mode 4WD works more efficiently than plug-in all-wheel drive.

Typical Murano Z51 transfer case malfunctions: symptoms and causes

According to service statistics, most often the owners Murano Z51 face the following problems:

Symptom	Probable Cause	Repair cost (approx.)
The lamp is on AWD on the dashboard, all-wheel drive does not work	Malfunction of the speed sensor, control unit or fluid coupling	From 5,000 to 30,000 ₽
Shocks or vibrations when connecting the rear axle	Fluid coupling wear, low oil level in transfer case	From 10,000 to 50,000 ₽
Constantly on LOCK, the rear axle does not disengage	Stuck solenoid or control unit malfunction	From 8,000 to 25,000 ₽
Noise or hum from the transfer case	Worn bearings, lack of oil or damaged gears	From 15,000 to 70,000 ₽

The most common failure is oil pump failure. It is located inside the transfer case and wears out over time, no longer creating enough pressure for the fluid coupling to operate. In this case, the system can behave unpredictably: sometimes the all-wheel drive works, sometimes it doesn’t. The problem is diagnosed by reading errors (most often the code C1105 or C1110) and checking the oil pressure in the transfer case.

Another weak point - AWD control unit. It is sensitive to power surges, moisture and overheating. If the lamp comes on after washing or rain AWD, first of all, check the connectors of the unit (they are located under the center console). Often the problem is solved by simply drying or cleaning the contacts.

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, shocks appear in the transfer case when connecting the rear axle, most likely the wrong oil was filled. Nissan recommends using Matic S AWD or analogues with viscosity ATF. Regular gear oil 75W-90 doesn't fit!

Diagnostics of the Murano Z51 transfer case: where to start

If you notice problems with all-wheel drive, start with simple checks:

Check the oil level in the transfer case (should be between MIN And MAX on the dipstick)

Count errors with a scanner (even a cheap one) ELM327 will show codes C11xx)

Inspect the AWD control unit connectors for oxidation or moisture.

Try resetting the errors by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes (sometimes it helps with electronic glitches) -->

For in-depth diagnostics you will need a specialized scanner, for example, Consult III or Launch X431, which can read system parameters All-Mode 4WD. Please note the following information:

• 📊 Fluid coupling pressure - must be within 0.5–1.2 MPa when connecting the rear axle.
• 🔄 Solenoid status — if one of them is jammed, the system can constantly keep the rear axle on.
• 🚗 Wheel speeds - if the sensors show different values, the control unit will erroneously connect the all-wheel drive.

If you don’t have a scanner, you can try a mechanical test:

1. Raise the car on a lift or hang the rear wheels.
2. Start the engine and turn on the mode LOCK.
3. If the rear wheels do not rotate or rotate jerkily, the problem is in the fluid coupling or oil pump.

Please note oil color and condition in the distribution box. If it is black, has metal shavings, or smells like burning, this is a sign of wear on the fluid coupling or bearings. In this case, disassembly and repair will be required.

How to check fluid coupling pressure without a scanner?

To do this, you will need a pressure gauge with an adapter that is screwed in instead of the pressure sensor on the transfer case. Normal values:

- At idle: 0.1–0.3 MPa

- When connecting the rear axle: 0.8–1.2 MPa

If the pressure is lower 0.5 MPa, the pump or fluid coupling is faulty.

Repairing the Murano Z51 transfer case: what you can do yourself

You can do some maintenance work on the transfer case yourself, but for serious repairs it is better to contact a service center. Here's what you can really do in a garage:

• 🔧 Changing the oil in the transfer case - The procedure is simple, but requires care. You need to drain the old oil, wash the pan (if there are chips), replace the filter (if provided) and fill in new oil Nissan Matic S AWD.
• 🔌 Cleaning the control unit contacts - often solves problems with false lamp activation AWD.
• 🛠️ Replacing speed sensors — if the scanner shows an error on the sensor, it can be changed without removing the transfer case.

To change the oil in the transfer case Murano Z51 you will need:

1. Raise the car on a lift or pit.
2. Drain the oil through the plug in the pan (volume ~1.5 liters).
3. Remove the tray, clean it and the magnets from metal shavings.
4. Install a new pan gasket (part no. 31397-3M500).
5. Pour new oil through the filler hole (check the level using the dipstick).

Critical: After changing the oil, you need to reset the AWD control unit adaptations. This requires a scanner with the function "AWD Reset". Without a reset, the system may not work correctly!

If the problem is in the fluid coupling or oil pump, the transfer case will need to be disassembled. This is a complex procedure that includes:

• Removing the cardan shaft.
• Dismantling the transfer case.
• Disassembling the fluid coupling and replacing worn parts (most often clutches and bearings).
• Check the oil pump for wear.

⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the transfer case Murano Z51 It is easy to damage the fluid coupling electronics. If you do not have experience, it is better to entrust this to professionals. The cost of repairing a hydraulic coupling in service is from 20,000 to 40,000 ₽, but it’s cheaper than buying a new transfer case (from 80 000 ₽).

Preventing problems with transfer case: how to extend the life of all-wheel drive

To avoid costly repairs, follow these recommendations:

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If you rarely use all-wheel drive, turn on the mode once a month LOCK for 5–10 minutes. This will prevent the fluid coupling from “sticking” due to long periods of inactivity.

• 🛢️ Change the oil in the transfer case every 60,000 km (or once every 3 years). Use only original oil Nissan Matic S AWD or its analogues (Mobil ATF 3309, Toyota ATF WS).
• 🚿 Avoid deep puddles and pressure washing — water may get into the connectors of the control unit.
• ❄️ Don't skid for a long time — the fluid coupling overheats, which leads to its accelerated wear.
• 🔋 Monitor the on-board voltage — jumps can damage the AWD control unit.

If you often drive off-road or in difficult conditions (snow, mud), reduce the oil change interval to 40,000 km. It is also recommended to check the condition of the transfer case and driveshaft seals once a year - their leakage can lead to dirt getting inside the mechanism.

Please note mode LOCK. It can only be used on slippery surfaces (snow, ice, mud) and at speeds no higher than 30–40 km/h. Prolonged movement in this mode on asphalt will lead to overheating of the fluid coupling and its breakdown.

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The most common reason for transfer case failure is untimely oil change. Savings on maintenance will result in repairs for 50 000–100 000 ₽.

Alternative solutions: is it possible to drive without all-wheel drive?

If the transfer case is out of order and repairs are too expensive, the owners Murano Z51 there are several options:

• 🔧 Disable rear axle mechanically — some services offer to install a plug instead of a fluid coupling, turning the car into a single drive. Minus: the load on the front axle and gearbox will increase.
• 🔄 Buy a contract transfer case — a used unit in good condition costs from 30,000 to 60,000 ₽. Risk: unknown how long it will last.
• 🚗 Sell the car "as is" — Murano Z51 even without all-wheel drive it is in demand, especially in the southern regions.

If you decide to disable the rear axle, please note:

• You will need to reflash the engine control unit to disable errors AWD.
• Fuel consumption will increase (by 0.5–1 l/100 km), since the front axle will experience a greater load.
• Handling on slippery surfaces will deteriorate.

Before making a decision, weigh the pros and cons. Sometimes repairing a transfer case is cheaper than the consequences of driving a single-wheel drive (wear of CV joints, gearbox, deterioration in safety).

Frequently asked questions about the Murano Z51 transfer case

Is it possible to fill the Murano Z51 transfer case with regular 75W-90 gear oil?

No, absolutely not. In the transfer case Murano Z51 special oil is used for hydraulic couplings - Nissan Matic S AWD or its analogues (Mobil ATF 3309, Toyota ATF WS). Conventional transmission oil will not provide the required pressure in the fluid coupling, which will lead to accelerated wear.

Why did shocks appear in the transfer case when connecting the rear axle after changing the oil?

Most likely, the AWD control unit adaptations have not been reset. After changing the oil, you need to use a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) perform the procedure "AWD Reset". Also make sure that the correct oil is filled in - non-original analogues may have a different viscosity.

Can a Murano Z51 with a faulty transfer case be towed?

If the failure is related to a mechanical part (for example, a jammed fluid coupling), towing is only possible with the rear axle hanging (on a tow truck). If the problem is in the electronics (the lamp is on AWD, but mechanically everything works), you can tow with a rigid hitch, but no further than 50 km and at speeds up to 50 km/h.

How much does it cost to repair the fluid coupling in the Murano Z51 transfer case?

The cost depends on the degree of wear:

• Replacing clutches and oil seals - from 15,000 to 25,000 RUR.
• Oil pump repair - from 10,000 to 20,000 ₽.
• Complete overhaul of the transfer case with replacement of bearings and fluid coupling - from 35,000 to 60,000 ₽.

Prices do not include labor. In services for disassembly and assembly they charge from 8,000 to 15,000 RUR.

Where is the AWD control unit located in Murano Z51?

The all-wheel drive system control unit is located under the center console, next to the gearshift lever. To get to it, you need to remove the plastic trim around the gear selector. Be careful with the connectors - they often oxidize, and cleaning them solves many problems with the operation of the transfer case.