Replacing antifreeze on a Nissan Murano Z51: a complete guide with photos and videos

Replacing antifreeze in Nissan Murano Z51 (third generation, 2015–2022) is a procedure that many owners put off until the last minute. But in vain: not only stability of operation depends on the condition of the coolant VQ35DE engine, but also the life of the pump, radiator and even automatic transmission (on models with CVT Xtronic). In this article we will look at what antifreeze to use, how to properly drain it, flush the system and avoid typical mistakes that lead to overheating or corrosion.

The manufacturer recommends changing the coolant every 90,000 km or 6 years (whichever comes first). However, in Russian realities, with sharp temperature changes and poor-quality roads, it is better to reduce the interval to 60,000–70,000 km. This is especially true for cars operated in cities with traffic jams or in off-road conditions. If you notice that the antifreeze has darkened, sediment has appeared, or the level is dropping for no apparent reason, this is a signal for an urgent replacement.

Which coolant to choose for Nissan Murano Z51

B Murano Z51 filled from the factory green antifreeze Nissan Long Life Coolant (article KE902-99932), conforming to specification Nissan M001. This is a hybrid fluid based on ethylene glycol with a package of additives that protect aluminum engine parts from corrosion. Important: the use of cheap generic antifreeze (for example, G11) can lead to the formation of gel-like deposits in the radiator and cylinder block passages.

If original antifreeze is difficult to find, analogues from trusted brands are allowed:

• 🔹 CoolStream A-110 (Russia, corresponds Nissan M001)
• 🔹 Ravenol HJC Hybrid Japanese Coolant (Germany, suitable for Japanese engines)
• 🔹 Motul Inugel Optimal (France, compatible with aluminum radiators)
• 🔹 Peak OET Asian Vehicle (USA, for vehicles with mileage >100,000 km)

It is strictly forbidden to mix antifreezes of different types (for example, green and red) or add water more than 20% from the total volume. This upsets the additive balance and can cause cavitation in the pump. Also avoid liquids containing silicates - they are aggressive to gaskets VQ35DE.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace antifreeze yourself with Murano Z51 you will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and wrench 10 mm (for drain plug)
• 🔧 Pliers or pliers (for pipe clamps)
• 🔧 Funnel with extension (for pouring without spills)
• 🔧 Container for draining with a volume of at least 8 liters
• 🔧 Distilled water (10–15 liters for rinsing)
• 🔧 New antifreeze (7–8 liters for a complete replacement)
• 🔧 Rubber gloves and rags (antifreeze is toxic!)

Additionally you may need:

• 🔹 Compressor or pump (for bleeding the system after filling)
• 🔹 Antifreeze tester (to check freezing point)
• 🔹 Sealant for pipes (For example, Loctite 577)

Step-by-step instructions for replacing antifreeze

The replacement process consists of three stages: draining the old fluid, flushing the system (if necessary) and filling in new antifreeze. It is better to carry out work on an inspection hole or overpass.

1. Drain old antifreeze

Algorithm of actions:

1. Place the machine on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and remove the expansion tank cap (to relieve pressure).
3. Place a container under the drain plug on the radiator (bottom right).
4. Unscrew the plug with the key to 10 mm and wait until it drains completely.
5. Move a container under the cylinder block and unscrew the drain plug on the engine (next to the oil filter).

On Murano Z51 remains in the system about 1–1.5 liters antifreeze that does not drain by gravity. To completely remove it you can:

• 🔹 Blow the system with a compressor through the expansion tank.
• 🔹 Pour distilled water, warm up the engine and drain again.

Warm up the engine to 90°C|Open the cap of the expansion tank|Put a container under the radiator|Unscrew the drain plugs (radiator + cylinder block)|Drain the fluid completely (including any remaining residue)-->

2. Flushing the cooling system

Flushing is required if:

• 🔸 Old antifreeze is cloudy or has sediment.
• 🔸 There were leaks in the system or different liquids were mixed.
• 🔸 Vehicle mileage exceeds 150,000 km.

For washing:

1. Close the drain plugs.
2. Pour distilled water into the system through the expansion tank.
3. Start the engine and let it run 10–15 minutes at idle speed.
4. Drain the water and repeat the process 2-3 times until it comes out clean.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use household chemicals (for example, Karcher or Calgon) - it can damage rubber pipes and gaskets. To remove heavy deposits, use specialized products, e.g. Liqui Moly Kuhler-Reiniger.

3. Filling with new antifreeze

Procedure:

1. Make sure all plugs are tight.
2. Fill the expansion tank with antifreeze to the mark MAX.
3. Start the engine and run it with the reservoir cap open to allow air to escape.
4. Add liquid to the level and close the lid.
5. Warm up the engine until the cooling fan turns on and check the level again.

Total volume of the cooling system Murano Z51 - about 7.8 liters. After replacement, air pockets may appear. To eliminate them:

• 🔹 Squeeze the upper radiator pipe several times with your hand.
• 🔹 Raise the front of the car on a jack (this will help the air escape through the tank).

Antifreeze compatibility table for Nissan Murano Z51

Brand	Title	Specification	Volume (l)	Notes
Nissan	Long Life Coolant	M001	5	Original, green
CoolStream	A-110	Nissan M001	5/10	The best analogue in terms of price/quality
Ravenol	HJC Hybrid	JIS K 2234	1.5/5	Suitable for Japanese engines
Motul	Inugel Optimal	BS 6580:2010	1/5	Compatible with aluminum radiators
Peak	OET Asian Vehicle	ASTM D3306	1 gallon (~3.8 l)	For cars with mileage >100,000 km

Typical mistakes when replacing antifreeze

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

1. Incomplete drainage of old antifreeze. If there is more than 10% old fluid, new additives will not work effectively. This can lead to corrosion of the cylinder liners and radiator.
2. Ignoring air jams. Air in the system leads to local overheating of the engine, which is especially dangerous for VQ35DE with aluminum block.
3. Using tap water. It contains salts and minerals, which form scale on the walls of the radiator and reduce heat transfer.
4. Mixing different types of antifreeze. For example, green G11 with red G12+ may cause a chemical reaction and gel formation.
5. Exceeding the level in the tank. Excess liquid when heated creates excess pressure, which leads to rupture of pipes or cracks in the tank.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with CVT Xtronic Overheating of the engine due to low-quality antifreeze can lead to malfunctions of the variator. The fact is that the gearbox is cooled through a common radiator, and if the antifreeze has lost its properties, the oil temperature will CVT rises to critical values.

How often to change antifreeze: recommendations for Russian conditions

Official regulations Nissan requires replacement every 90,000 km, but in reality this interval should be adjusted:

• 🔹 Urban use (traffic jams, frequent starts): every 60,000 km.
• 🔹 Aggressive driving style or towing a trailer: every 50,000 km.
• 🔹 Extreme temperatures (below -30°C or above +35°C): every 4–5 years, regardless of mileage.
• 🔹 Using non-original antifreeze: shorten the interval by 20–30%.

You can check the condition of the antifreeze visually or using test strips (for example, Coolant Tester from Liqui Moly). Signs that it’s time to change the fluid:

• 🔸 Change in color (darkening, cloudiness).
• 🔸 The appearance of sediment or flakes.
• 🔸 Pungent odor (indicates decomposition of additives).
• 🔸 Foam on the surface in the expansion tank.

What happens if you don't change antifreeze on time?

Long-term use of old antifreeze leads to:

1. Corrosion of aluminum engine parts (including the cylinder head).

2. Blockage of the radiator and stove channels with deposits.

3. Reduced pump life (bearings and seal suffer from cavitation).

4. Engine overheating, especially in hot weather or when towing.

5. Risk of damage to the cylinder head gasket (if it overheats, it may fail).

Video instructions and useful links

For clarity, we recommend watching a video with a step-by-step replacement of antifreeze with Nissan Murano Z51:

Video: Replacing antifreeze Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2022) - step by step

Useful materials:

• 🔗 Official technical documentation from Nissan (section Coolant System)
• 🔗 Nicoclub forum (topics by Murano Z51 and antifreeze)
• 🔗 Replacement report with photo (real experience of the owner)

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing antifreeze

Is it possible to mix original Nissan antifreeze with analogues?

Only liquids with the same specification can be mixed (Nissan M001) and color. For example, the original Nissan Long Life Coolant can be topped up CoolStream A-110, but not Motul Inugel (even if it's green). Before mixing, check compatibility on the manufacturer's website.

How much antifreeze is needed for a complete replacement?

To the cooling system Murano Z51 included 7.8 liters liquids. However, when drained by gravity, about 6–6.5 liters. For a complete replacement you will need 8 liters (including washing).

How to check that there are no air pockets in the system?

Signs of an airlock:

• 🔹 The stove blows cold air (even when the engine is warm).
• 🔹 The temperature arrow on the dashboard is jumping.
• 🔹 Gurgling in the expansion tank.

To remove the blockage, warm up the engine with the reservoir cap open and squeeze the upper radiator hose several times.

What to do if after replacing the antifreeze quickly darkens?

Darkening of antifreeze through 100–200 km after replacement indicates:

• 🔹 Remains of old fluid in the system (poor flushing).
• 🔹 Corrosion in the radiator or cylinder block.
• 🔹 Using fake antifreeze.

It is necessary to repeat the washing (preferably with a special agent, for example, Liqui Moly Kuhler-Reiniger) and replace the fluid again.

Is it necessary to flush the system if the antifreeze is clean?

If the old antifreeze is clear and has no sediment, flushing may not be necessary. However, after 150,000 km mileage washing is recommended for preventive purposes - it removes micro-contaminants that are not visible to the eye.