How to replace the cabin air filter on a Nissan Murano Z51: step-by-step guide with photos

Cabin filter in Nissan Murano Z51 - this is that invisible, but critically important element that directly affects the quality of air in the cabin, the operation of the climate control system, and even the health of the driver and passengers. Many owners forget about its existenceuntil they begin to notice a persistent smell of mold, worsening airflow, or constant fogging of the glass. Meanwhile, the manufacturer recommends changing it every 15,000–20,000 km or once a year - depending on operating conditions.

If you drive on dusty roads, often sit in traffic jams or live in a region with high humidity, the replacement interval should be reduced to 10,000 km. In this article we will look in detail at how to change the cabin filter yourself. Murano Z51 (restyling 2018 and pre-restyling 2015–2017 inclusive), without contacting the service. You will find out where the filter is located, what tool you will need, how to choose a high-quality analogue of the original and what hidden nuances may arise during replacement (for example, a problem with clamps on some lots of cars).

Where is the cabin air filter located in the Nissan Murano Z51?

Unlike many crossovers, where the filter is hidden behind the glove compartment or under the hood, in Murano Z51 it is located under the center console on the passenger side. The exact location is behind the decorative cover at the front passenger's feet, next to the gas pedal. Access to it does not require disassembling the panel, but it will require a little skill so as not to break the plastic clips.

Structurally, the filter is a rectangular block with corrugated paper (carbon or regular), enclosed in a plastic case. On vehicles with climate control (and this is all the configurations Murano Z51) there is only one filter, but it is two-layer - this is important to consider when choosing a replacement. Some versions for the US and Japanese markets have filters with additional antibacterial coating, but they are rarely supplied in Russia.

• 📍 Location: under the center console, on the passenger side, behind the plastic cover.
• 🔧 Access: does not require removing the glove compartment or panel, but does require a flat blade screwdriver.
• ⚠️ Feature: on restyled models (2018+), the lid latches may be fragile - be careful with force.

If you have never changed the filter yourself, the first thing to do is inspect the area around the gas pedal. Sometimes debris (leaves, dust, even coins) accumulates there, which can interfere with removing the lid. Also pay attention to the condition of the seal - if it is cracked, it is also better to replace it to avoid leaking unfiltered air.

What tools and materials will be needed?

To replace the cabin filter with Nissan Murano Z51 You don’t need a professional tool—what you can find in any garage is enough. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (or a plastic spatula for removing clips).
• 🧴 Vacuum cleaner or compressor (to clean the filter housing from dust).
• 🧤 Gloves (optional, but recommended - dust from the old filter can cause allergies).
• 📦 New cabin filter (original or high-quality analogue).
• 🔦 Flashlight (lighting under the console is usually low).

If you are planning disinfect the ventilation system, additionally prepare a can of antibacterial spray (for example, Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger). This is relevant if there is a smell of mold or mildew in the cabin - such problems often arise when the filter is rarely replaced or after moisture gets into the air ducts.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal screwdrivers to remove plastic clips! In the cold, the plastic becomes brittle and there is a risk of breaking the lid latches. It’s better to take a plastic spatula or wrap the blade of a screwdriver with electrical tape.

It’s also worth preparing in advance rag or wet wipes — after removing the old filter, a lot of dust often remains in the housing, which is convenient to wipe off before installing a new one. If you are allergic, it would be a good idea to wear respirator — when cleaning the housing, a large number of microparticles rise into the air.

Which cabin filter to choose for Murano Z51?

The manufacturer recommends using the original filter with the article number 27277-JK00A (for versions without carbon layer) or 27277-JK01A (with a carbon layer). However, their price is often too high (from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles), so many owners choose high-quality analogues. The main thing is that the filter fits in size and has two-layer construction, since in Murano Z51 This is the format used.

Here are proven analogues that have confirmed their effectiveness:

Brand	Article	Type	Approximate price, ₽	Features
Mann Filter	CU 29003	Coal	1 200–1 500	High filtration quality, good density
Bosch	1 987 429 660	Coal	1 100–1 400	Good protection against pollen and bacteria
Fram	CF11934	Regular	800–1 000	Budget option, suitable for regions with low humidity
Sakura	CAF27277	Coal	900–1 200	Japanese quality, suitable for extreme conditions

If you live in a large city with high levels of air pollution or often drive on dusty roads, It is better to choose a carbon filter. It not only traps dust, but also neutralizes harmful gases (for example, exhaust) and unpleasant odors. A regular filter is suitable for regions with clean air or if you change it more often than recommended.

⚠️ Attention: There are cheap counterfeits of well-known brands on the market (especially Mann And Bosch). The original filter must have uniform corrugation, a dense frame and clear markings. If the packaging looks suspicious (blurred font, lack of holograms), it is better to refuse the purchase.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the cabin filter

Now let's move on to the process itself. The whole process will take no more than 15–20 minutes if you do everything carefully. Here detailed instructions with photos of stages (you can simultaneously watch the video at the end of the article for clarity).

1. Preparation. Turn off the engine and put the car on the handbrake. If you have an automatic transmission, move the selector to position P. Move the passenger seat all the way back to gain maximum access to the filter area.

2. Removing the decorative cover. Under the center console, at the passenger's feet, find the plastic cover (it is secured with two clips). Carefully pry it with a screwdriver or spatula on the right side (from the side of the door) and pull it towards you. The latches should come out without force - if the cover does not give in, do not pull harder, but check to see if it is caught on the wires.

3. Removing the old filter. After removing the cover you will see the filter housing. Pull it by the handle (or edge) down and towards you. Sometimes the filter “sticks” to the housing - in this case, slightly shake it from side to side.

4. Cleaning the housing. Use a vacuum cleaner or compressor to remove all dust and debris from the housing. If there are traces of mold, treat the surface with an antibacterial spray (don't forget to ventilate the interior afterwards!).

5. Installing a new filter. Insert the new filter into the housing arrow up (most filters are marked AIR FLOW or UP). Make sure it fits snugly, without distortion.

6. Assembly. Return the cover to its place by snapping the latches into place. Make sure there are no gaps as unfiltered air may leak through them.

After replacement, turn on the airflow at maximum speed and check for any unusual noises or odors. If the air is blowing weaker than before, the filter may not be installed correctly or there may be a lot of debris accumulated in the air ducts (in this case, a deeper cleaning will be required).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even such a simple procedure as replacing the cabin filter may not go according to plan if some nuances are not taken into account. Here most common mistakesthat the owners allow Nissan Murano Z51:

• 🔧 Filter orientation is incorrect. If you install the filter with the arrow pointing down, it will pass air less well, and dust will accumulate unevenly on its surface. Always follow the labels UP or AIR FLOW.
• 🧹 Ignoring case cleaning. If you do not remove dust from the housing before installing a new filter, it will immediately clog it, reducing its service life by 2-3 times.
• 🔨 Forceful removal of the cover. The latches are plastic and can break if you pull the cover too hard. It is better to practice on cold plastic (for example, in winter) - it is less fragile.
• 🚗 They forget to check the seal. If the rubber gasket on the filter housing is cracked, it must be replaced, otherwise unfiltered air will leak into the cabin.

Another typical problem is debris getting into air ducts when replacing. If you drop the filter or accidentally spill dust into the hole, it can clog the air conditioner evaporator. In this case, you will need to disassemble the console and flush the system, which will cost several thousand rubles. To avoid this, work carefully and use a vacuum cleaner.

When should you change the cabin filter more often?

Standard replacement interval - 15,000–20,000 km, but in some cases the filter fails much earlier. Here are the signs it's time to change it regardless of mileage:

• 🌫️ Poor airflow. The air from the deflectors blows weaker than before, even at maximum fan speed.
• 👃 Foreign odors. A persistent smell of mold, dampness or burning appeared in the cabin (especially when the air conditioner was turned on).
• 🌧️ Fogging of glass. If the windows fog up even in dry weather, this may indicate a clogged filter or ventilation problems.
• 🤧 Allergic reactions. If you or your passengers begin to sneeze, cough, or feel a sore throat in the cabin, a dirty filter may be to blame.

Also accelerate filter wear The following factors may:

• 🏗️ Driving on dusty roads (construction sites, primers).
• 🌳 Frequent parking under trees (leaves and poplar fluff clog the filter).
• 🚗 Constant traffic jams (exhaust gases clog the coal layer faster).
• 💦 High humidity (promotes the development of mold on the filter).

If at least one of these factors is relevant for your region, reduce the replacement interval to 10,000 km or change the filter twice a year (spring and fall). This will help avoid problems with the ventilation system and keep you healthy.

What happens if you don't change the cabin filter?

Prolonged use of a clogged filter leads to increased load on the stove fan, which can cause its premature failure (replacement cost starts from RUB 10,000). In addition, dust and bacteria from the filter enter the lungs of the driver and passengers, causing allergies and respiratory diseases. In advanced cases, a dirty filter becomes a source of an unpleasant odor that cannot be eliminated even by chemical treatment.

Video instructions and additional tips

For greater clarity, we recommend watching a video with step-by-step replacement of the cabin filter with Nissan Murano Z51. Pay attention to the moment you remove the cover - the video shows a safe way to avoid breaking the latches:

Video (insert link to YouTube or other resource):

Example: "Replacing cabin filter Nissan Murano Z51 (2015-2023) - step-by-step video"

Additional tips from experienced owners:

• 🔧 If the cover latches are broken, they can be replaced with similar ones from Nissan X-Trail T32 (article 27277-4M00A).
• 🧼 To clean the housing You can use wet wipes with an antibacterial effect.
• 📅 Make a habit Check the condition of the filter at each seasonal tire change.

If you still have questions about the process, below we have collected answers to the most common of them.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to wash the cabin filter instead of replacing it?

Technically, you can wash it (for example, with a vacuum cleaner or a weak stream of water), but this will not restore its properties. After washing, the carbon layer (if there is one) stops absorbing odors, and the paper filter becomes deformed and retains dust worse. Washing is justified only as a last resort, if a new filter is not at hand and the old one is not yet completely clogged.

Which filter is better - carbon or regular?

Carbon filter more efficient cleans the air of harmful gases and odors, but is more expensive and can clog more quickly in high humidity conditions. A regular filter is cheaper and lasts longer in clean regions. For the city and traffic jams, coal is definitely better; for rural areas, regular is enough.

What should you do if, after replacing the filter, the cabin smells like burning?

This is a sign that dust or mold has accumulated in the air ducts. Solution:

1. Treat the system with climate system cleaner (for example, Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger).
2. Check to see if any debris got into the filter housing when replacing.
3. If the smell remains, the air conditioner evaporator may need to be cleaned (it is better to contact service).

Is it possible to replace the cabin filter without removing the cover?

No, cover must be removedto access the filter. Attempting to pull it out by feel may result in damage to the housing or air ducts. If the latches are broken, the cover can be temporarily secured with tape, but it is better to replace it.

How much does it cost to replace a cabin filter at a service center?

At the official dealer Nissan replacement will cost 1,500–2,500 rubles (including the cost of the original filter). In independent services the price is lower - from 800 to 1,500 rubles. However, the procedure is so simple that there's no point in overpaying — self-replacement will take no more than 20 minutes.