Air conditioner radiator (condenser) in Nissan Murano Z51 - a critical element of the climate control system, which often remains unattended until it begins to act up. Owners of 2015-2022 crossovers are faced with typical problems: from a gradual decrease in cooling efficiency to complete failure of the air conditioner due to clogging or mechanical damage to the radiator. In this article we will analyze design features condenser Murano Z51, signs of its malfunction, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for replacement and cleaning - taking into account the nuances that even official service manuals are silent about.

Feature Murano Z51 lies in the compact arrangement of the air conditioning radiator: it is installed directly in front of the main engine cooling radiator, which makes it vulnerable to road debris, insects and corrosion. At the same time in 80% of cases of premature failure, it is not the radiator itself that is to blame, but ignoring preventive cleaning or using low-quality refrigerant. We analyzed data from owner forums and service centers to highlight key points that will help you save on repairs and avoid common mistakes.

Design and location of the air conditioner radiator in Murano Z51

B Nissan Murano Z51 (restyling 2018 inclusive) an aluminum condenser with a multi-channel structure optimized for working with refrigerant is used R-1234yf (in models before 2017 it could be used R-134a, but this is rare). The radiator is attached to the front bumper on four rubber dampers and is connected to the system through two lines: high (thin tube) and low (thick tube) pressure. Important detail: in Murano Z51 condenser integrated with blowing fan, which complicates access during repairs.

The location of the radiator makes it vulnerable to:

  • 🍂 Blockages poplar fluff, leaves and dust (especially important for regions with a humid climate).
  • 🚗 Mechanical damage from stones or road accidents (even a minor impact can deform the honeycomb).
  • 🔥 Corrosion due to reagents on the roads (aluminum oxidizes faster than copper).
  • ❄️ Freezing if there is a refrigerant leak or a faulty pressure sensor.

Engineers Nissan provided protection in the form of plastic deflector (article 68111-JA00A), but it often breaks when removing the bumper. Without it, the air conditioner radiator Murano Z51 serves on average 20-30% less than the stated life (the original condenser is designed for 150-200 thousand km).

📊 How often do you clean your air conditioner radiator?
  • Once a year
  • Every 2 years
  • Only in case of breakdown
  • Never

Signs of trouble: when to sound the alarm

The first symptoms of problems with the air conditioner radiator in Murano Z51 often attributed to “normal heat” or a compressor malfunction. However there is 5 Key Signs, which point directly to the condenser:

  1. Weak cold air flow even at maximum fan speed. This is due to clogging of the radiator honeycomb or refrigerant leakage through microcracks.
  2. Cooling fan keeps running (even at idle). The system tries to compensate for insufficient cooling of the refrigerant in the condenser.
  3. Oil stains under the car in the area of the front bumper - a sign of depressurization of the lines or the radiator itself.
  4. Noise or vibration when turning on the air conditioner, caused by debris getting into the fan blades attached to the condenser.
  5. Error P0533 (high pressure in the air conditioning system) on the dashboard is a frequent companion to a clogged radiator.

Particularly insidious gradual failure: the efficiency of the air conditioner decreases by 10-15% per year, and the owner gets used to the “warm” interior. You can check the performance of the radiator yourself:

Visual inspection for damage to the cells|Checking the temperature of the tubes (the difference between the inlet/outlet should be 10-15°C)|Listening to noise when the compressor is running|Monitoring the pressure in the system (with a pressure gauge)|Checking for leaks with a UV lamp (if fluorescent dye is added)-->

⚠️ Attention: If after turning on the air conditioner Murano Z51 a burning smell appears - this may indicate overheating of the fan motor attached to the radiator. In this case turn off the system immediately and check the winding resistance with a multimeter (normal: 2-4 ohms).

Original articles and analogues: what to choose for replacement

Original air conditioner radiator for Nissan Murano Z51 (2015-2022) has an article number 27800-JK00A (for models with R-1234yf) and 27800-4M000 (for earlier versions with R-134a). The cost of the original is from 25 to 40 thousand rubles, which forces many owners to consider analogues. However, there are pitfalls here:

Manufacturer Article Price, rub. Features Compatibility
Nissan (original) 27800-JK00A 25 000–40 000 Aluminum, factory soldered, 2 year warranty 100%
Denso 478-0650 18 000–22 000 Made in Japan, wall thickness 1.2 mm 98%
Valeo 820059 15 000–19 000 France, vulnerable to corrosion in aggressive environments 95%
Nissens 952033 12 000–16 000 Denmark, fan mounts need improvement 90%
TYC 700090 9 000–12 000 China, high percentage of defects (check for leaks!) 85%

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Tube thickness: in cheap radiators they are 0.3-0.5 mm thinner, which leads to rapid wear.
  • 🧲 Honeycomb material: Aluminum should be anodized (silver tint) rather than painted.
  • 🔄 Complete set: the original comes with new o-rings (27846-JK00A), which are often absent from analogues.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the air conditioner radiator in Murano Z51 necessarily replace receiver-drier (article 27850-JK00A). Its cost is about 3 thousand rubles, but ignoring this point leads to moisture entering the system and repeated failure of the new radiator after 6-12 months.

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Before purchasing an analogue, check it for leaks by immersing it in water under a pressure of 15 bar. Even microcracks will lead to refrigerant leakage after 1-2 seasons.

Step-by-step replacement of an air conditioner radiator: instructions with photos

Replacing the condenser in Nissan Murano Z51 Requires removal of the front bumper and radiator grille. The service charges 8-12 thousand rubles for this work, but if you have the tools and patience, you can do it yourself in 3-4 hours. You will need:

  • 🔧 Set of sockets (10, 12, 14 mm) and extension.
  • 🔨 Plastic clips (90467-S3000, 10 pcs.).
  • 🧰 Manometric station for refilling the air conditioner.
  • 🧴Sealing oil PAG-46 (50 ml).
  • 🔥 Gas burner (for soldering pipes if damaged).

Step 1. Drain the coolant and remove the bumper

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Use a pressure gauge station to bleed off the refrigerant (services use a station Bosch ACS 750). Next:

  1. Remove the front bumper by unscrewing the 4 bolts at the bottom and 6 clips on the sides.
  2. Disconnect the air conditioner pressure sensor connector (green connector).
  3. Loosen the clamps and disconnect the high/low pressure pipes (wrap them with a rag first - oil may splash out).

Step 2. Removing the radiator and preparing a new one

Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the condenser (2 on top, 2 on bottom) and carefully remove it without damaging the honeycomb. Clean the seat from any dirt. Apply a thin layer of oil to the new radiator PAG-46 onto the O-rings and install it in reverse order.

Step 3: Charging the system

After assembly, evacuate the system for 30 minutes (the pressure should drop to -1 bar). Charge refrigerant R-1234yf (750±25 g) through the low pressure port. Monitor the temperature at the outlet of the deflectors - it should be 5-8°C.

What to do if after replacing the air conditioner does not cool?

1. Check the tightness of the connections with a soap solution (bubbles will indicate a leak).

2. Control the pressure: the norm for R-1234yf is 25-35 bar on the high side and 2-4 bar on the low side.

3. Make sure that the radiator fan turns on when the air conditioning is activated (check fuse F32 in the block under the hood).

4. If the problem persists, the compressor may be faulty or the expansion valve may be clogged (part number 27860-JK00A).

Cleaning the radiator without removing it: myths and reality

Many owners Murano Z51 trying to clean the air conditioner radiator without dismantling it using washing foam cleaners (For example, Liqui Moly Klima-Anlagen-Reiniger). However, the effectiveness of this method does not exceed 30% for two reasons:

  1. Cell access blocks the fan and deflector, so the foam removes only surface dirt.
  2. Aluminum honeycomb oxidize upon contact with aggressive chemicals, which accelerates corrosion.

If you still decide to clean without removing, follow the algorithm:

  1. Remove the front grill (2 clips on top).
  2. Apply foam to the back of the radiator (engine side), avoiding the timing belt.
  3. After 10 minutes, rinse with water under pressure of no more than 5 bar (so as not to bend the honeycomb).
  4. Blow out the radiator with compressed air (direction in the direction of air flow).

⚠️ Attention: Never use for cleaning metal brushes or steam generator - this will lead to deformation of the honeycomb and leakage of refrigerant. Also avoid acid based products (eg. Kühler Reiniger from Wynn's), which corrode aluminum.

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The only reliable way to clean an air conditioner radiator Murano Z51 — dismantling and washing in a bath with ultrasound (used in 90% of services).

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Analysis of warranty cases in services shows that 60% of repeat calls for air conditioning Murano Z51 are associated with errors when replacing or cleaning the radiator. The most common:

  1. Ignoring replacement of the receiver-drier. The owners save 3 thousand rubles, but after six months the new radiator fails due to moisture in the system.
  2. Re-stretching clamps on highways. This leads to cracks in the aluminum tubes and leakage of refrigerant.
  3. Using incompatible oil. For example, PAG-100 instead of PAG-46 compressor valves clog.
  4. Incorrect vacuumization. If you do not wait 30 minutes, air will remain in the system, which will lead to increased pressure.
  5. Installing the radiator by eye. Even a 5 mm misalignment can cause vibration and damage to the cells.

To avoid these problems:

  • 📋 Use torque wrench for tightening clamps (torque - 1.5 N m).
  • 🔍 Check the new radiator for leaks before installation (by immersion in water under pressure).
  • 🛠️ When replacing tubes, use original o-rings (27846-JK00A).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the radiator in Murano Z51 appeared whistle when the air conditioner is turned on - this is a sign recharging the system. Immediately release excess refrigerant (standard for R-1234yf - 750±25 g).

Prevention: how to extend the life of an air conditioner radiator

Average service life of an air conditioner radiator in Nissan Murano Z51 - 100-150 thousand km, but with proper care it can be increased to 200-250 thousand km. Key events:

  • 🌿 Cleaning every 30 thousand km (or once every 2 years). Use acid-free cleaners (For example, Sonax Klima-Fresh).
  • 🚿 Washing the radiator from the outside every 10 thousand km (with water under pressure no more than 5 bar).
  • ❄️ Using air conditioning in winter once every 2 weeks (even in cold weather) to lubricate the seals.
  • 🔧 Replacing the cabin filter every 15 thousand km (a clogged filter increases the load on the system).
  • 🛡️ Installing additional protection (for example, mesh Hepu P936 from stones).

Also note refrigerant quality: in Murano Z51 after 2018 used R-1234yf, which is 20% more expensive R-134a, but less aggressive to aluminum parts. When refilling, ask for a refrigerant certificate - counterfeits are often diluted with propane, which leads to a compressor explosion.

⚠️ Attention: If you frequently drive off-road, check the air conditioner radiator for cell jams after every trip. Even slight deformation reduces heat transfer by 30-40%.

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Regular maintenance of the air conditioner radiator Murano Z51 costs 3-5 thousand rubles per year, while replacement costs 30-50 thousand rubles. Saving on maintenance leads to a major overhaul of the climate control system.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions from Murano Z51 owners

Is it possible to drive without an air conditioner radiator?

Technically yes, but this will lead to:

  • Compressor overheating (it will run idle).
  • Increased fuel consumption (up to 0.5 l/100 km due to engine load).
  • Risk of damage to the blower fan (it may jam without load).

If the air conditioner breaks down in the summer, it’s better disconnect his clutch (remove fuse F30 in the block under the hood) than driving with a faulty radiator.

What coolant should I put in my 2017 Murano Z51?

In the model before 2018 it could be used as R-134a, so R-1234yf. Check the sticker under the hood (on the radiator or compressor). If there is no sticker:

  • For R-134a the filling port has black cover.
  • For R-1234yf — blue cover.

Mix refrigerants strictly prohibited - this will lead to a chemical reaction and failure of the compressor.

How much does it cost to replace an air conditioner radiator at a service center?

Cost of work at official dealers Nissan — from 15 to 25 thousand rubles (depending on the region). In independent services the price is lower:

  • Replacing a radiator - 8-12 thousand rubles.
  • Cleaning with dismantling - 3-5 thousand rubles.
  • Refilling the system costs 2-3 thousand rubles.

You can save money if you buy the radiator and consumables yourself, and only pay for the work at the service center.

Why does the air conditioner work poorly after replacing the radiator?

The reasons may be as follows:

  1. System undercharge (less than 700 g of refrigerant).
  2. Air lock in the mains (evacuation must be repeated).
  3. Expansion valve clogged (article 27860-JK00A).
  4. Pressure sensor malfunction (article 27880-JK00A).

For diagnostics, connect pressure gauges: if the pressure on the high side exceeds 35 bar and on the low side is below 2 bar, the problem is insufficient refrigerant cooling (perhaps the new radiator is defective).

Is it possible to restore an aluminum air conditioner radiator?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice it is impractical:

  • Soldering aluminum requires special flux and burner (work cost - 5-7 thousand rubles).
  • After renovation The radiator will last no more than 10-20 thousand km.
  • Guarantee No service provides such work.

Exception - minor tube damage, which can be soldered using solder Castolin 1903 and burners. But even in this case, it is recommended to replace the radiator as soon as possible.