Nissan Murano Z50 gear knob: how to choose, replace and repair

Gear shift knob Nissan Murano Z50 (2007–2014) - it would seem a trifle, but its malfunction can turn the trip into a real nightmare. Grinding when switching, backlash, jamming or even breakage of clamps - owners face such problems after 150-200 thousand kilometers. In this article we will look at how choose the right gear knob (original or analogue), replace it yourself, and also consider typical breakdowns and ways to fix them without contacting service.

Feature Murano Z50 - in its transmission: the model was equipped as a classic 5-speed manual transmission, so CVT variator. The design of the handle for these types of gearboxes is different, therefore When purchasing a spare part, it is critical to consider the type of box and year of manufacture of the car. For example, 2008 and 2012 CVT handles may not fit together due to changes in the selector mechanism.

Types of gear knobs for Nissan Murano Z50: original vs analogues

There are three categories of pens on the market: Murano Z50:

• 🔹 Original (Nissan/OEM) - guaranteed compatibility, but the price is from 8,000 to 15,000 rubles.
• 🔹 Premium analogues (For example, Febi, TRW) - high quality, but 30–40% cheaper.
• 🔹 Budget analogues (Chinese brands) - risk of inaccurate fit or rapid wear.

Original articles for Murano Z50 depend on the type of gearbox:

• 📌 38310-4M000 - handle for Manual transmission (2007–2010).
• 📌 38310-4M010 - handle for Manual transmission (2011–2014, with modified fixation mechanism).
• 📌 38310-JM00A - handle for CVT variator (all years).

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to plastic material: cheap options often break at the point of attachment to the rod. For example, a pen from Febi (article 26383) has a reinforced design and is suitable for both generations Murano Z50 with manual transmission.

Signs of a faulty gear knob: when is it time to change it?

Symptoms of a broken gearshift knob Murano Z50 appear gradually. Here are the key signals:

• ⚠️ Backlash more than 5 mm - a sign of wear on the bushings or loosening of the fastening.
• ⚠️ Grinding or clicking noises when switching, a worn retainer is often to blame.
• ⚠️ Jamming in one of the positions (for example, does not return to neutral).
• ⚠️ Stiff shifting - may be due to deformation of the rod or contamination of the mechanism.

Particularly dangerous play in the variator handle: it can lead to incorrect operation of the selector lever position sensors, which can lead to emergency mode CVT. In this case, an error will appear on the dashboard P0705 (lever position sensor circuit malfunction).

⚠️ Attention: If the gear knob Murano Z50 started to “jump out” of gear (for example, from 3rd to neutral), the car cannot be driven! This is a sign of critical wear of the clamps or breakdown of the spring mechanism inside the handle. Continued use will damage the gearbox synchronizers.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the gear knob on a Nissan Murano Z50

Replacing the gear knob with Murano Z50 takes 30–60 minutes and does not require special tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Flat and Phillips screwdrivers.
• 🔧 Key on 10 mm (to unscrew the console).
• 🔧 Lubrication Liqui Moly LM47 (for processing new bushings).

Sequence of actions:

1. De-energize the car by removing the negative terminal from the battery.
2. Remove the decorative trim around the handle (pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver from the cup holder side).
3. Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the center console (2 in front, 2 in back under the armrest).
4. Raise the console and disconnect the backlight connectors (if equipped).
5. Press the handle lock (usually located under the cover) and pull it up.
6. Install the new handle, aligning the grooves with the gearbox rod.
7. Reassemble everything in reverse order.

Battery terminal disconnected|

Tools prepared (screwdrivers, 10 mm wrench) |

Bought a new pen with the correct part number|

The location of the backlight connectors (if any) is photographed -->

When installing a new handle, be sure to check switching stroke: It should be smooth, without snags. If the handle is difficult to move, the bushings may be installed incorrectly or the gearbox linkage may need to be adjusted.

Do-it-yourself gearbox knob repair: when replacement is not needed

It is not always necessary to completely replace the handle. In 60% of cases the problem can be fixed repairs. Let's look at typical breakdowns and how to fix them:

Problem	Reason	Repair method
Handle play	Wear of plastic bushings	Replacing bushings with metal ones (article no. 38325-4M000)
Grinding noise when switching	Destruction of the retainer or spring	Replacing the latch (kit 38330-4M010)
Stiff shifting	Mechanism contamination or rod deformation	Cleaning and lubrication, replacement of rod (part number 38350-JM00A)
Handle does not return to neutral	Return spring failure	Replacing the spring (included in the retainer kit)

To repair, you will need to disassemble the handle. In most cases it is enough:

1. Remove the cover (it is attached with Velcro or latches).
2. Unscrew 3-4 screws on the bottom of the handle.
3. Remove the locking mechanism and replace worn parts.

How to check the condition of the latch?

Open the handle mechanism and try to manually move the lock. If it moves with difficulty or is chipped, replacement is required. Also inspect the spring: it should be elastic, without signs of corrosion.

The cost of the repair kit (bushings + retainer + spring) for Murano Z50 is 1,500–2,500 ₽, which is 3–5 times cheaper than a new pen.

Common mistakes when replacing and repairing a gear knob

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. That's what can't do:

• 🚫 Ignore error codes (For example, P0705 on the variator). They may indicate problems not only with the handle, but also with the gearbox sensors.
• 🚫 Use WD-40 for lubrication - it dries out and accelerates the wear of the plastic. Better to use Liqui Moly or Molykote.
• 🚫 Use force when removing the handle, this may break the gearbox linkage clamp.
• 🚫 Install the handle without checking the stroke — incorrect fit will lead to play.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z50 with a variator, after replacing the gearshift knob it may be necessary reset CVT adaptations. To do this you need:

1. Start the engine.
2. Turn on all selector positions one by one (P → R → N → D → L).
3. Return to position P and turn off the engine.
4. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

If after replacing the handle the error appears on the panel Check Engine, most likely faulty selector lever position sensor (article 38500-JM00A). Replacing it will cost 3,000–5,000 rubles.

Where to buy a gear knob for Nissan Murano Z50: trusted suppliers

When purchasing a gear knob for Murano Z50 It is important to avoid fakes. We recommend the following sources:

• 🛒 Official Nissan dealers - guarantee of originality, but high price.
• 🛒 Online stores:
  • Exist.ru - a wide range of analogues.
  • Autodoc.ru — convenient selection by VIN.
  • Emex.ru — there are often discounts on original spare parts.
• 🛒 Showdown — you can find a used pen in good condition for 2,000–4,000 ₽.

When buying at a disassembly, be sure to check:

• 🔍 Condition of the plastic (are there any cracks).
• 🔍 Smooth running (play no more than 2-3 mm).
• 🔍 VIN compatibility (check with the seller what year the car is from).

Average prices for gearshift knobs for Murano Z50 in 2026:

Handle type	Original (₽)	Analogue (₽)	Used (₽)
Manual transmission (2007–2010)	8 000–10 000	3 500–5 000	2 000–3 500
Manual transmission (2011–2014)	10 000–12 000	4 000–6 000	2 500–4 000
CVT	12 000–15 000	5 000–7 000	3 000–5 000

Alternative solutions: tuning and modernizing the gearshift knob

If you want to not only restore the functionality of your pen, but also improve it, consider the following options:

• 🎨 Replacing the cover — you can choose a leather or Alcantara case (price from 1,500 ₽).
• 🔧 Installing a short stroke handle - improves switching accuracy (for example, TWM Performance).
• 💡 Handle illumination — LED strip under a cover (set cost ~2,000 ₽).
• 🔩 Reinforced bushings - metal instead of plastic (item number 38325-4M001).

For CVT Murano Z50 It is popular to replace the standard handle with pushbutton selector (like new ones) Nissan Ariya). However, this requires reflashing the gearbox control unit, which will cost 15,000–20,000 rubles.

When tuning the gear knob, remember:

• 📌 A short-stroke handle can increase the load on the manual transmission synchronizers.
• 📌 The backlight must be connected via a fuse so as not to load the on-board network.
• 📌 Reinforced bushings require regular lubrication (every 50,000 km).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z50 gear knob

Is it possible to drive with play in the gearshift knob?

Play of up to 3–4 mm is not critical, but if it is greater or is accompanied by a grinding noise, the handle needs to be repaired. Long-term driving with backlash will lead to wear of gearbox gears and synchronizers. On a variator, play can cause an error P0705 and transition to emergency mode.

What lubricant should I use to treat the handle mechanism?

Use grease for high loads: Liqui Moly LM47, Molykote G-Rapid Plus or CRC 2-26. Do not use WD-40, graphite lubricant or lithol - they are not intended for plastic parts.

How much does it cost to replace a gear knob at a service center?

The cost of the service depends on the region:

• Moscow/St. Petersburg: 2,500–4,000 ₽.
• Regions: 1,500–2,500 RUR.

If the linkage or selector lever position sensor needs to be replaced, the price will increase to 5,000–7,000 rubles.

Will a Nissan X-Trail T31 gear knob fit a Murano Z50?

No, the handles are from X-Trail T31 incompatible with Murano Z50 due to different locking mechanisms and pull lengths. An exception is some handles for manual transmissions 2011–2014, but verification by article number is required.

What should I do if, after replacing the gearshift knob, the gears do not engage?

Probable reasons:

• Incorrect installation of the handle (the grooves do not coincide with the rod).
• The latch inside the new handle is broken (defective).
• Broken gearbox cable (if the handle moves too easily).

Solution: remove the handle and check the alignment with the rod, inspect the latch. If the problem remains, diagnose the gearbox.