<em>Nissan Murano</em> starter: how to diagnose a breakdown and replace the part without a service station

Introduction: why the starter is a weak point Murano?

Starter in Nissan Murano (especially models Z50 (2003–2007), Z51 (2008–2014) and Z52 (2015–present)) is one of the most vulnerable components after 100,000 km. Owners often encounter that the engine VQ35DE or QR25DE refuses to start, although the battery is charged and the electrics are working properly. The reason for this is the design features of the starter. Mitsubishi (original supplier for Nissan), which is sensitive to overheating, moisture and low-quality oil in the gearbox.

In this article we will analyze symptoms of malfunctionlike check the starter with a multimeter without removing what The on-board computer gives errors (For example, P0615 or P0616), and we will give step-by-step instructions for replacement. We will also compare the original parts (23300-4M50A, 23300-4M51A) with analogues from Denso, Bosch And Valeo - with prices and articles.

Critical Feature Murano: The starter is located at the bottom of the engine and requires a lift or inspection pit to replace it. Attempts to dismantle “on the ground” often end in damage to the wiring or fastenings.

Top 5 signs of starter malfunction in Nissan Murano

The first “bells” appear long before complete failure. If you ignore them, you can lead to bendix jamming or winding combustion, which will entail replacement of the entire assembly. Please note:

• 🔋 Clicks without scrolling. The starter operates (a characteristic click of the retractor relay is heard), but the flywheel does not rotate. Reason: wear and tear bendix or burnt contacts.
• 🔄 Intermittent startup. The engine starts only after 3–5 attempts, although otherwise it runs stably. Culprit - wedging gearbox or weak ground contact.
• 🔥 Burning smell. After several unsuccessful attempts to start, there is a smell of burnt insulation coming from under the hood. This is a sign turn-to-turn short circuit in the winding.
• ⚡ Voltage sag. When you turn the key, the lights on the dashboard dim or go out. Points to increased current consumption starter.
• 🛑 Complete silence. No clicks, no rotation. There are three possible reasons: the relay has burned out, the power wire has broken, or the starter itself has failed.

If you observe at least one of these symptoms, do not delay diagnosis. In 70% of cases at an early stage it is enough cleaning contacts or replacement bendix, which costs 3–5 times less than a complete replacement of the unit.

How to check the starter Nissan Murano without removal: 3 methods

Before you go to a service center or buy a new starter, perform these tests. They will help narrow down the range of possible problems and save on diagnostics.

Method 1: Checking the Solenoid Relay

Turn the key to position START should be accompanied by a distinct click. If it's not there:

1. Check the fuse F30 (10A) in the block under the hood.
2. Make sure that the terminal 50 (thin wire) +12V comes in when trying to start.
3. Close the contacts with a screwdriver 30 And 50 on the relay (thick and thin wires). If the starter spins, the problem is in the relay.

Method 2: Diagnosis with a multimeter

Connect the multimeter in mode 20V DC:

• 🔴 Red dipstick - to the positive terminal of the starter.
• ⚫ Black dipstick - to the “mass” of the engine.

When you turn the key, the voltage should drop no lower than 9.5V. If it drops to 7–8V, the starter is “tired” or there are problems with the battery.

Method 3: Bendix check

If the starter turns but does not engage the flywheel:

1. Remove the starter (instructions below).
2. Clamp it in a vice and apply +12V to the terminal 50.
3. The Bendix should come out with a characteristic click. If this does not happen, replacement is required.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the starter with Nissan Murano

To work you will need:

• 🔧 Set of heads (10, 12, 14 mm).
• 🔨 Extension cord and ratchet.
• 🔌 Screwdriver with a flat tip.
• 🔋 New starter (see table below for part numbers).

Opening hours: 1.5–2 hours (with pit). Difficulty: 3 out of 5.

Disconnect the battery (negative first)|Remove the engine protection (4 bolts 10 mm)|Disconnect the crankshaft sensor connector (for convenience)|Prepare a new starter and lubricant for the gearbox-->

Step 1: Removing the old starter

Starter on Murano It is secured with three bolts: two from above and one from below. Procedure:

1. Unscrew negative terminal battery
2. Remove air filter (4 clips).
3. Disconnect solenoid relay connector (thin wire).
4. Unscrew power wire (12 mm wrench).
5. Unscrew the three mounting bolts (14 mm socket with extension).

Step 2: Installing a New Starter

Before installation:

• 🔧 Apply copper grease on the bendix splines.
• 🔌 Check integrity o-ring (comes with a new starter).

Installation is performed in reverse order. Important! Tighten the bolts crosswise with a force of 25–30 Nm.

What happens if you don't replace the O-ring?

Without a seal, dust and moisture will enter the starter, which will lead to corrosion of the bendix shaft and premature wear. On average, the starter life is reduced by 30–40%.

Table: Articles and prices for starters for Nissan Murano

Model Murano	Engine	Original article	Analogue (Denso/Bosch)	Price, rub.
Z50 (2003–2007)	VQ35DE	23300-4M50A	Denso DRS0104	12 000–15 000
Z51 (2008–2014)	VQ35DE	23300-4M51A	Bosch 0001108223	14 000–17 000
Z52 (2015–present)	QR25DE	23300-JK00A	Valeo 438283	16 000–19 000

⚠️ Attention! On Murano Z51 with an automatic transmission, when replacing the starter, be sure to remove the terminal from crankshaft position sensor (located nearby). Otherwise, the on-board computer may generate a false error. P0335.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated repairs. Here are the most common:

• 🔌 Incorrect wire connection. Mixed terminals 30 And 50 will lead to combustion of the solenoid relay. Always check the diagram!
• 🔧 Bolt tightening. A force above 30 Nm deforms the starter housing, which leads to shaft jamming.
• 🛢️ Ignoring oil in the gearbox. In starters Murano gearbox requires lubrication Molykote BR2 Plus. Without it, the resource is reduced by 2 times.
• 🔋 They forget about the “mass”. Poor contact on the negative cable from the battery to the body simulates a starter malfunction.

Expert advice: After replacing the starter, be sure to reset the errors via Consult-III or scanner ELM327. Even if the lamp Check Engine does not light up, codes could remain in the ECU memory P0615 or P0620that will affect the operation of the starting system.

Repair vs replacement: which is more profitable for Nissan Murano?

Cost of a new starter for Murano - from 12,000 to 20,000 rubles. Repairs are 3–5 times cheaper, but are not always practical. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option.

When to repair:

• ✅ Wear and tear bendix or a solenoid relay (replacement costs 1,500–3,000 rubles).
• ✅ Burning of contacts (“nickels”) - cleaning or replacing the contact group (~2,000 rubles).
• ✅ Gearbox jamming due to lack of lubrication (just disassemble and wash).

When only replacement:

• ❌ Interturn closure of the winding (repair is not cost-effective).
• ❌ Cracks in the housing or shaft wear.
• ❌ Production on the Bendix gear (cannot be restored).

On average, service life of a repaired starter - 30-50 thousand km, new - 150-200 thousand km. If your Murano I've driven more than 150,000 km, it's more logical to invest in a new part.

⚠️ Attention! There are many fake starters on the market under the brands Denso And Bosch. Original parts have:

• Laser engraving of the article number on the case.
• Plastic passport with a hologram.
• Packaging with protective stickers.

Buy only from official dealers or trusted suppliers!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the starter Nissan Murano

Is it possible to start Murano with a faulty push starter?

Theoretically yes, but highly not recommended for models with automatic transmission (risk of damage to the gearbox). With a manual transmission it is possible, but:

• Turn on 2nd gear.
• Accelerate to 10–15 km/h.
• Quickly release the clutch and immediately press the gas.

If the starter clicks but doesn't turn, try hit it with a hammer (not much!) - sometimes this helps to “wake up” a jammed bendix.

How often should the starter be lubricated?

In the starter gearbox Murano used permanent lubrication, but when replacing or repairing it is recommended:

• Apply Molykote BR2 Plus onto the Bendix shaft and gear.
• Renew the lubricant every 100,000 km or when exposed to oil/dust.

Usage Litol-24 or Solid oil unacceptable - they thicken at low temperatures!

Why does the starter turn, but the engine does not start?

If the starter works, but Murano won't start, check:

1. Fuel pump (a buzzing sound should be heard when the ignition is turned on).
2. Spark plugs (can be flooded or mined out).
3. Crankshaft sensor (error P0335).
4. Immobilizer (the key-shaped lamp flashes).

Also the reason may be dead battery — even if the starter turns, the ECU and injectors need a full 12.6V to operate.

Which starters are suitable for other models? Nissan?

Starters from Nissan interchangeable for engines:

• 23300-4M50A (Z50) suitable for Pathfinder R51 And X-Trail T31 with VQ35DE.
• 23300-JK00A (Z52) compatible with Qashqai J11 And X-Trail T32 with QR25DE.

But pay attention to bendix shaft length — on some models it differs by 2–3 mm, which will lead to incomplete engagement with the flywheel.

How long does a starter last? Murano in Russian conditions?

Average resource:

• Original starter: 150–200 thousand km (with regular maintenance).
• Analogs (Denso/Bosch): 100–150 thousand km.
• Budget analogues (for example, Fenox): 50–80 thousand km.

In the northern regions, the resource is reduced by 20–30% due to low temperatures, in the southern regions - due to overheating. Regular cleaning contacts And gear lubrication extend the life of the starter by 30–50%.