Basic information

During normal day-to-day operation, the general maintenance procedures described in this section should be performed regularly to help keep the Nissan Murano in safe and dependable operating condition. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, vibrations, odors, changes in handling, or differences in the way the vehicle operates. If an abnormal condition is detected, determine the cause as soon as possible or have the vehicle inspected promptly. If you believe repairs are necessary, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for professional evaluation and service.

Before carrying out any inspection or maintenance work, review the instructions and safety information in "Maintenance precautions". Following the appropriate procedures helps reduce the risk of injury and prevents accidental damage to vehicle components.

Explanation of general maintenance items

Basic information

WARNING Failure to follow the inspection and maintenance procedures described in this section may result in personal injury. Perform only work that can be completed safely and correctly, and obtain qualified assistance whenever the condition or required procedure is uncertain.

Additional information about the items identified with an " * " can be found in the "Do-it-yourself" section of this manual. Refer to that section for the applicable inspection, adjustment, or service procedure.

Outside the vehicle

The maintenance items listed below should be checked periodically unless a different inspection interval is specifically stated. Regular exterior inspections can reveal wear, looseness, damage, or deterioration before it begins to affect normal vehicle operation.

Doors and engine hood: Check that every door and the engine hood open, close, and move smoothly without binding, excessive resistance, or unusual noise.

Make sure all door and hood latches engage fully and lock securely. A latch that does not hold correctly should be inspected and repaired before normal use continues.

Lubricate the hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers, and connecting links when necessary to maintain smooth operation and help protect the moving surfaces from wear or corrosion. Confirm that the secondary hood latch prevents the hood from opening when the primary latch has been released.

When the Nissan Murano is regularly driven in areas where road salt, deicing chemicals, or other corrosive materials are used, inspect these moving parts more frequently and renew the lubrication as necessary. Corrosive deposits can affect the operation of exposed hinges, latches, and related hardware.

Check that the gas stays or struts support the hood, trunk, or rear hatch securely in the fully open position. If any panel begins to lower unexpectedly, will not remain fully open, or feels inadequately supported, have the affected gas stays or struts replaced.

Lights*: Clean the headlight lenses regularly so dirt, road film, and other deposits do not reduce light output. Confirm that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, license plate lights, and all other exterior lights operate correctly and are mounted securely. Inspect the lamp lenses and housings for visible damage, and check that the headlights are aimed correctly.

Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: Whenever the tires and wheels are inspected, verify that no wheel nuts are missing and check for any signs that a wheel nut has become loose. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified requirement when necessary, using the correct procedure and suitable equipment.

Tire rotation*: Rotate the tires at the interval specified in the maintenance schedule. Proper rotation helps distribute tread wear more evenly and supports consistent handling throughout the service life of the tires.

Tires*: Check tire pressure frequently with an accurate gauge and always before a long-distance trip. Measure and adjust the pressure in every tire, including the spare tire when equipped, to the specified value. Inspect the tread and sidewalls carefully for cuts, cracks, punctures, embedded objects, bulges, uneven wear, or other visible damage that could affect safe operation of the Nissan Murano.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tire pressure sensor: It is recommended that the TPMS tire pressure sensor assembly be replaced when the applicable tires are replaced because of wear or age. Proper handling during tire service is important to avoid damaging the sensor or valve assembly.

Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle pulls toward either side while being driven on a straight, level road, or if uneven or abnormal tire wear is found, the wheel alignment may require inspection and correction. If vibration is felt through the steering wheel or seat at normal highway speeds, one or more wheel and tire assemblies may require balancing. Promptly correcting alignment or balance concerns can help preserve predictable handling and reduce irregular tire wear.

For additional guidance on tire inspection, maintenance, and safe operation, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” for the United States or “Tire Safety Information” for Canada in the Warranty Information Booklet.

Windshield: Clean the windshield regularly to maintain clear visibility in changing weather and lighting conditions. Inspect the glass at least once every six months for cracks, chips, scratches, or other damage that could obstruct the driver’s view or become worse over time.

Have a damaged windshield inspected and repaired by a qualified repair facility as soon as possible. It is recommended that windshield repairs for the Nissan Murano be performed by a NISSAN dealer or a NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate a collision center in your area, refer to http://collision.nissanusa.com.

Windshield wiper blades*: Inspect the blades for cracks, splitting, deformation, or excessive wear, particularly if they leave streaks, skip across the glass, make unusual noise, or do not clear the windshield effectively. Replace worn or damaged blades to maintain proper visibility.

Inside the vehicle

The interior maintenance items listed below should be checked regularly, including during scheduled maintenance, routine vehicle cleaning, or whenever a change in operation is noticed. These inspections help identify conditions that could affect comfort, control, or safe operation of the Nissan Murano.

Accelerator pedal: Check that the pedal moves smoothly through its full range and returns normally without sticking, catching, or requiring uneven effort. Make sure the floor mat is correctly positioned and cannot interfere with pedal movement.

Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth and consistent operation. If the brake pedal suddenly travels farther than usual, feels soft or spongy, requires unusual effort, or the vehicle appears to need more distance to stop, have the braking system inspected immediately.

It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the floor mat properly secured and away from the brake pedal so it cannot restrict pedal movement or prevent full application.

Brakes: During normal driving, check that the vehicle remains stable and does not pull noticeably to either side when the brakes are applied. Any change in braking response should be inspected promptly.

Automatic transmission P (Park) position mechanism: On a reasonably steep incline, verify that the vehicle remains securely stationary when the shift position is set to P (Park) without continued application of the service brake. Perform this check carefully and remain prepared to apply the brake if the vehicle moves.

Parking brake: Check the parking brake operation regularly and confirm that it holds the vehicle securely on a reasonably steep hill when applied by itself. If the parking brake does not hold properly or appears to require adjustment, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for inspection and service.

Seats: Operate the seat adjustment controls, including the seat position adjusters and seatback recliners, to confirm that they move smoothly and without binding. Make sure all seat latches engage securely and hold the seat or seatback firmly in each selected position.

Check that the head restraints/headrests move upward and downward smoothly and that their locking mechanisms, if so equipped, engage securely in every available latched position. A loose or improperly adjusted restraint should be corrected before the seat is occupied.

Seat belts: Inspect every part of each seat belt assembly, including the buckles, anchors, adjusters, latch plates, and retractors. Make sure the belts extend and retract smoothly, latch securely, release correctly, and remain firmly attached at all mounting points.

Examine the belt webbing closely for cuts, fraying, excessive wear, stretching, contamination, or other visible damage. Any damaged seat belt component should be inspected and replaced as necessary.

Steering wheel: Check for any noticeable change in steering operation, including excessive free play, increased effort, stiffness, vibration, or unusual sounds. Changes in steering feel may indicate that the Nissan Murano requires professional inspection.

Warning lights and chimes: Confirm that all warning lights, indicator lights, and audible chimes operate correctly. Pay attention to any light or sound that fails to activate when expected or remains active during normal vehicle operation.

Windshield defroster: With the heater or air-conditioning system operating, check that air flows correctly from the windshield defroster outlets and that the volume is sufficient to clear fog or moisture from the glass. Reduced or uneven airflow should be investigated before it affects visibility.

Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that the windshield wipers and washer system operate correctly. Confirm that washer fluid is delivered to the windshield as intended and that the wiper blades clear the glass smoothly without streaking, skipping, smearing, or leaving areas of reduced visibility.

Under the hood and vehicle

The maintenance items listed below should be inspected periodically, such as whenever the engine oil level is checked, the vehicle is refueled, or an unusual condition is noticed. Regular observation can help identify leaks, deterioration, or other concerns before they affect the operation of the Nissan Murano.

Battery* (for maintenance free batteries): This vehicle is equipped with a sealed, maintenance-free battery. Routine internal servicing is not required, but the battery and its connections should be inspected when necessary. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer if battery testing, charging, replacement, or related service is required.

NOTE:

Care should be taken to avoid operating conditions that may gradually discharge the battery and create a potential no-start condition. Situations that can place an unnecessary electrical load on the battery include:

1. Installing or using electronic accessories for extended periods while the engine is not running. Devices such as phone chargers, GPS units, DVD players, and similar accessories may continue consuming battery power.

2. Using the vehicle infrequently and/or driving it primarily for short distances that may not provide sufficient time to maintain the battery charge.

Under these operating conditions, the battery may require charging to preserve its condition and help ensure reliable starting of the Nissan Murano.

Brake fluid level*: Check that the brake fluid level is between the MAX and MIN marks on the reservoir. If the level is outside the specified range or appears to be decreasing, have the cause inspected and corrected.

Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level only when the engine is cold. Verify that the coolant is within the specified range before operating the vehicle.

Engine drive belts*: Inspect the drive belts for fraying, excessive wear, cracks, oil contamination, or other visible deterioration. A damaged or contaminated belt should be evaluated before it affects normal engine operation.

Engine oil level*: Park the Nissan Murano on a level surface and turn off the engine before checking the oil. Wait more than 15 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan, then follow the specified procedure to obtain an accurate level reading.

Engine valve clearance*: Have the valve clearance inspected if valve noise becomes noticeably louder or increases during engine operation.

Exhaust system: Inspect for loose or damaged supports, cracks, holes, and other visible deterioration. If the exhaust sound becomes unusual or exhaust fumes can be smelled, have the system inspected immediately because a damaged exhaust component may allow gases to escape where they should not.

It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for exhaust system inspection and service. Fluid leaks: After the vehicle has remained parked for a period of time, check underneath it for signs of fuel, oil, coolant, water, or other fluid leakage. Water dripping from the air-conditioning system after use is normal. If any other leak is found, or if the odor of fuel is present, identify the cause and have the condition corrected immediately.

Radiator and hoses: Inspect the front surface of the radiator and remove accumulated dirt, insects, leaves, and other debris that could obstruct the area.

Check the hoses for cracks, deformation, deterioration, rot, or loose connections. Any damaged hose or insecure connection should be serviced before it develops into a leak or causes a loss of fluid.

Underbody: The underside of the vehicle is regularly exposed to moisture and corrosive materials, including substances applied to icy roads or used to control dust. Mud, dirt, and road debris can also collect in concealed areas.

These deposits should be removed because prolonged exposure may contribute to corrosion on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines, and surrounding exhaust system components. At the end of winter, thoroughly rinse the underbody of the Nissan Murano with plain water, paying particular attention to recesses and other areas where mud, salt, and dirt may accumulate.

Windshield-washer fluid*: Check the reservoir regularly and make sure it contains an adequate amount of washer fluid. Refill it as necessary so the windshield washer system remains available when visibility needs to be restored.