Introduction
As a certified auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Nissan Muranos that refuse to start. And I can assure you, I understand how annoying it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing!
But fear not, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most common causes why your Nissan Murano won’t start. I’ll explain all the most common causes and you’ll understand how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide practical troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my two decades of first-hand experience, so you can get your Nissan Murano starting and back on the road as rapidly as possible.
Understanding Why a Nissan Won’t Start
When you hop into your vehicle and realize “My Nissan Murano won’t start”, this could be because of various issues being wrong with your Jeep. Maybe the engine is not turning over at all, perhaps it is turning over partially but then not starting, or perhaps it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, but in the end nothing happens. Each of these situations can be indicative of different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Nissan Murano Won’t Start
There are numerous reasons that a Murano fails to start up. These concerns usually include a weak or dead Jeep battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system issues, along with electrical or circuitry complications. Every one of these issues can show up as different symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Nissan Murano That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in discovering the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your vehicle still can’t start, it can be a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Nissan Murano Won’t Start
The very first step to figuring out a practical solution to the issue is getting to grips with the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most common reasons your Murano can’t start.
Nissan Murano Battery Issues
In most cases, the most common reason why your Nissan Murano won’t start is often because of the battery, it’s either weak or dead, and you have to charge up the battery or change it. The Jeep’s battery stores the electric that’s needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Nissan Murano. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Murano, can be things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on the dashboard. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your vehicle’s if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Nissan Murano Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can certainly prevent your Nissan Murano from starting as it wont be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down until it’s totally dead and you only realize it when you get in your Murano and it won’t start. Symptoms that your vehicle’s alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Nissan Murano Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Nissan. If the starter motor is faulty in some manner then the engine may not crank, and your Murano won’t start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not typically by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding sound throughout the start-up, or your vehicle starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Nissan Murano Fuel System Complications
Now we’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your vehicle’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Nissan Murano uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it requires a combination of both fuel and air. If your Murano issues are the result of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine may not be getting the fuel it requires to get the vehicle going. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Nissan Murano Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Nissan Muranos rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older model, you can still have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a faulty ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be some of the numerous electrical explanations as to why your vehicle will not start up. Indications of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ widely but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Murano can start but only intermittently or some alert lights show on the dashboard. To properly diagnose and repair these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of a skilled Nissan mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have determined what the reason for your Jeep failing to start is. The next step is of course to attempt to fix it. Here are some pointers for the typical problems we’ve covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Nissan Murano
If you think it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason your Murano has difficulty starting, then the first thing you must do is inspect the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Murano’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, you will need to replace the battery if it’s old or weak. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Nissan Murano, it will likely deplete quickly once again in the not so distant future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Nissan model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Nissan Murano, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Murano’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Mobile repairs technician.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Nissan Murano
Ok, so the image above I found online and is a joke, DON’T DO THIS. I’ll explain in more detail, but in short, to diagnose and fix alternator problems you will need the help of a qualified and experienced auto mechanic. If the alternator is what you think is the perpetrator, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of your Jeep’s battery. If you find your Nissan Murano dies pretty quickly, then it’s probably because of an issue with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might damage the delicate electronic elements in your vehicle, so in this case best to speak with a professional mechanic local to you or online, prior to ever attempting this. If you think it might be the alternator, it’s best to ask a mechanic online or near you.
How to Identify and Solve Starter Motor Failures in a Nissan Murano
Listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you think the starter motor is the root cause of your Nissan Murano not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Solve Fuel System Complications in a Nissan Murano
If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You ought to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It might be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this noise. If you discover your Nissan is hard to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it could be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable auto mechanic in order to effectively fix. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Nissan Murano
If you suspect it’s a circuitry or electrical system issue, initially examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Nissan Murano starts after this, then it was a successful, low-cost and simple fix! However, if the Jeep doesn’t start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it could be a problematic sensor. These issues can be extremely intricate and a reliable Nissan mechanic is most likely required to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you hopefully avoid any Nissan Murano starting troubles ever again!
Regular Maintenance of Your Nissan Murano:
Routine upkeep of your Nissan Murano is essential to preventing future difficulties. This includes things like routine oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your Jeep examined by a professional auto mechanic regularly. You can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online if you find yourself uncertain or not sure about the routine upkeep jobs required for your specific Jeep.
Drive Your Nissan Murano Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Nissan Murano stagnant for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery can waste out of charge as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being used. Try your best to drive your Murano frequently to keep the battery full of juice. If you remember you haven’t driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to make certain there is still charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything out of the ordinary like uncommon noises, a difference in driving and performance, or alert lights lit up on your Nissan Muranos dashboard, don’t just ignore them. These are usually early warning signs of a problem and it’s best to be attended to ASAP before they become bigger issues down the line. Speak with a mechanic in your area or online about these problems and get advice on if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Nissan Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, want an expert Nissan mechanic on hand guiding and advising you, or you’ve attempted to fix it by yourself, however regardless of your best efforts your Nissan Murano fails to start, then talking with a Nissan mechanic online can be an excellent choice. It certainly beats googling things like “Nissan wont start when hot” all day and still getting nowhere.
Advantages of an Online Nissan Mechanic
Online mechanic services offers a number of advantages. You can get expert Nissan mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially helpful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are much cheaper than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers quickly, which is terrific if you’re in a hurry, require a second opinion, or you simply like having a specialist Nissan mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
Our online Nissan mechanic service connects you with certified professional mechanics who can provide instantaneous help, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Nissan models. It doesn’t matter if your Murano is having trouble or your Nissan Moco won’t start, we’ve got the Nissan mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.
You’re able to describe the problems you are having with your Jeep, ask Nissan mechanics unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you prefer. The Nissan mechanic will help you detect the issue, guide you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance and even guide you through basic maintenance and repairs step by step.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your Nissan Murano won’t start, it will likely be a total disappointment and a massive hassle. However, understanding what might be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, when and where to get help if required, will be a huge benefit. Bear in mind that routine maintenance is key to avoiding all vehicle problems.
I hope this guide helps you get your Nissan started again, and have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions When a Nissan Murano Won’t Start (FAQs)
What should I do if my Nissan Murano won’t start?
First off, do not panic. Try to identify any symptoms that could show a problem, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is likely one of the typical causes talked about in this guide. You will need the help of a mechanic in your area or online if you can’t find the cause of the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Nissan Murano won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Murano consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and securely connected. It might be best to just replace it if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Nissan Murano not starting issues?
In order to make certain this inconvenience never takes place once again, regular maintenance is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Nissan Murano checked by a mechanic regularly. It’s also a terrific idea to drive the vehicle regularly so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Nissan Murano will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instantaneous expert Nissan mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you having to leave your house. This is particularly helpful if your vehicle won’t start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Nissan Murano fails to start?
We connect you with accredited expert Nissan mechanics who can provide advice on your specific situation. You can tell them about your Jeep problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can effectively explain and show the problem. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, recommend the best course of action and guide you along the way.
