NISSAN MURANO 2004 1.G Owners Manual

must be used.

Always attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
Two wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as
illustrated.
CAUTION

Never tow CVT models with the front
wheels on the ground or four wheelson the ground (forward or backward)
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission.
If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels raised, always
use towing dollies under the front
wheels.

When towing CVT models with the
front wheels on towing dollies:
•Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
SCE0438
Two wheel drive models
6-12
In case of emergency


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


wheel in a straight ahead position
with a rope or similar device.
Never secure the steering wheel
by turning the ignition key to the
LOCK position. This may damage
the steering lock mechanism.
•Move the selector lever to the N
(Neutral) position.

When towing two wheel drive CVT
model with the rear wheels on the
ground (if you do not use towing
dollies): Always release the parking
brake.
All wheel drive modelsNISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or the vehicle be
placed on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow CVT AWD models with any of
the wheels on the ground as this may
cause serious and expensive damage to
the drive train.
SCE0439
All wheel drive models
In case of emergency
6-13


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
1Remove the towing hook cover from the
bumper using a suitable tool.
2Securely install the towing hook stored with
jacking tools.
Make sure that the hook is properly secured in
the stored place after use.
WARNING

Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.

Do not spin the tires at a high speed.
This could cause them to explode
and result in serious injury. Parts of
your vehicle could also overheat and
be damaged.
CAUTION

Use the towing hook only, not other
parts of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
vehicle body will be damaged.

Use the towing hook only to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
Never tow the vehicle for a long dis-
tance using only the towing hook.

The towing hook is under tremen-
dous force when used to free a stuck
vehicle. Always pull the cable straight
out from the front of the vehicle.
Never pull on the hook at an angle.

Pulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-
ing, brake or cooling systems.

Always pull the cable straight out from the
front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull on the
vehicle at an angle.

Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in ve-
hicle towing or recovery.
SCE0440
SCE0444
6-14
In case of emergency


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


7 Appearance and careCleaning exterior .................................................................... 7-2
Washing ............................................................................. 7-2
Waxing ................................................................................ 7-2
Removing spots ................................................................ 7-3
Underbody ......................................................................... 7-3
Glass ................................................................................... 7-3
Aluminum alloy wheels.................................................... 7-3
Chrome parts .................................................................... 7-3
Cleaning interior ..................................................................... 7-3
Floor mats .......................................................................... 7-4Seat belts ........................................................................... 7-4
Corrosion protection ............................................................. 7-5
Most common factors contributing to vehicle
corrosion............................................................................. 7-5
Environmental factors influence the rate of
corrosion............................................................................. 7-5
To protect your vehicle from corrosion ...................... 7-5


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
In the following cases, please wash your vehicle
as soon as possible to protect the paint surface.

After a rainfall to prevent possible damage
from acid rain

After driving on coastal roads

When contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on
the paint surface

When dust or mud builds up on the surface
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.WASHINGThoroughly rinse surface dirt off the vehicle with
a wet sponge and plenty of clean water. Clean
the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap such as
Nissan Car Wash, or a general purpose dish-
washing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm
(never hot) water.
CAUTION

Do not use strong household soap,
strong chemical detergents, gasoline
or solvents.

Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight or while the vehicle body is
hot, as the surface may become
water-spotted.

Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so that the paint surface is
not scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of clean
water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Make sure that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface
by using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle.
WAXINGRegular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. After wax-
ing, polishing is recommended to remove
built-up residue and to avoid a weathered ap-
pearance.
If you wish to wax your vehicle, only use a wax
specified for use over clear coats, such as
Nissan Liquid or Spray Wax. Your NISSAN
dealer can assist you in choosing the proper
product.

Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash-
ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the
wax.

Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.

If the surface does not polish easily, use a
road tar remover and wax again.
Machine compounding or aggressive pol-
ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint
finish may dull the finish or leave swirl
marks.
CLEANING EXTERIOR7-2
Appearance and care


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects,
and tree sap as quickly as possible from the
surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or
staining. Special cleaning products are available
at your NISSAN dealer or any automotive acces-
sory store.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and caus-
ing underbody and suspension corrosion. Be-
fore the winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dow, do not use sharp-edged tools,abrasive cleaners or chlorine based dis-
infectant cleaners. They could damage
the electrical conductors, radio antenna
elements or rear window defogger ele-
ments.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly, especially during winter months
in areas where road salt is used. Salt could
discolor the wheel if not removed.CHROME PARTSClean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior
trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather
surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in
mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry
soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector,
read the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some fabric protectors contain chemicals that
may stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean
the meter and gauge lens.
CAUTION

Never use gasoline, thinner, or any
similar material.

The leather seats should be regularly
coated with a leather wax like saddle
soap. Never use car wax.

Never use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.

Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.CLEANING INTERIOR
Appearance and care
7-3


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


FLOOR MATSThe use of Genuine Nissan floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior.No matter what
mats are used, be sure they are fitted for
your vehicle and are properly positioned in
the footwell to prevent interference with
pedal operation.Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they be-
come excessively worn.
Floor mat positioning aid
(Driver side only)This model includes a front floor mat bracket
A
to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN
floor mats have been specially designed for your
vehicle model. The driver’s side floor mat has a
grommet hole incorporated in it. Simply position
the mat by placing the floor mat bracket through
the floor mat grommet hole while centering the
mat in the floorpan contour.
Periodically check to make certain that the mats
are properly positioned.
SEAT BELTSThe seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them
with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution.
Allow the belts to dry completely before using
them.
WARNING
Do not allow wet belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or
chemical solvents since these may se-
verely weaken the seat belt webbing.
SAI0025
7-4
Appearance and care


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION:
The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt
and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.

Damage to paint and other protective coat-
ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION:
MoistureAccumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry completely
inside the vehicle, and should be removed for
drying to avoid floor panel corrosion.Relative humidityCorrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing and where
atmospheric pollution exists and road salt is
used.
TemperatureA temperature increase will accelerate the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.Air pollutionIndustrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air
in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will
accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will
also accelerate the disintegration of paint sur-
faces.TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION:
Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the
vehicle clean.

Always check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.

Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
open to avoid water accumulation.

Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible.
CAUTION

NEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or
broom.

Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic com-
ponents inside the vehicle as this
may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion
and deterioration of underbody components
such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines,
brake cables, floor pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and corro-
sion, which may be required in some areas,
consult your local NISSAN dealer.
CORROSIONPROTECTION
Appearance and care
7-5


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


MEMO7-6
Appearance and care


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0


8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements .................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ............................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ................ 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system.......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................................. 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ...................................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ............................................ 8-11
CVT fluid ................................................................................ 8-12
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-12
Brake fluid ............................................................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-13
Battery .................................................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-15
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-17
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-17Replacing ......................................................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blade ................................................. 8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ........................................ 8-19
Checking parking brake ............................................... 8-19
Checking brake pedal .................................................. 8-20
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-20
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-22
Keyfobbattery replacement .............................................. 8-22
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-24
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights............................................ 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-27
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-27
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-30
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-31
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-32
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-33


04.4.5/Z50-D/V5.0