2003 NISSAN MURANO engine overheat

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTContact your NISSAN dealer if replacement is
required.

Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by your NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.

Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING

To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.

Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Rein-
sert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and L
marks. If the oil level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
SDI0534
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and that part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have to
be reduced on very steep grades or in low
traction situations (for example, on slippery boat
ramps).
Temperature conditions also can affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high
outside temperatures on graded roads can af-
fect engine performance and cause overheating.
The transmission high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode, which helps reduce the chance of
transmission damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle speed
may decrease to 40 to 50 MPH (65 to 80 km/h)
under high load. Plan your trip carefully to ac-
count for trailer and vehicle load, weather, and
road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and lower vehicle speed.Also, when the high temperature mode
operates, vehicle speed may be gradu-
ally reduced. On highways, the reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic
which could increase the chance of a
collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If necessary, pull to the side of
the road at a safe place and allow the
engine to cool or the transmission to
return to normal operation.
Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 to 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specifications Chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The gross vehicle weight equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen-
gers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any
other optional equipment. In addition, front or
rear gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TI1012M
Technical and consumer information
9-17


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
first block the wheels and apply the parking
brake, and then move the selector lever into
the P (Park) position. If you move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

If the transmission fluid rises to an extremely
high temperature, a high fluid temperature
protection mode may operate. See page
5-13 for details. If necessary, pull to the side
of the road at a safe place and let the
transmission cool before continuing.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make
a larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakesto overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.
9-20
Technical and consumer information


03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0


Clock (with navigation system) .............................. 4-12
Clock (without navigation system) .......................... 4-4
Coin box ...................................................................... 2-28
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-28
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-27
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-32
Compass display ......................................................... 2-6
Console box................................................................ 2-31
Control panel buttons — with navigation
system............................................................................. 4-7
Control panel buttons — without navigation
system............................................................................. 4-2
Controls, Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .................................................................. 4-15
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-5
Cover, Tonneau cover .............................................. 2-32
Cruise control............................................................. 5-14
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-29
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system) .......................................................... 1-17
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) ........ 5-10
CVT fluid...................................................................... 8-12
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) selector
lever lock release....................................................... 5-13D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-23
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ......................................................... 2-19
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-11
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-24
Driving with CVT (Continuously Variable
Transmission) ....................................................... 5-10
On-pavement and offroad driving (AWD) ...... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Safety precautions ................................................ 5-5
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-17
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-11
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-9
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-5
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-26
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ................................... 6-10
Starting the engine............................................. 5-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-16
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-24
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
CVT fluid ............................................................... 8-12
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-13
Fog light switch ......................................................... 2-24
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ......................................................................... 1-15
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2


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Luggage lights ........................................................... 2-39
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-14
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-32
Under the hood and the vehicle........................ 8-4
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-15
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-15
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-32
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-16
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System....................... 2-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start.................................................................................. 5-9
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ................................. 8-11
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-9
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-15
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-24
P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-19
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-20
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-20
Pedal position adjustment....................................... 3-13
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-31
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-3
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-27
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering system ...................................... 5-21
Power windows................................................... 2-33
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-19
Precautions
Audio operation precautions............................ 4-20Braking precautions ........................................... 5-21
Cruise control precautions ............................... 5-14
Driving safety .......................................................... 5-5
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
On child restraints .............................................. 1-32
On-pavement and offroad driving precautions
(AWD) ...................................................................... 5-5
On seat belt usage ............................................ 1-22
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ...................................................................... 1-9
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .............................................................. 6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-31
Steering switch for audio system ................... 4-30
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only)...................................................................... 9-22
Rear center seat belt................................................ 1-29
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock.......... 3-4
Rear power point....................................................... 2-27
Rear seat adjustment .................................................. 1-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-19
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-18
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-22
Rollover........................................................................... 5-4


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10-4