🔧 Murano - Starter Motor Replacement

The starter motor on your Murano is mounted at the engine-to-CVT joint beneath the battery-tray area. Access requires removing the air-intake duct, battery, and battery tray before disconnecting and unbolting the starter.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Assumption: Stock U.S.-market configuration; starter access is the same from above for FWD and AWD versions.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Switch the ignition off and keep the intelligent key at least 5 metres away from your Murano.
• Wait at least three minutes before disconnecting the battery.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal first. The starter’s large cable is directly connected to battery power.
• Never allow a metal tool to bridge a battery terminal to the body or engine.
• Let the engine and exhaust components cool before starting.
• The battery is heavy. Lift it upright with both hands.
• Do not attempt this repair with the battery connected; severe arcing, fire, or wiring damage can result.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 1/4-inch-drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch-drive 150mm extension
• 3/8-inch-drive universal joint
• 1/4-inch-drive torque wrench rated 2-20 Nm
• 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench rated 10-80 Nm
• Plastic trim-clip removal tool
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Digital multimeter rated CAT III
• Battery terminal cleaning brush
• Fender cover
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor for 3.5L V6 - Qty: 1
• Starter positive-terminal insulating cap - Qty: 1 if damaged
• Battery-terminal protectant - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Murano on level ground, shift into Park, apply the parking brake, and open the hood.
• Switch off the lights, climate control, audio system, and all other electrical accessories.
• Wait at least three minutes after switching off the ignition.
• No infotainment service mode, scan-tool command, CVT procedure, coding, or battery registration is required.
• Battery disconnection may erase the clock, radio presets, trip information, and automatic-window initialization.
• Before replacing the starter, verify that the battery is charged. A rested, fully charged battery should measure approximately 12.6 volts.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

• Place the fender cover over the painted bodywork.
• Use the 10mm socket and 1/4-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the negative battery-terminal clamp.
• Lift the negative clamp from the post and position it where it cannot touch the battery.
• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to disconnect the positive terminal after the negative terminal is isolated.
• Negative off first, negative on last.

Step 2: Remove the Air-Intake Components

• Use the 8mm socket and 1/4-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the air-intake hose clamp.
• Press the locking tab and unplug the mass-airflow sensor connector. This sensor measures the air entering the engine.
• Use the small flat-blade screwdriver to release any spring clamp or connector lock without puncturing the hose.
• Use the plastic trim-clip removal tool to release the intake-snorkel retainers.
• Lift out the intake duct and air-cleaner upper section. Do not touch the sensing element inside the mass-airflow sensor.

Step 3: Remove the Battery

• Use the 10mm socket and 1/4-inch-drive ratchet to remove the battery hold-down fasteners.
• Remove the hold-down bracket.
• Lift the battery straight upward with both hands and keep it upright.
• Place the battery on a stable, dry, nonconductive surface.

Step 4: Remove the Battery Tray

• Use the plastic trim-clip removal tool to release the wiring-harness retainers from the battery tray and support bracket.
• Use the 10mm and 12mm sockets with the 3/8-inch-drive ratchet and extension to remove the tray and bracket fasteners.
• Keep the different-size fasteners arranged by location for reassembly.
• Lift the battery tray and its support bracket from the engine compartment.
• Locate the starter at the engine-to-CVT joint below the removed tray.

Step 5: Verify Power Is Disconnected

• Set the digital multimeter to DC volts.
• Place the black probe against clean engine metal and the red probe against the starter’s large terminal stud.
• Confirm the meter reads 0 volts.
• If voltage is present, stop and make sure both battery cables are completely disconnected and isolated.

Step 6: Disconnect the Starter Wiring

• Pull the rubber insulating cap away from the large starter terminal.
• Use the 12mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to remove the starter-cable terminal nut.
• Lift the cable eyelet from the stud without bending or twisting the cable.
• Press the locking tab and unplug the small starter-solenoid connector. The solenoid is the electrical switch attached to the starter.
• Inspect the cable eyelet, connector, and insulation for corrosion, looseness, or heat damage.

Step 7: Remove the Old Starter

• Support the starter with one hand because it will become loose when the final bolt is removed.
• Use the 14mm socket, extension, universal joint, and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the two starter mounting bolts.
• Remove both bolts and guide the starter upward through the battery-tray opening.
• If the starter is stuck, rock it gently by hand. Do not pry against the aluminum CVT housing.

Step 8: Compare the Starter Motors

• Place the old and replacement starters side by side.
• Confirm the mounting flange, pinion gear, electrical terminals, and small connector are identical in position and shape.
• Check that no shipping cap or packing material remains on the replacement starter.
• Do not lubricate the starter gear or apply sealant to the mounting surface.

Step 9: Install the Replacement Starter

• Position the starter squarely against the engine-to-CVT mounting surface.
• Install both starter mounting bolts by hand for several turns to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 14mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten both mounting bolts evenly to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).
• Start every mounting bolt by hand.

Step 10: Reconnect the Starter Wiring

• Push the small solenoid connector into the starter until its lock clicks.
• Place the positive cable eyelet flat against the large starter terminal.
• Install the terminal nut and use the 12mm socket with the 1/4-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten it to 9.8 Nm (87 in-lbs).
• Hold the cable still while tightening. Do not allow the terminal stud to rotate.
• Push the insulating cap completely over the terminal.

Step 11: Reinstall the Battery Tray

• Place the battery-tray support and tray in their original positions.
• Start every tray fastener by hand, then tighten them securely using the 10mm and 12mm sockets with the appropriate ratchet.
• Reattach every wiring-harness retainer to its original hole using the plastic trim-clip removal tool if needed.
• Check that no harness is trapped beneath the tray.

Step 12: Reinstall the Battery and Intake

• Lower the battery into the tray in its original direction.
• Reinstall the hold-down bracket using the 10mm socket. Tighten it evenly until the battery cannot move by hand; do not crush the battery case.
• Reinstall the air-cleaner section, intake snorkel, and intake hose.
• Reconnect the mass-airflow sensor connector until it clicks.
• Use the 8mm socket and 1/4-inch-drive ratchet to tighten the intake-hose clamp until the hose cannot rotate. Do not crack the plastic housing.

Step 13: Reconnect the Battery

• Clean the battery posts and clamps with the battery terminal cleaning brush if corrosion is present.
• Install the positive battery clamp first.
• Use the 10mm socket and 1/4-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten the positive clamp to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
• Install the negative battery clamp last and tighten it to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
• Apply a light coating of battery-terminal protectant after the clamps are secure.

Step 14: Test the New Starter

• Remove every tool from the engine compartment and make sure the intake duct is secure.
• Sit in the driver’s seat, press and hold the brake pedal, and press the START button.
• Listen for smooth, strong cranking without clicking, grinding, or scraping.
• Switch the ignition off immediately if the starter continues running after the engine starts.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine three times, waiting at least 10 seconds between attempts.
• Confirm the engine cranks at a consistent speed each time.
• Inspect the starter and battery areas for loose wiring, smoke, heat, or an electrical smell.
• Reset the clock and radio presets if necessary.
• If a front automatic window no longer works, close it completely and continue holding its switch upward for approximately three seconds.
• If the starter still clicks without cranking, test the battery under load and check voltage drop through the positive and negative battery cables.
• If the starter does nothing, check the starter relay, brake-pedal switch input, Park/Neutral recognition, and control-circuit voltage before replacing additional parts.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹22,000-₹45,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹12,000-₹28,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹10,000-₹17,000 by doing it yourself!

Labor rates around Sonīpat vary by workshop. This repair takes a professional approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, and imported starter pricing can substantially affect the total.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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