Air intake suction whistling

[marredia]

I have a new 2009 Murano LE that I noticed a whistling sound during acceleration. Took to dealer and they said this was a "normal" sound from air intake on the Intake Manifold. Sound is intermittant but VERY annoying. They said they drove other Murano's on the lot and heard the same thing. Anyone else come across this? Tx

[2tigers]

Mine is three months old and doesn't have the sound you are describing.Does have an occaisonal burst of a form of static coming from what soundslike the right rear speaker with the radio on or off.Haven't been to the dealer yet,the odds are it won't act up while he has it, waiting to see if it becomesmore frequent.

[brainguyus]

That would be annoying! I've had my '09 for about 10 days now and I haven't noticed any whistle on acceleration.

I did a little poking around on google and really couldn't come up with anything other than some people that had this problem with other vehicles were able to get rid of it by using a different type of air filter (i.e k&n). Makes sense if you think about it..... If the whistle is coming from the air duct, making a small change in flow could get rid of it (...or make it worse...). If it's at the throttle body I'm not sure if using a different filter would have any effect.

I'll keep listening.

[sawasan]

Aftermarket intake whistle some and that's what we like about them. In fact I added an exhaust as well as a popcharger so I can hear the car better.

Stock intakes usually don't whistle tho, but I haven't heard an '09.

[mikefontenot]

I have the same exact problem with my '09 Murano. A whistling sound upon light acceleration after the transmission "shifts" into 2nd gear (around 20-25 mph). When I release the throttle, the noise immediately goes away. Took it to the dealer and they said the same thing--air intake--and that some Muranos are louder than others. Nothing they could do to fix it. May try to use a K&N air filter just to see if it makes any difference.

[jaggedlil1]

I also have an 09 Murano, it makes the same squealing sound! I hate it! Took it to the dealer and they said it's normal...I said it's unacceptable for a $35,000 vehicle to squeal like this! I insisted on driving a new one on the lot and it DID NOT make the noise. They had two technicians ride with me and the younger of the two heard it and agreed there was a problem. I thought it was related to the transmission. When I take off from 0 and accelerate to about 20...the vehicle bogs (like it skips a gear) then the high-pitched squealing starts. I've timed it and THE NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHILE ACCELERATING AT A RATE OF 1 MPH IN 5 SECONDS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. Unfortunately, I typically accelerate slowly, at the rate which causes the squealing...to conserve the over-priced gas I have to pay for these days! What are other owners getting for mileage? I was getting about 18.2 while driving like I was a race car driver but lately I've been testing a more "Granny-style" driving and my mileage has improved to 22.3, quite a significant increase...almost 18%...just for driving the speed limit! Has anyone found a K&N air filter for this vehicle yet? I want one. Otherwise, I absolutely love this vehicle : )

[brainguyus]

I think the '09 Murano is still too new for easily accessible aftermarket filters. It'll take a while for most stores to update their books.

If it's any help it looks like it's same size air filter as the one my 2000 Frontier V6 used. You may want to measure yours and compare it against that part number.

Fortunately, I don't have this whistle with my '09.

[mota]

Hi all, new member here... I too have an 09 Murano LE that makes the same whistling sound at about 20mph and up upon light acceleration. Same story at dealer - "Normal" air intake noise. I too insisted on driving another and it did NOT make the noise! Glad to hear I'm not alone (sorry - misery loves company). I'm not a mechanic but I suspect trans. as it only makes noise when moving above 20mph, not when just revving engine . Also noticed, NO noise with O/D off.

"Normal" not good enough for me, for a car that's over $40k MSRP... On second thought, should not have to endure whistling from any brand new car, AT ANY PRICE! It's really a shame because I love the car. I hope Nissan eventually makes good on it as I won't just accept the noise. Giving my dealer one more shot, then back to Consumer affairs, BBB, then attorney if necessary...Anyone have an update on their end - any luck remedying the sound?

[jaggedlil1]

I live in Florida and we have the Lemon Law here, which I will need, I'm afraid. We have to give the dealer three attempts to fix the problem before filing a claim with the Office of the Attorney General.

You're so right, it's not acceptable for any brand new vehicle to make this noise, especially one this expensive. I think I first noticed it at around 1,200 miles but I wasn't really concerned about it because I figured when I took it in for the first oil change, they'd fix it for me. That didn't happen and they had the nerve at the dealer to downplay the problem! I left it ALL DAY for them to fix it along with a detailed description of the problem. On my invoice, the service advisor stated: Cannot duplicate concern, operating as designed. Unbelieveable!

At least now they admit there is a problem since I drove another Murano SL, which didn't make the noise. My service advisor at the dealer was supposed to call me back after the mechanics (technicians) consulted with the help-line about my problem but hasn't called yet...hmmm...I don't think they know how to fix it.

If they ever do fix it, I'll certainly post it for the rest of you.

Good luck to those of you in my company...and to those who haven't heard the noise on your 09 Murano, listen carefully with your windows down!

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade : )

[mota]

UPDATE: Just got back from dealer. They sent the same guy to ride with me and listen who admitted to me the first time that his hearing isn't very good - YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP! - Anyway, he couldn't hear it. I got just a wee bit irritated (alright, so I made a scene) and wound up taking the service manager for a ride and he heard it immediately and acknowledged a problem.

They said they were on the phone with engineering all day and are ordering a new front exhaust tube to see if this helps - Well, at least they are trying something. I asked, if it's the exhaust, why would turning overdrive off stop the sound? Answer: This is what they came up with in a discussion with Nissan engineering. They either have no idea how to fix it OR (as I suspect) it's too expensive or involved (trans. or engine) to fix for such a "minimal problem" so they basically keep shrugging their shoulders. I'll let you know if this part helps (or masks) the problem.

Just curious - Mine was driven 40+ miles from another dealer prior to purchase. Anyone else?I'm wondering if it was mistreated prior which I hear could damage CVT and/or effect the pistons...

[jaggedlil1]

Thanks for the update...it sounds like a step in the right direction...and maybe a fix but I'm doubting it!

I haven't tried the O/D OFF thing. I refuse to drive around like that due to the fuel waste. Oil rose $17/barrell in the last two days...if it keeps up at this rate, we'll be paying $5/gallon within the next few weeks! Grrrrrrrrrrrr!!

My squealing Murano only had 20 miles on it when I bought it. I figured all the guys (salesmen and mechanics) took the new rides out for a spin when they first arrived. Maybe they did abuse them, what do they care?! Maybe this is simply a design flaw...in any case...it must be fixed!

This is not what I expected when I forked over so much coin for a ride!

[DAVPX]

I have an 07 with cold air intake. Mine whistles very loudly at low RPM. There are other discussions about this issue on this board. Some argue that with greater air flow and density, it creates a whistle at the throttle body (i agree). I'm not sure what the air box assembly looks like on the 09 but if they learned their lesson from previous years, they probably made it a little wider allowing for more air flow.

[jonasjrr]

I too feel your pain. I purchased a 09' Murano (SE AWD) about two months ago. It had less than 5 miles on it when I purchased it. Maybe a week after the purchase I too noticed the squilling. It happens whenever I press the accelerator lightly to maintain speed. Fortunately, I can't really hear it when the windows are up, but if they are down it drives me nuts. I have been to the dealership twice. The first time, the guy said that he couldn't hear it. So I came back a second time to try and get another guy . . . same guy. So we drove around again. Again, he couldn't hear it. So, for my own edification, he let me test drive a LE. I was able to reproduce the sound but the squill occurred over a much shorter range of accelleration and was not nearly as loud as my own vehicle. At that point I knew it was a model-wide problem and the road to getting it fixed was going to be uphill.

At any rate, that's where I stand. I don't feel like doing a dance with nissan to repair it (If a repair is even feasible). I appreciate those of you who do. Please keep us updated.

[Timmbo]

I too feel your pain. I purchased a 09' Murano (SE AWD) about two months ago. It had less than 5 miles on it when I purchased it. Maybe a week after the purchase I too noticed the squilling. It happens whenever I press the accelerator lightly to maintain speed. Fortunately, I can't really hear it when the windows are up, but if they are down it drives me nuts. I have been to the dealership twice. The first time, the guy said that he couldn't hear it. So I came back a second time to try and get another guy . . . same guy. So we drove around again. Again, he couldn't hear it. So, for my own edification, he let me test drive a LE. I was able to reproduce the sound but the squill occurred over a much shorter range of accelleration and was not nearly as loud as my own vehicle. At that point I knew it was a model-wide problem and the road to getting it fixed was going to be uphill.

At any rate, that's where I stand. I don't feel like doing a dance with nissan to repair it (If a repair is even feasible). I appreciate those of you who do. Please keep us updated.

Welcome to NICOclub, glad to have you here in the Murano forum! Sorry to hear about your troubles, stay tuned and check for new posts here. I am sure if enough people have the same problem, sooner or later there will be a solution. I have an '09 LE, and I have not experienced this, and I hope I don't.

[Bunshaw]

New '09 SL here and no whistling as of yet.

[Jaun]

No squealing on my 09 LE (3 mo old with 1100 miles) and hopeful it'll remain that way

I did hear though that the K&N filter for the 07 fits the 09. No first hand experience, so check it out before buying one

BTW, my kid replaced his o8 Altima intake with a Fujita, loves the sound and claims the mpg is a bit better with a few more horses!

[Timmbo]

No squealing on my 09 LE (3 mo old with 1100 miles) and hopeful it'll remain that way

I did hear though that the K&N filter for the 07 fits the 09. No first hand experience, so check it out before buying one

BTW, my kid replaced his o8 Altima intake with a Fujita, loves the sound and claims the mpg is a bit better with a few more horses!

Welcome to NICOclub! We hope you enjoy the Murano forum! Yes, the '09 Murano uses the same K&N air filter as the '07 Murano! Check out my post here:

zerothread/347550

[KM06Blk350ZConv]

Hey all

My wife and I just purchased a 2009 Nissan Murano LE. We are having the same issue as you all. I did a search on Yahoo for "Nissan Murano Air Intake Issue" and this thread immediately came up. While I am sad that all of us are having this issue, I was at least happy to find a thread where people are discussing it. I have read through this thread and figured I would join this group also (I am also a member at MY350z.com) and keep you guys up to date where we are. We have been to 2 different dealerships and they have both agreed that the noise is coming from lower RPMs...i.e....not slamming on the gas pedal, which I am sure you all are experiencing too. We also have a lemon law here in North Carolina and we are in the process of getting three documented times of them trying to fix it. As soon as we do, we have already discussed with a lawyer the issue and they will fight this for free on our behalf (of course they will get paid nicely by Nissan when it's all said and done). I will give an update as soon as possible. In the meantime, nobody should just be "accepting" that this is an issue on a lot of the Muranos. For the MSRP of our LE (approx $41k), this is UNACCEPTABLE and we are going to make sure that this issue gets resolved. We hope that we can end up getting another LE which does not have this issue because in our opinion, there is no other crossover / SUV out there which we would rather drive. I'll keep you all posted. Take care.

[KM06Blk350ZConv]

Hi all...quick update

My wife received a call today from our Nissan dealer in Charlotte and it seems that all of our complaints are starting to work. She was informed that another Murano driver had came in and they tried this "fix" which the engineering group had came up with to correct the noise and it worked. We are taking it in this week to have the "fix" done and I'll keep you posted if it works

[brainguyus]

After 4 months I'm starting to get the whistle. It's high pitched, very faint and only only occurs at a specific rpm. It's really not that bothersome but I would like to get it taken care of next time the car is in for something. Let us all know what you find.

I just checked and at this time there are no service bulletins out for this issue. I guess they're still verifying the solution.

[Bunshaw]

brainguyus, do you remember what that RPM is? I've had my MO for 2.5 months now so I'll definitely be following this thread for any developments and listening to my MO for the noise.

[brainguyus]

brainguyus, do you remember what that RPM is? I've had my MO for 2.5 months now so I'll definitely be following this thread for any developments and listening to my MO for the noise.

I'll make note of it and post early next week. I can't hear it with the windows up and it's supposed to rain all weekend. I think it's between 1000 and 1500 rpm.

[brainguyus]

Bunshaw,

1,200 rpm is the magic number. It occurs at almost a coasting accelleration and it's within a very narrow rpm range. The whistle is very high frequency and barely audible....so much so that unless it gets worse (or dogs start chasing me ) I'm not concerned about it at this point.

[Bunshaw]

brainguyus, thanks for the follow-up. I see that you mentioned having to have the windows down to hear it too. It's no wonder I haven't heard it, I almost never have my windows down. With fall quickly approaching that should start to change soon though. I'll be on the lookout. If enough owners complain it will encourage Nissan to find the root cause.

[mikefontenot]

Any word on a fix? Did you bring your vehicle into the shop? Please provide an update as this noise is driving me nuts.

[pm_page6776]

I had an 09 murano come into service last week with the same issue. I determined that it is a throttle chamber issue as I have seen the same problem in Titan trucks. We did not have one in stock. When the vehicle returns and I install the part, I will update you all on the fix.

[brainguyus]

I had an 09 murano come into service last week with the same issue. I determined that it is a throttle chamber issue as I have seen the same problem in Titan trucks. We did not have one in stock. When the vehicle returns and I install the part, I will update you all on the fix.

Just curious....was it gum buildup at the butterfly valve?

[pm_page6776]

There was no visible buildup on the butterfly. I did not try to clean it, I replaced it. This repaired the Titan noise. Still waiting on the Murano to return for part replacement. If you have this noise, perhaps you should try cleaning the plate and let us know if it is fixed. Just be aware that if you do clean it you can mess up your idle speed adjustment and cause a service engine soon light. Otherwise, I will let you know when the murano returns.

[pm_page6776]

Ok.... I have a CONFIRMED repair for this complaint! I replaced the throttle chamber and gasket and there is no longer a "whistle" noise. The vehicle only had 5,000 miles and the throttle plate was NOT "gummed up". This is not a normal noise so don't let your dealer tell you differently.

[Timmbo]

Good info! Thanks for the follow-up!