2006 Murano - Engine ping and loss of power?

[lvmurano]

I have a 2006 Murano S with 21,000 miles and have been noticing an engine ping and loss of power once the engine is warmed up. When cold, the engine is nice and quiet and has lots of power. Once it's warmed up, I can hear a ping under light - medium acceleration, and it seems to feel like it's no where near as peppy (it feels like the transmission is in too high of a gear and is choking unless I really floor the pedal).

I took it to the dealer today. The kept it for the day and are claiming in needs a "complete" engine de-carb and fuel injection cleaning at a cost of around $350. I have *always* used 91 octane fuel from either Chevron or Shell and find it hard to believe that the engine is that dirty so soon. They said the spark plugs, cylinders, piston heads and intake were "heavily" carboned and need to be chemically cleaned.

Has anyone else had this type of experience? Does anyone else's Murano ping under light-medium acceleration when the engine is warm? It seems like there must be something seriously wrong for the engine to be so badly clogged up to cause noticeable effects after only 21,000 miles.

[Timmbo]

I have not heard of that happening yet. Interesting, let us know if that resolves the issue, shouldn't that be covered under warranty?

[lvmurano]

I haven't done it yet. It seems like a cop out to me & I doubt it'll fix the problem. My last car had well over 100,000 miles before it needed an engine de-carb -- and that was just to help pass an emissions test, the performance had been fine.

I mentioned the covered under warranty thing to the service advisor, and he said it was something they recommended having done at 21,500 miles as part of regular maintenance.

[Timmbo]

I have owned several brand new Nissans, including an '03 Murano, and I never have have had such a service performed, or had a problem similar to that. Sounds like a warranty issue, you may want to take it to another Nissan dealer, it just sounds like they are trying to make some money.

[slowassmk3]

I have been working on cars for a long time and that is just their way of telling you they want you to pay.......

Take it to another dealer as stated above me.......

Slow

[lvmurano]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'll try another dealer before spending any money. Anyone know of a "good" dealer in the Las Vegas area? They all seem rather crooked out here.

[Darano]

Was this ever resolved?

I have a 2005 Murano that is doing the exact same thing. They replaced the catalytic converters, then replaced the engine, then replaced the fuel pump. It still pings! I would love to find a solution before I lose my drive train warranty.

[Singhman]

My 2006 Murano is the same way. it also pings and drives rough once warmed up. It sounds like an old car! I also have rough acceleration as well, and car seems sluggish once warmed and lacks the 'pep'...any ideas?

[Hmason]

Was this ever resolved?

I have a 2005 Murano that is doing the exact same thing. They replaced the catalytic converters, then replaced the engine, then replaced the fuel pump. It still pings! I would love to find a solution before I lose my drive train warranty.

Continue to press the issue with your dealer and insist that the car be looked at by a Nissan factory rep/engineer. Call Nissan customer service if you do not get satisfaction from the dealer. Don't worry about your warranty as your existing claim must be resolved under warranty even if it exists past the end date of your warranty.

[Darano]

Thanks for the posts.

I think it is a great idea to call in the engineers. I will keep that in mind and let you know how this works out. They have been pretty decent about this up to today.

Today they suggested they would again contact 'Tech Line' to see what they should be the next course of action and almost in the same breath suggested that I trade the car in. I really find it hard to believe there aren't more owners with the same problem. Hmm a replaced engine that pinged in the same car as a new engine that pings... there must be something else aside from the newly replaced fuel pump that is causing this. Any ideas?

[BBISHOPPCM]

My 2006 pings under heavy acceleration (running 91), but has never run rough. My knowledge of Nissan products isn't too bad, and I know that an engine with 21k should NOT need to be cleaned, unless it's a diesel... and even then... I believe this is fault by design, or a defective knock sensor. Still would like to hear if anyone else has found a solution to this. My Murano is approaching 80,000 miles.

[LGSMurano65]

I have a 2006 Murano and have had to have the transmission replaced already...I just drove it 1500 miles and now it sounds terrible when in low gear or when accelerating from a stop...can anyone recommend a good Nissan dealership in Orange County, CA? I just moved here and need to take it in to get it checked out.