Experiencing intermittent starting problems with your 2011 Nissan Murano can be frustrating, especially when you’ve already checked common culprits like the battery and starter. Many 2011 Nissan Murano owners have encountered similar issues, sometimes pointing towards unexpected areas like the key fob system. Let’s delve into a typical scenario and explore potential solutions if your 2011 Nissan Murano Key Fob might be related to your car not starting reliably.
One owner of a used 2011 Nissan Murano, with around 95,000 miles, faced a perplexing starting problem. Initially suspecting the usual suspects—battery, alternator, or starter motor—they diligently checked these components. Battery and alternator tests came back clear, but a mechanic diagnosed a faulty starter motor, leading to a $400 replacement. While the issue seemed resolved briefly, it frustratingly returned within days.
Troubleshooting further, the owner decided to replace the key fob battery, assuming a low voltage issue. Surprisingly, the old battery still registered a healthy 3V charge. However, after replacing the key fob battery anyway, the starting problem temporarily disappeared again, only to resurface after a few days. The intermittent nature of the problem continued, with the car failing to start roughly 40% of the time. Even when starting, the engine crank seemed prolonged and labored, suggesting an underlying issue beyond just a weak battery or starter.
This situation highlights that even when standard checks pass, a 2011 Nissan Murano key fob or its related systems could be contributing to starting problems. It’s possible that the issue isn’t solely the key fob battery’s voltage, but perhaps a communication problem between the key fob and the vehicle’s immobilizer or security system. These systems rely on the key fob’s signal to authorize the engine to start. Intermittent failures in this communication could lead to the symptoms described.
Adding to the complexity, the owner also noted an issue with the automatic trunk gate occasionally failing to latch, either via the key fob or dashboard button, requiring manual closure. This additional electrical gremlin further suggests a potential broader electrical system issue that could be indirectly linked to the starting problems and the key fob’s role in vehicle authorization.
If you are facing similar starting issues with your 2011 Nissan Murano, and have ruled out the battery, alternator, and starter, it’s wise to consider potential key fob related problems or wider vehicle electrical system issues. Professional diagnosis from a qualified mechanic experienced with Nissan Murano electrical systems is highly recommended to pinpoint the root cause and implement the correct repair. This may involve deeper diagnostics of the immobilizer system, key fob signal integrity, and overall vehicle electrical health to ensure a reliable resolution.