Nissan Murano '05: Issues with Engine Power, Fuel Consumption and Start-up

Hey there, I've got an '02 Nissan Maxima and had similar symptoms you're describing. The quirky ignition and poor fuel consumption had me curious too. Ended up being a case of heavily contaminated intake channels which was messing with the overall functioning of the engine. At the garage, the mechanic first verified the issue with a diagnostic. After that, the channels needed a thorough cleaning. It was a fairly lengthy process where they removed and disassembled the intake manifold, cleaned it out, then reinstalled everything. If you aren't afraid of some hands-on work, you could try a DIY cleaning process but it could be a bit tricky. Let's just say it's not the most fun I've had on a Saturday afternoon, but certainly doable with the right guides and tools. But if you're unsure, a pro at this job can save you some valuable time and possible future headaches. Keep in mind though, an issue of this sort can significantly decrease your vehicle's performance and potentially lead to more serious problems down the line, so better get it sorted sooner rather than later. All the best with it!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks heaps for the info! Your experience with the '02 Maxima clears up a few things for me. I reckon I'll swing by the local garage for a proper clean-out of those intake channels. But just out of curiosity, and if you don't mind me prying, do you recall how much did they hit your wallet when you got your Maxima fixed? Questioning as I'm trying to suss out an esti. And since you had it sorted, has any other troublesome issue popped up related to this? Cheers again for your help!

(Translated from German)

Hey, no problem at all. We're all here in the trenches together, right? Trying to keep these old beauties purring. Well, the bill wasn’t exactly easy on the pocket, but it was worth it for the peace of mind. The guys over at the garage charged me 425€ to de-gunk the intake channels. Not exactly a drop in the ocean, but trust me, it does wonders for the ride. And about your second question, I haven't had any problems with the smooth running control since the fix - touch wood! So, I'd say it's money well spent. But it's always good to remember, with these older cars, something can always crop up, no matter how diligent you are. Just part of the ride! Keep us updated with what you decide to do. Good luck!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the quick input! It's indeed a rough ride with these older beauties, isn't it? Anywho, your details were insightful and I'll definitely include them in my decision. That 425€ cost stings a bit, but if it helps keep the old girl run smoothly then I guess she's worth it. Honestly, the headache of recurring issues is something I'd pay to avoid. So, if the clean-out helps me steer clear of that, as in your case, I'm all for it. Nevertheless, I'll keep your nuggets of wisdom in mind about the unpredictable nature of these older machines. Will definitely keep you and the rest of the gang updated on how this turns out. Heck, maybe I'll become the go-to guy for someone dealing with the same issue. Cheers again, - wish me luck!

(Translated from German)