Engine clicking

[tamorris]

I have an '03 Murano SE AWD. I have noticed from time to time a clicking sound coming from the engine usually only when you are going from a cold start until the engine heats up fully. It is most noticeable at lower acceleration and sometimes when decelerating to come to a stop or going downhill. Usually only last about 10 minutes or so. I have mainly associated it with low oil levels. I can never seem to get an accurate reading on my dipstick no matter how I check the oil (level, warm, letting the car cool down, etc.) there is always oil covering the entire stick. Usually goes away after adding oil, but comes back fairly quickly. Seems the car is just eating oil...Any help or suggestions are appreciated!

[tnelson]

In order to get an accurate read of the oil level on the Murano, it is best to let it sit for several hours or overnight for example. I had an 04 Murano and notice the oil level was difficult to determine, because as you said, there is oil all over the dipstick. What I did was let it sit overnight, pull the dipstick out, wipe it off with a clean rag, reinsert it, then pull it out and read the level. Mine did not start to "use" oil until well over 100K, and then it was only 1/2 quart over 4K miles.

Not sure what the ticking sound may be without hearing it - it could be related to the oil level, the viscosity of the oil you are using, a lifter failing or the fuel injectors. Make sure you have the oil level correct. My 04 would make a noise if it was low on oil, but it sounded like valve clatter when it went from the starting gear to the overdrive mode. Hope this helps you determine the oil level accurately - oh yeah, but sure to change you oil and filter on a regular basis, like every 4K miles.

[tamorris]

thanks for the reply! I think what you are saying is correct. I will try checking oil after an overnight sit tomorrow. My ticking is almost exactly as you described it. I am about 95K miles on the MO. I was talking with a buddy who also owns a Nissan and he wondered about the fuel injectors, spark plugs, or lifters as well. Easy fix? Spark plugs look like a pain on the MO, I bought this car used a couple years ago, not sure when or if the plugs have ever been changed.

[jules226]

My 06 is making the same sort of noise. I'm about to take it in to Nissan for another oil change... I believe it did this before and after my last oil change as well however I am friends with a few ppl at the local Nissan dealership so I am going to have them drive it some to see if they can figure anything out. I'd prefer to get a newer Mo if there is going to be costly repairs in my future especially after already spending enough on power steering repairs.

[tamorris]

I hear you, I have replaced quite a bit on my Mo and I have only had it 2 years. Let us know what you find out from the shop! Changing the oil myself this weekend! I use full synthetic Mobil 1 and generally change it about every 4k-6k depending on oil levels.

[Tab03]

I've had this same issue with my 03' MO, I think I've pretty much come to the conclusion it's due to the oil levels. Recently I took my MO to a shop to check on the noises I was hearing, after a full inspection they found my oil cooler seal was bad. I had this bizarre oil consumption occurring and I could never figure it out, this might have had something to do with it....no signs of leakage were ever noticed on the garage floor. They also replaced my AC-Alternator belt, my engine noise has decreased quite a bit. My injectors still sound a little noisy so might try some injector cleaner to see if that helps which the mechanic suggested.