Low Vibration at 1000 RPM

realtorronkadan · Feb 7, 2023

I’ve had the same rumbling sound as if you have a manual transmission and you start off in second or third gear instead of first gear. I was told the same thing that is just normal with a CVT. Most the time I don’t hear it anymore but I was very concerned when I first got my 2017.

wife'sride · Feb 7, 2023

Instead of purchasing another dipstick, I just placed markings on my GMC truck engine dipstick and checked the CVT level running-hot before draining at 45,000 miles. Completed the fill with the upper plug out method and the dipstick agreed when finished.

muranotim-1957 · Feb 8, 2023

The low speed/RPM rumble is normal. Driving a manual transmission in a gear too high is an accurate description but it's normal. As long as there is no transmission shudder, hesitation or other symptoms, it's just how these models are. They run the engine at such a low RPM (I'll assume for optimal gas mileage). I too have gotten used to it. It almost gives me a comfortable feeling (weird I know). In the beginning it was a bit aggravating even though before I bought the car I was aware of it from auto reviews, so it didn't catch me off guard. They cruise like a dream at highway speed. You'll get used to it. For this size SUV with a V6, it's pretty good on fuel.

MuranoSL2003 · Feb 8, 2023

Yeah, I think it's just that my ear drums are particularly sensitive to low frequencies. The rumble is not so much heard as it is felt by me, it makes my ear drums have a flutter-like feeling (if that makes any sense...) Luckily it only occurs around town when cruising at a steady speed below ~42 MPH. It's absolutely fine when driving over that speed when the revs are over 1000-1100 luckily, otherwise long highways speed trips would be very unpleasant.

fotomoto · Feb 8, 2023

MuranoSL2003 said:
Mine has done it since day one, so I doubt what I am experiencing with my '19 is dirty fluid...

I just changed the CVT fluid with Amsoil (which transformed the CVT operations BTW) but did nothing for the resonance. Nor did I expect it too nor was it my reason for the fluid change.

2ndGenMaintainer said:
I wonder if there are "active" engine/transmission mounts on these later models?

Or a change in manufacturer, specs, etc.

muranotim-1957 said:
The low speed/RPM rumble is normal.

I've owned and driven countless vehicles with auto, semi-auto, CVT and eCVT transmissions and none have done this. I agree it sounds a bit like lugging but the engine and vehicle are both running smoothly during this. To me, this feels and sounds to be a purely harmonics/balance related issue.

MuranoSL2003 said:
It's absolutely fine when driving over that speed when the revs are over 1000-1100 luckily, otherwise long highways speed trips would be very unpleasant.

Mine still occurs up to and slightly over 50 mph on a level road, no headwind, etc. That this V6 can still pull 1100 rpm at this speed is very aggressive CVT gearing.

2ndGenMaintainer · Feb 8, 2023

fotomoto said:
Or a change in manufacturer, specs, etc

Right! Or if they are vacuum operated, could the hoses become detached, leaking or clogged somehow. The obvious answer there would probably be that it hasn't been reported or considered common. However, it appears that if there is a mechanical cause, they haven't found it yet which could lead to the excuse of "thats normal". I think we can agree while looking into this forums history of posted issues where the dealership has said things are "normal" we have found otherwise in some situations. For example, I remember fairly recently a post about noise/clunking where the dealership test drove the vehicle and said everything is "normal". In that case, the noise/clunking was there before. Ultimately, the cause was found to be the sway bar stabilizer bushings worn out. That was after the customer insisted the dealership check everything over again, including multiple trips to multiple dealers. Could this be "normal", sure! However, logically thinking about how the issue wasn't there before and now it is, usually points to something not "normal" This could also just be something they haven't found an answer for yet.

MuranoSL2003 · Feb 8, 2023

fotomoto said:
Mine still occurs up to and slightly over 50 mph on a level road, no headwind, etc. That this V6 can still pull 1100 rpm at this speed is very aggressive CVT gearing.

I agree, it is quite impressive! But annoying...

I think in part it may be the CVT that allows such low rpms. I think it can quickly adjust it's gear ratios much better in a very low rpm situation than a conventional automatic could.

MuranoSL2003 · Feb 11, 2023

PaulDay said:
Do you mind telling what make/model you acquired and what settings do you normally drive on?

Just curious as to how others are using their throttle controller and why they felt they needed one.

Did it resolve any issue, and/or just gives a much positive acceleration feel when stepping on the gas pedal.

Thanks in advance.

Have a good day.

I have an TROS model similar to yours I believe. This is the one I have:

Amazon.com: Throttle Response Controller WAK-801 for Nissan Altima 2007+, Murano 2008+,Almera 2012+,Juke 2010+,Tiida 2007+,Xtrail 2008+,Rogue 2014+,Sylphy 2013+ Etc.Electronic Throttle Accelerator Potent Booster : Automotive

I didn't have an issue with the factory throttle response curve, it was fine for me. I purchased it in hopes of resolving the 1000 rpm low frequency drone that I am too sensitive to... It helps enough that I kept it. I experimented with the various settings, but found 1.1 lessons the drone and is just about the right response curve for me.

1.1 is Comfort setting in yellow. It's a bit more responsive than the factory curve (black dash line).

PaulDay · Feb 11, 2023

Thanks for the reply.

I'm set at Comfort 1.6. Gives better acceleration when getting on the highway. Anything higher and the gas pedal get too twitchy at lower RPMs.

My wife drops it down to 1.3 - 1.4 when she drives.

Both of us have always felt that the Murano was kind of sluggish when stepping on it before installing the pedal controller.

Have a good day.

lgraf9546 · Apr 3, 2023

Cryogenix1 said:
One thing I've been procrastinating about since owning this '21 is removing the CVT dipstick from my '03 to see if fluid registers on it when inserted into the '21 tube. I haven't measured and it's very difficult to gauge on the '21 because of all the plastic ducting forward of the hood latch (that envelops the CVT fill tube cap), but I feel the fill tubes might be the same length on both cars, so I could use the dipstick from the '03 to check the level on the '21.

One of these days I'll wake up the mice under the hood and pull that dipstick. But -11 degrees is coming tomorrow, so I'll let them sleep for now.

A CVT dipstick from an earlier series Murano won't be correct for your '21, as I think the CVT was updated with the series III (2015+) Murano's. The best way to check fluid level is remove the upper plug when the CVT is at operating temperature. If a small amount of fluid comes out the hole, then it is at correct level. If not, it might be slightly low. That upper plug is visible without removing the splash panel below the CVT, however the car will have to be on a shop lift or raised up from the floor for you to get under it. Don't raise just the front of the car, or the angle of the car & CVT won't be level. The fluid check plug won't be accurate if the car is not level.

PaulDay · Apr 3, 2023

If you're going to do it, do it right.

Right from the FSM for the 3rd Gen Murano. Open and print.

Good luck.

Have a good day.

Cryogenix1 · Dec 29, 2023

Re: 1000 RPM rumblngs... I have sensitive hearing and during about the first two years of driving this 2021 the 1000 RPM rumble wasn't there. Of course it's possible it was far fainter when new and gradually intensified. I'm currently trying to figure out the cause, but am not going to start dismantling the valve body and going crazy about it.

The act of replacing the PCV valve seemed to quiet the rumble and made the engine idle smoother and accelerate better. Once replacing the PCV valve and starting the car for the first time, the engine RPMs shot to or above 4000 and quickly came down to normal. After that, things were fine for a couple of weeks before the rumble returned.

I'm going to start a thread about the 1000 RPM rumble in the hopes of keeping track of when it happens and what people have tried (personally or via a dealership) to solve it, and then keep a record of it here so that we might be able to zero in on the cause.

homerail2005 · Apr 18, 2024

Younger said:
Hi there. I have read a few posts on this subject but there has not been any responses or updates since Jan 2022. Just wondering if anyone has had the issue lately and if they have been successful in sorting it out?

Basically there is a low audible rumble when the CVT drops to 1000 RPM to maximize the fuel efficiency. I have had my 2018 Murano SL into the dealership a few times lately and can't seem to get rid of it. They updated the software, checked the heat shield for loose connections and still the sound is there. If you shift to sport mode it goes away as the RPMs climb by a few hundred. This is a problem that was not with the car when purchased. it showed up around 60K and I am at 78000 now.

Other than this noise I love my car and wish Nissan would take ownership of this issue and address it.

I have a 2020 Murano with 25,000 km and the same issue. I wrote Nissan Canada a letter and explained the noise and they contacted the dealership. They called me and had me bring the car in for a complete trans checkup. Service told me nothing could be done and everything was fine. I'll drive it for a few years but I will not buy another one.

DJO · Apr 19, 2024

MuranoSL2003 said:
Sure wish my '19 had a dipstick so that it could be checked more easily...

On other threads, it has been discussed that a transmission dipstick IS AVAILABLE for the Gen3 MO. However you have to buy it as a separate item. Yes, Nissan has a part number for one, and many aftermarket ones are available from Amazon and other places.

Low Vibration at 1000 RPM

realtorronkadan

wife'sride

muranotim-1957

MuranoSL2003

fotomoto

2ndGenMaintainer

MuranoSL2003

MuranoSL2003

PaulDay

lgraf9546

PaulDay

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Cryogenix1

homerail2005

DJO

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