[jaak]

From a Nissan Service Bulletin:

APPLIED VEHICLE(S): All models
SERVICE INFORMATION
In case a vehicle is hard to start during cold weather, we suggest the following procedure.
• These steps are a review of the procedure outlined in the Owner’s Manual.
• Use these steps when the weather is cold and the engine is hard to start.
1. Press the accelerator pedal down approximately 1/3 of the way to the floor.
2. Hold the accelerator pedal in this position while cranking the engine.
3. Once the engine has started release the accelerator pedal.
NOTE: Do not race the engine while warming it up.
4. If the engine does not start within 15 seconds, stop cranking, wait at least 10 seconds.
Then repeat steps 1 through 3.
Once an engine is started in cold weather condition:
• You should keep the engine running for a minimum of 2-3 minutes before shutting it off.
• Starting and stopping of the engine over a short period of time may make the vehicle more difficult to restart.
• It may also adversely affect a vehicle’s fuel economy.
Another factor which may affect a vehicles “startability” is the viscosity or thickness of the oil that is used.
• SAE 5W-30 viscosity engine oil is preferred for all temperatures, all year-round for most models.
• SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil makes it easier to start the engine and maintain a stable idle during warm-up.
Please communicate these cold weather starting tips to your customers.

 

[EasternPA]

Thanks, Jaak.. I was considering posting a reminder about being extra-vigilant behind the wheel now that winter is approaching, and your winter starting tips will help us get each day started. Your tips reminded me of this thread (below), so some of our newcomers may want to read over it as we approach "hard starting season" in the Northeast and Canada.

http://nissanmurano.org/forums/show...2&perpage=15&highlight=obsoleted&pagenumber=1

Saw what looked like someone getting rear-ended in a big way today on the NJ Tpk. Stop and go traffic, when suddenly, about 4 cars back, I saw someone lunge forward off onto the median come within inches of going head first into the barrier, and still had enough inertia to spin the car over 90 degrees. It didn't look like they hit anything or anyone even after all that skidding around, but they stopped on the shoulder afterwards. so I think they got plowed from behind.

Reminded me of the time I was sitting in stop 'n go traffic on I-4 at Disneyworld when suddenly, about a dozen cars up, a Saturn started fishtailing, went sideways off into the grass, through a paved section in the median and when they hit the next section of grass, barrel-rolled twice. How the heck does one get up enough speed to have THAT kind of accident in stop and go traffic? No idea, but they figured out a way.

Keep your eyes open and remain focused, people. Not only is it "hard starting season", but "hard stopping season", too! (Well, maybe not for some of us )

 

[Gonzo]

Question about the CVT with the colder weather coming.

With a stanard manual tranmission I would start the car and put the car in Nuetral and let the clutch out during a 30-60 warmup with it was very cold outside to help get the tranny fluid moving prior to driving.

If I put the CVT into Nuetral is the fluid somehow still be circulated? What happens in Park?

 

[Tyler_Canada]

I think in Neutral (and Park) the torque convertor is still disengaged, so it wouldn't warm up the fluid at all. I would say if you wanted to warm up the fluid while idling, you would need to put the Murano in gear and hold the brake.