2020 Nissan Murano Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in Your 2020 Nissan Murano

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2020 Nissan Murano has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2020 Nissan Murano has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2020 Nissan Murano?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2020 Nissan Murano, it's essential to adopt a methodical diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue. Start by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning light. Next, examine your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings that might provide further insight into the problem. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; it allows you to retrieve specific trouble codes from the vehicle's computer, which can direct you to the exact issue. Additionally, inspect the engine bay for any visible damage to wires, hoses, or connectors, as physical damage can often lead to malfunctions. Finally, monitor your vehicle's performance closely, noting any irregularities such as rough idling or decreased fuel efficiency. By following these initial steps, you can effectively narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2020 Nissan Murano?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2020 Nissan Murano, it serves as a crucial alert for drivers to investigate potential issues that could affect vehicle performance. One of the most straightforward problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can often be easily tightened or replaced if necessary. However, if the light persists, it may indicate more complex issues such as a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a vital role in monitoring exhaust emissions and can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can lead to serious performance issues, making it essential to understand its function in the vehicle's exhaust system. The mass airflow sensor is another key component that can trigger the check engine light if it malfunctions, as it directly affects the engine's air-fuel mixture. Furthermore, worn spark plugs can cause engine misfires, while a malfunctioning ignition coil can result in poor engine performance. For DIY enthusiasts, having the right diagnostic tools and a foundational understanding of automotive systems is crucial, as early detection and resolution of these issues can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2020 Nissan Murano?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2020 Nissan Murano, it signals a need for immediate attention, as neglecting this warning can lead to serious consequences. The light may indicate a range of issues, from minor sensor malfunctions to significant engine problems that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. Ignoring the light not only risks decreased fuel efficiency but can also escalate into costly repairs if the underlying issue worsens. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific problem. However, while some issues may be simple fixes, others may require professional expertise to ensure safety and reliability. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly is crucial to maintaining your Murano's performance and preventing potential hazards on the road.

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