3.5L V6 Engine Complete Assembly for 2018-2024 Nissan Murano - Front

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Verify your VIN's 4th digit is 'A'.
• Confirm your Drivetrain Layout (FWD vs AWD) to prepare for transferring the oil pan, brackets, or transfer case.
• Inspect your original oil cooler for metal contamination if your old engine suffered a mechanical failure.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty engine hoist or a subframe/lift table
• Nissan Engine Support Tool & Bracket (J-50246 or equivalent)
• Spill-free coolant funnel kit or vacuum-lift coolant refiller
• Bi-directional OBD2 scan tool
• Engine Stand
• Comprehensive socket and ratchet set (metric)
• Torque wrench
• Fuel line and A/C line disconnect tools
• Ball joint separator
• Axle nut sockets

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Fresh 5W-30 or 0W-20 API SN/SP certified engine oil (5.1 quarts) and premium oil filter
• Fresh Nissan Blue Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
• Six new OEM-spec double-platinum or iridium spark plugs (e.g., NGK DILKAR7B11)
• Upper and lower intake manifold plenum gaskets
• Exhaust manifold gaskets
• Thermostat and gasket
• Water pump
• Rear main seal
• Valve cover gaskets
• Front crankshaft seal
• Air filter

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS) security re-marriage, Idle Air Volume Relearn, Throttle Valve Closed & Accelerator Pedal Position Relearns, and Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Pattern Learning.

sources differ: Arm 1 states no ECU/Immobilizer re-marriage is required if original ECU is reused, while Arm 2 states NATS re-marriage is required to start. Cautious value 'yes' selected for dealer tool and programming. A professional bi-directional scan tool (such as Nissan CONSULT-III Plus) is highly recommended to successfully command and complete the mandatory Idle Air Volume Relearn and NATS security relearn.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Alignment: Failing to fully seat the torque converter into the CVT transmission's front oil pump splines before bolting the engine and transmission bellhousings together will crush and destroy the transmission's internal oil pump. Never use the bellhousing bolts to pull the engine and transmission together.
• Coolant System Air Pockets: The VQ35DE is notorious for trapping air in the heater core and cooling passages, causing rapid overheating. Use a spill-free funnel or vacuum-lift refiller, elevate the front of the vehicle, open the air bleeder valve on the heater hose near the firewall, and rev the engine in short bursts to purge all air.
• AWD vs. FWD Configuration: If swapping between AWD and FWD configurations, you must transfer the lower oil pan, intermediate shaft brackets, oil pickup tube, and the power take-off unit (PTU) / transfer case from your original engine.
• Ground Straps: Missing or loose grounds will cause immediate sensor communication failures, erratic shifting, or damage to the ECM.
• Fragile Sensors: Camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are plastic and easily damaged during mating. Remove them temporarily during the physical swap to keep them safe.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Reusing a Contaminated Oil Cooler: If the original engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure, metal debris trapped inside the oil cooler will wash into the replacement engine and destroy it instantly.
• Swapping Rear Coil Pack Connectors: It is easy to accidentally swap the plugs for cylinders 3 and 5 on the rear bank, causing a severe misfire and catalytic converter damage. Label these connectors before disassembly.
• Assuming a Surging Idle Means a Bad Engine: An erratic or surging idle is typically caused by not performing the electronic Idle Air Volume Relearn procedure.
• Ignoring Oil Gallery Gaskets: Installing a high-mileage engine without inspecting or replacing the paper/cardboard oil gallery gaskets can lead to a severe oil pressure drop later.
• Reusing Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: Critical bolts (cylinder head, main bearing caps) must be replaced to ensure proper clamping force.
• Not Swapping the Correct Flex Plate: Automatic transmission flex plates can have subtle differences; compare and swap the original flex plate if they do not match perfectly.
• Failing to Program NATS: Assuming the engine is plug-and-play and being unable to start the vehicle because the immobilizer (NATS) is active.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: