Engine Codes 2012 Nissan Murano Without OBDII Reader

Finding engine trouble codes on your 2012 Nissan Murano without an OBDII reader might seem impossible, but there’s a hidden trick. While this method is commonly associated with older Nissans, some 2012 Muranos may still respond to this technique. This guide will walk you through the process of retrieving those diagnostic codes.

Retrieving Nissan Murano Engine Codes without a Scanner

The secret lies in the car’s built-in self-diagnostic system. By performing a specific sequence with the ignition and accelerator pedal, you can trigger the Service Engine Soon (SES) light to flash a series of codes. These codes correspond to specific issues within your engine system. Be warned, timing is crucial for this process to work.

Step-by-Step Guide to Retrieve Codes:

1. Ignition On: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. Hold it there for precisely three seconds. Use a stopwatch or timer for accuracy.
2. Accelerator Pump: Quickly and fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor and release it five times within five seconds. Again, precise timing is essential.
3. Pause: Wait exactly seven seconds after completing the accelerator pumps.
4. Hold Accelerator: Fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it down for ten seconds.
5. Observe the SES Light: The SES light should begin flashing in a sequence of long and short flashes. Release the accelerator pedal as soon as the flashing starts.

Decoding the Flashes:

Each flash sequence represents a four-digit diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

• Long Flashes (0.5 seconds): Represent the number “10,” often signifying a “0” in the code.
• Short Flashes (0.25 seconds): Represent numbers 1 through 9.

For example:

• Ten long flashes followed by three short flashes would indicate the first digit is “0” and the second digit is “3.”
• One long flash followed by zero short flashes would represent a “1” in the code.

Continue counting and recording the flashes until you have a four-digit code. Repeat the process to retrieve any additional codes.

Clearing the Codes:

After retrieving the codes, you may want to clear them from the system. To do this:

1. Repeat steps 1 through 4 as outlined above.
2. Keep the accelerator pedal depressed for at least ten seconds after the SES light starts flashing. The light will continue flashing, providing no visual confirmation of the code clearing.

Important Considerations:

• Timing Accuracy: This method requires precise timing. A stopwatch or timer is highly recommended. Inaccurate timing will result in failure to retrieve the codes or incorrect code readings.
• 2012 Model Variations: While this method may work on some 2012 Muranos, Nissan transitioned to a fully OBDII-compliant system around this year. If this method doesn’t work, you’ll likely need an OBDII reader.
• Further Diagnosis: These codes provide a starting point for diagnosing engine problems. Further troubleshooting and repair by a qualified mechanic are usually necessary. Using a professional OBDII scanner will provide more comprehensive information.

This method can be a helpful first step in diagnosing engine issues on your 2012 Nissan Murano without an OBDII reader. However, remember that it might not be effective on all models. If you encounter difficulties or the problem persists, consult a professional mechanic or invest in an OBDII reader for more accurate diagnostics.