2005 Nissan Murano Fuel Pump Location: Where It Is and How to Access It

The fuel pump on a 2005 Nissan Murano is located inside the fuel tank. You cannot find it under the hood, along the frame rail, or anywhere outside the tank. To access the pump, you have two options: either remove the rear seat and cut an access panel, or drop the entire fuel tank from underneath the vehicle. For most DIY owners, the rear seat access method is the preferred route because it saves significant time and effort.

The Exact Location of the Fuel Pump

The 2005 Nissan Murano, part of the first generation (Z50 platform, 2003-2008), places its electric fuel pump inside the fuel tank. This is a common design for modern vehicles because the fuel helps cool the pump and keeps noise levels down. The pump is mounted on top of the tank as a complete module assembly that includes the fuel level sending unit and the fuel strainer (filter sock).

The fuel filter for the 2005 Murano is also built into this same pump module inside the tank. Unlike older vehicles that had a separate, serviceable inline fuel filter, the Murano uses a strainer attached to the bottom of the pump. This strainer is not designed for separate replacement in most cases. If you change the pump, you replace the entire module or at minimum the strainer that comes with it.

Method 1: Access Through the Rear Seat (Recommended)

Many owners and mechanics prefer this method because it avoids the heavy work of dropping the fuel tank. This approach works on the first-generation Murano.

Step-by-step:

  1. Disconnect the battery. Remove the negative terminal from the battery under the hood. This is a critical safety step because you will be working near fuel and electrical connections.
  2. Remove the rear seat. Open the rear doors. Look for covers or caps on the floor under the rear seat cushion. Remove these covers to access the bolts securing the seat. Unscrew those bolts, then lift and separate the rear seat cushion from the vehicle.
  3. Locate the access cover. With the seat removed, you will see a large metal or plastic cover plate on the floor pan. This is the access cover for the fuel pump.
  4. Remove the cover plate. Unscrew or pry off the access cover. You will now see the top of the fuel pump module.
  5. Disconnect the wiring and fuel lines. Disconnect the electrical connector for the pump. Carefully disconnect the fuel lines. You may need a fuel line disconnect tool. Be prepared for some fuel spillage.
  6. Remove the retaining ring. Use a fuel pump retaining ring tool or a hammer and punch to loosen and remove the large ring that holds the pump module in place.
  7. Lift out the pump module. Carefully pull the entire fuel pump assembly straight up and out of the fuel tank. You may need to tilt it slightly to clear the tank opening.

Method 2: Dropping the Fuel Tank

If your Murano does not have an easy access panel under the rear seat, you will need to drop the fuel tank. This is the method described in many factory service manuals.

Step-by-step:

  1. Disconnect the battery. Always start here.
  2. Drain the fuel tank. Siphon as much fuel as possible out of the tank using a siphon pump and a fuel-safe container. This makes the tank much lighter and safer to handle. Never use your mouth to siphon fuel.
  3. Support the fuel tank. Place a floor jack under the fuel tank. Put a piece of wood between the jack and the tank to distribute the weight evenly.
  4. Remove the tank straps. Unbolt the metal straps that hold the tank in place.
  5. Lower the tank. Slowly lower the tank with the jack. Be careful not to damage any lines or wiring as the tank comes down.
  6. Access the pump. Once the tank is lowered, you can reach the pump module on top. Disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connector, then remove the retaining ring. Lift the pump out.
  7. Reinstall in reverse order. Raise the tank back into position, reinstall the straps, reconnect everything, and refill with fuel.

Signs Your Fuel Pump Needs Attention

Before you go through the work of locating and replacing the pump, you should confirm it is actually failing. Common symptoms of a bad fuel pump on a 2005 Nissan Murano include:

  1. Hard starting. The engine cranks for a long time before it fires up, especially after the car has been sitting.
  2. Engine hesitation or stumbling. The vehicle hesitates or jerks during acceleration, particularly when you press the gas pedal.
  3. Loss of power. You notice a significant lack of power, especially going uphill or under load. The car feels sluggish.
  4. Engine stalling. The engine cuts off unexpectedly, sometimes while driving, sometimes at idle.
  5. Whining noise from the fuel tank. A loud, whining, or humming sound coming from the rear of the vehicle near the fuel tank is a classic sign of a failing pump. A healthy pump makes a quiet, brief buzzing sound when you turn the key to the ON position.
  6. No priming sound. When you turn the key to the ON position (without starting the engine), you should hear a brief buzzing sound from the fuel tank for about 2-3 seconds. If you hear nothing, the pump may not be receiving power, or the pump motor may be dead.

How to Diagnose a Fuel Pump Problem

Do not replace the fuel pump without proper diagnosis. Here is a simple process:

  1. Listen for the pump. Turn the key to ON. Do you hear the pump prime? If yes, the pump is getting power and the motor is working.
  2. Check the fuel pump fuse and relay. Locate the fuse box (check your owner's manual for location). Find the fuel pump fuse and relay. Visually inspect the fuse. If it is blown, replace it with the same amperage. Try swapping the relay with a known good relay of the same type.
  3. Check fuel pressure. This is the most reliable diagnostic step. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the test port on the fuel rail. With the engine running at idle, compare the reading to the specifications in your service manual. A reading that is significantly lower than spec points to a failing pump, a clogged filter, or a bad pressure regulator.
  4. Check for voltage at the pump connector. If you have access to the pump connector (under the rear seat or on top of the tank), use a multimeter to check for voltage with the key in the ON position. If there is no voltage, trace the wiring back to the relay and ECM.

Important Safety Precautions

Working on a fuel system is dangerous. Gasoline is highly flammable. Follow these rules:

  • Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on the fuel system.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area. Do not work indoors with the garage door closed.
  • Have a fire extinguisher rated for fuel fires nearby.
  • Do not smoke or have any open flames near the work area.
  • Use fuel-safe containers to drain and store fuel. Never use your mouth to siphon fuel.
  • Wear safety glasses and gloves.

Replacement Parts and Cost

The 2005 Nissan Murano uses a specific fuel pump module assembly. Common OEM and aftermarket part numbers include E8536M, P76359M, P76771M, FG1146, FG1182, SP4009M, SP4074M, 66070, 67994, 150307, and 170401AA0A. The module typically includes the electric pump, the fuel level sending unit, the strainer, and the housing. It is recommended to replace the entire module rather than just the pump motor, especially on a vehicle of this age.

The estimated replacement cost at a shop is between $473 and $854, with labor costing $85 to $125 and parts costing $387 to $729. If you do the job yourself, the part cost is lower, but you will need the tools and time. A DIY installation of the complete module usually takes about 2 to 4 hours.

Recommended Fuel Pump: KEMSO Brand

When choosing a replacement fuel pump for your 2005 Nissan Murano, reliability and performance matter. You want a part that will last and restore your vehicle's performance.

We recommend the KEMSO brand fuel pump. KEMSO fuel pumps are built as high-performance, direct OEM replacement units. They are designed to meet or exceed the original equipment specifications for your Murano, ensuring a proper fit and consistent fuel delivery. Each pump is rigorously tested for quality, and the brand stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty. This means you get a reliable, long-lasting solution without breaking the bank.

Replacing your 2005 Murano's fuel pump is a manageable job, especially if you access it through the rear seat. With the right tools, safety precautions, and a quality part like KEMSO, you can get your SUV running smoothly again.

For more information and to browse their selection of fuel pumps, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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