2020 Nissan Murano Fuse Box Diagram

The 2020 Nissan Murano, a popular mid-size SUV, relies heavily on its electrical system for everything from engine management to powering your infotainment system. A critical element of this system is the fuse box, officially called the Power Distribution Center (PDC) by Nissan. Understanding its layout and function is crucial for diagnosing and resolving electrical issues. This guide provides a detailed look at the 2020 Nissan Murano fuse box diagram, empowering you to tackle common automotive repairs and modifications safely and effectively.
Purpose and Importance
Why is this diagram so important? Several reasons:
- Troubleshooting Electrical Issues: When a component stops working (e.g., headlights, radio, power windows), the first step is often to check the corresponding fuse. The fuse box diagram tells you exactly which fuse to inspect.
- Performing Repairs: Knowing the location of relays and fuses is essential when replacing faulty components or wiring.
- Adding Aftermarket Accessories: If you're installing a new stereo, auxiliary lights, or other electrical accessories, you'll need to identify appropriate power sources and protect the circuit with a properly sized fuse.
- Understanding Vehicle Systems: Studying the fuse box diagram provides valuable insight into how different electrical systems are interconnected and protected.
Essentially, the fuse box diagram is the roadmap to your Murano's electrical system. Without it, you're navigating in the dark.
Key Specs and Main Parts
The 2020 Nissan Murano typically has two main fuse boxes:
- Interior Fuse Box (IPDM E/R): Located inside the cabin, usually under the dashboard on the driver's side. This box primarily houses fuses and relays for interior components like the radio, power windows, climate control, and instrument panel. IPDM E/R stands for Intelligent Power Distribution Module Engine Room, which is a bit misleading as it is inside the vehicle.
- Engine Compartment Fuse Box: Situated in the engine bay, near the battery. This box protects critical engine management systems, headlights, ABS, and other essential components. It contains larger fuses and relays designed to handle higher current loads.
Key Components within the Fuse Boxes:
- Fuses: These are safety devices designed to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent. They contain a thin wire that melts and breaks the circuit if the current exceeds a specified limit. Fuses are rated in amperes (amps), indicating the maximum current they can handle.
- Relays: These are electromechanical switches that use a small current to control a larger current. They are used to switch on/off high-current devices like headlights, starter motors, and electric fans.
- Circuit Breakers: Some circuits may use circuit breakers instead of fuses. Circuit breakers are resettable and automatically interrupt the circuit if an overload occurs.
- Wiring Harness Connectors: These connectors provide the electrical connections between the fuse box and the various components throughout the vehicle.
Understanding Fuse Box Symbols
The fuse box diagram uses standardized symbols to represent different components and their functions. Here’s a breakdown of common symbols:
- Fuses: Typically represented by a rectangle with a wavy line inside. The amperage rating is usually printed next to the symbol.
- Relays: Usually depicted as a square or rectangle with a coil symbol inside, connected to switch contacts.
- Circuit Breakers: Similar to fuses, but often with a small switch or button to indicate that they are resettable.
- Lines: Solid lines represent wires connecting different components. Dashed lines may indicate grounding or a specific type of connection.
- Colors: Wire colors are often indicated on the diagram to help you trace circuits. Common colors include red (power), black (ground), and various other colors for specific functions.
The diagram itself usually provides a legend that explains all the symbols used. Always refer to the legend for accurate interpretation.
How It Works: The Electrical Circuit
Understanding the basics of an electrical circuit is crucial for working with the fuse box. A typical circuit consists of:
- Power Source: The battery, providing the electrical energy.
- Wiring: Conductors (wires) that carry the current.
- Load: The device or component that consumes the electrical energy (e.g., a light bulb, motor).
- Switch: A device that opens or closes the circuit, allowing or preventing current flow.
- Fuse: A safety device that protects the circuit from overcurrent.
The fuse is connected in series with the load. If the current exceeds the fuse's rating, the fuse blows (the internal wire melts), breaking the circuit and preventing damage to the load or wiring. Relays act as remote switches, allowing a small control signal to switch a high-current circuit.
Real-World Use: Basic Troubleshooting Tips
Here's how to use the fuse box diagram to troubleshoot common electrical problems:
- Identify the Problem: Determine which component is not working.
- Locate the Fuse Box: Find the fuse box (interior or engine compartment) that contains the fuse for the malfunctioning component.
- Consult the Diagram: Use the fuse box diagram to identify the correct fuse. The diagram will show the fuse's location and amperage rating.
- Inspect the Fuse: Carefully remove the fuse using a fuse puller (usually located in the fuse box). Examine the fuse filament. If the filament is broken, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
- Replace the Fuse: Replace the blown fuse with a new fuse of the same amperage rating. Never use a fuse with a higher rating, as this could damage the circuit.
- Test the Component: After replacing the fuse, test the component to see if it is now working.
- If the Fuse Blows Again: If the new fuse blows immediately or shortly after being replaced, there is likely a short circuit or other electrical problem in the circuit. This requires further diagnosis and repair, possibly by a qualified technician.
Example: Your radio suddenly stops working. You consult the interior fuse box diagram and find the fuse labeled "Radio." You inspect the fuse, and it's blown. You replace it with a new fuse of the correct amperage rating, and the radio starts working again.
Safety Precautions
Working with automotive electrical systems can be dangerous. Always follow these safety precautions:
- Disconnect the Battery: Before working on any electrical component, disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery to prevent accidental shorts or shocks.
- Use Insulated Tools: Use tools with insulated handles to protect yourself from electrical shock.
- Never Replace a Fuse with a Higher Amperage Rating: This can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
- Be Careful Around Relays: Relays can get hot, especially when they are switching high-current loads.
- Do Not Work in Wet Conditions: Water is a conductor of electricity and can create a dangerous shock hazard.
- High-Risk Components: Be especially cautious around components like the airbag system, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and engine control unit (ECU). These systems can be sensitive to electrical interference and may require specialized diagnostic tools. Improper handling of the airbag system can result in serious injury.
If you are not comfortable working with electrical systems, it is best to consult a qualified automotive technician.
Obtaining the Diagram
Having a physical or digital copy of the 2020 Nissan Murano fuse box diagram is invaluable. While diagrams can sometimes be found on the inside of the fuse box cover, these are often simplified and lack detail. More comprehensive diagrams are available in the vehicle's owner's manual or online service manuals.
We have a copy of the 2020 Nissan Murano fuse box diagram available for download. Please contact us through the channels specified on this website to obtain the file.
By understanding the layout and function of your Murano's fuse boxes, you can confidently tackle a wide range of electrical repairs and modifications, saving time and money while gaining a deeper understanding of your vehicle.