In brief, the firing order for the Murano’s 3.5-liter V6 is 1-2-3-4-5-6.
The 2010 Nissan Murano uses Nissan’s 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 with coil-on-plug ignition and six ignition events per engine cycle. Getting the firing order right is essential for proper spark timing, diagnosing misfires, and performing maintenance such as spark plug or ignition coil replacement. This article explains the order and how cylinder numbering works on this engine.
Engine and firing order overview
The Murano’s 2010 model year is powered by the 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC V6. The ignition sequence is fixed at 1-2-3-4-5-6, meaning the spark events occur in that numerical order around the engine. The engine uses six individual ignition coils (coil-on-plug)—one per cylinder—rather than a single distributor-driven coil pack.
Cylinder numbering and bank layout
On Nissan V6 engines, cylinders are arranged in two banks. The firing order is mapped across these banks as 1-2-3-4-5-6, with odd-numbered cylinders on one bank and even-numbered cylinders on the other. The exact front-to-back orientation can vary depending on how the engine sits in the engine bay, so consult the service manual or a repair guide for your car to identify the precise location of each numbered cylinder relative to the front of the vehicle.
Maintenance implications
When replacing spark plugs or ignition coils, follow the factory torque specs and recommended spark plug gap. If diagnosing misfires, inspect each coil-on-plug and its wiring, as well as ignition-related components, since a misfire on a given cylinder corresponds to that cylinder’s place in the 1-2-3-4-5-6 sequence.
Verification and references
For model-specific verification, refer to the official Nissan service information, your owner's manual, or a reputable repair guide (such as a Haynes or Chilton manual) that covers the 2010 Murano with the 3.5L V6. While the firing order is consistent for this engine family, always confirm against documentation linked to your VIN and production date before performing ignition work.
Summary
The 2010 Nissan Murano’s 3.5L V6 fires in the sequence 1-2-3-4-5-6, with six coil-on-plug ignition coils corresponding to each cylinder. Cylinder numbering follows a two-bank arrangement with odd and even cylinders on separate banks, and exact positions can vary visually in the engine bay. For precise location mapping, consult the vehicle’s service manual or a trusted repair guide.