Clocking the Murano - Nissan, do I have permission to continue?
Recently, on my way to work in our Nissan Murano, I realized the clock was off by 18 minutes. I could leave it alone, but I’d rather not do math to calculate my arrival time while driving in rush-hour traffic and monitoring traffic reports. Let’s see, 7:15 plus 18 minutes means… bumper to bumper traffic on the route I just took because I missed the radio report. Arrrgh!
So, just a simple adjustment and I’d be content in the knowledge that I am not significantly late for work. Based on recent experience driving our Infiniti EX35 and Murano, I know can adjust the radio, iPod controls, climate system, and even the trip computer when moving. Other than the integrated iPod controller, these functions don’t even require using the multifunction controller and its attendant bank of buttons. So far, so good.
But adjusting the clock? Not so fast—it’s buried deep within the vehicle settings menus, and the ability to adjust it is locked down when the vehicle is in motion. Hit “Settings” and… “Clock selection” is dim until you stop. Makes total sense.
Radio and iPod: Safe to adjust when moving. The clock: Not so much.
Nissan, why is it considered appropriate to navigate through the detailed iPod menu, browsing folders and songs, while driving at 65 mph, yet a simple clock adjustment is so convoluted that I’m not allowed to do it when driving? Sure, I change iPod tracks a whole lot more frequently than I adjust the clock’s time. (The need exists at least twice a year to adjust the clock and possibly more often, as I recently discovered.) You made redundant and simple hard keys for almost everything else, and our Murano doesn’t even have navigation, so why not just drop the mobile dashboard desktop look, sadly de rigueur for a luxury car, in favor of the luxury of simplicity? Or, just let me adjust the clock with the current, high-tech setup.
Have you encountered a frustrating control or function with your car? Share your experience in the comments below.
Posted by: Don McMillan | Jul 30, 2008 10:03:51 AM
Chrysler will stop producing the Pacificia with the 2008 model. Would you buy a 2008 Pacificia knowing this is the last year they are making it ??
Posted by: david | Jul 30, 2008 3:10:10 PM
I have yet to see a vehicle with an easy to adjust time setting on. My microwaves/oven have easy to adjust time. There should be a "clock" button somewhere in the car.
Posted by: Alex | Jul 30, 2008 8:34:06 PM
At least the Murano lets you find the clock settings and tells you why you can't change them. On many car stereos the clock set function is completely hidden and you can't find it without reading the instruction manual!
Posted by: Cale | Jul 31, 2008 12:10:53 AM
Nissan may have made a mess of just about every switch and button on the "unloved" interior of my 04 Infiniti G35 but at least I can reach up anytime to the clock adjustment stem, twist it either way, and quickly set the clock. Sounds like two steps forward and one step back.
Posted by: Neil Erath | Jul 31, 2008 7:54:47 AM
The Nav system in my Nissan Pathfinder disables page up/down when moving. So if I'm on the road and bring up a list of restaurants (gas stations, rest stops, what ever), I can only see the first five or six unless I pull over and come to a complete stop. Oh, like doing that on I-80 or the Garden State Parkway is safer than tapping the corner of he screen to page down and see more options. Even the "help" function which will speak the possible voice commands to you can't tell all unless the car is stopped. The Nissan Nav/Entertainment/Climate/Bluetooth/BackupCamera/Everything is so nicely integrated and other wise easy to use. It is a shame it has been hobbled in this manner. I wish Nissan would provide updated software to fix what is IMO a hazard at times.
Posted by: ChaseFranklin | Jul 31, 2008 12:08:42 PM
My Hyundai Veracruz has two buttons to take through adjusting time at any time I wish. For being a Hyundai - they have made the cabin very friendly, comfortable and easy to get used to.
Posted by: Brent Wong | Jul 31, 2008 2:20:36 PM
I have a 2004 Nissan Quest that had the same time adjustment problem. There was about a 10 minute difference over the course of a year.
But luckily for me, the time adjustment is very simple with minute and hour buttons on the dash.
Posted by: MAE | Jul 31, 2008 2:40:34 PM
While an expensive option, the nav system on the 2009 Murano sets the time off the GPS sats, so you never have to adjust it :)
Posted by: John Christian | Jul 31, 2008 10:24:26 PM
I understand your frustration with your Murano. I have a 2003 Murano that gains two-three minutes a month on the clock. For a $30,000 car its crazy to have to put a $9.99 Timex on the dash to keep good time. In general I cannot speak well about this car.... I'm 60 years old and its the worst car I have ever owned.