We repair and improve the dashboard of VAZ cars

Author: Ivan Baranov

Each vehicle must be equipped with an instrument panel (ID) that allows the driver to communicate with the vehicle. The dashboard displays the main parameters of the vehicle, so this device should always be in working order. What indicators and icons are installed in the VAZ instrument panel, what malfunctions can occur in its operation? Basic data, as well as recommendations for tuning, are given in this article.

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Description and location of indicators and instruments on the panel

The VAZ instrument panel may differ depending on the vehicle model.

In general, domestic car equipment can be divided into three groups:

• shields for classic cars - VAZ 2101-VAZ 2107;
• devices for the Lada Samara family of cars - 2108, 2109, 21099;
• PP VAZ of the tenth family - 2110, 2111, 2112, etc.;
• tidy of more modern VAZ models - Priora, Granta, Kalina.

Seven dashboard
Since the last two options have already been discussed in previous articles, we will not focus on them.

The VAZ 2107 dashboard includes the following components (all indicators are marked in accordance with the numbers indicated in the diagram below):

1. Voltmeter. This device shows the current voltage in the car's electrical network.
2. Speedometer showing the speed of the vehicle.
3. Odometer. Essentially, this is a counter that shows the mileage traveled by the car.
4. Tachometer. This device demonstrates the engine speed. It is not advisable to allow the needle to move into the red zone.
5. Antifreeze temperature sensor. Likewise, the needle must not be allowed to move into the red zone, as this will lead to overheating of the power unit.
6. One of the features of the instrument panel on a VAZ is the presence of an econometer. Thanks to this device, the driver can choose the most optimal travel option in terms of fuel consumption.
7. Indicators. From top to bottom - turn signals and light alarm, Check icon (for engine diagnostics, placed on injectors), discharged battery, side lights, high beams, low oil pressure, parking brake.
8. Another car mileage counter, only in this case we are talking about daily mileage.
9. Indicator light that turns on when there is a minimum amount of fuel left in the gas tank.
10. Fuel level sensor.

Nine panel with a low panel.
Separately, we should dwell on the dashboards of the cars of the Samara family. The panel on VAZ 2108, 2109 and 21099 can be low or high - in this case it all depends on the torpedo installed in the cabin.

Low panel devices include the following elements:

1. Speedometer.
2. DTOZH - engine temperature.
3. Voltmeter.
4. Fuel level sensor in the tank.
5. Minimum gasoline volume indicator.
6. The econometer and its purpose were discussed above.
7. Car daily mileage counter.
8. Odometer, where the total mileage is displayed.
9. STOP screen.
10. The low battery indicator, as well as its appearance on the instrument panel with a low trim, may be caused by incorrect operation of the generator unit.
11. Indicator of the opening of the air damper or suction.
12. Light signaling.
13. Brake fluid reduction icon.
14. Handbrake activation indicator.
15. An icon for reducing engine fluid pressure in the system; its appearance is usually associated with a decrease in oil level.
16. Turn signals.
17. Dimensional lighting.
18. Rear fog lights activation symbol.
19. High beam activation indicator.
20. Symbol for turning on the rear window heating system.

Photo gallery “Tidying Samara with a high panel”

1. Nine shield with high panel

2. Description of the shield elements

3. Description of the indicators on the dashboard

Designation of Lada Granta tidy icons

The following is a description and explanation of the icons on the standard Granta tidy.

Exclamation mark on Granta's dashboard is on

The symbol is presented in the only indicator indicating a malfunction in the motor electrics. The lamp lights up when the ignition is turned on and goes out after the engine starts.

When an element blinks continuously or is constantly on, this indicates a breakdown. It is recommended to immediately go to a service station and have the defect repaired.

Steering wheel icon on the Granta dashboard

The pointer is responsible for indicating the operation of the power steering module. If the signal is constantly on, there is a problem with the power steering device. The steering may become “wobbly”.

The engine icon on the Grants panel came on

A yellow “check” on the dashboard indicates a malfunction in the motor. If the light comes on, immediately slow down and head to the nearest service center to find the problem and repair it.

Where is the engine temperature on the Grants panel

On the newest versions of the tidy, the indicator is displayed on the BC display. The first generation panels were not equipped with such a meter and only had an engine overheating lamp.

The easiest way to display the internal combustion engine temperature on the dashboard is to install a separate meter on a spare socket in the console. Due to the fact that the designs of non-standard devices can vary significantly, they should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The oil is burning on the Granta tidy and beeping: reasons

The car's oiler can only indicate problems inside the crankcase compartment. There is a drop in lubricant pressure here, which can cause a leak or pump failure.

Immobilizer icon on the Grants panel

All devices have this symbol. The light indicates that the device is turned on. In this position, it will not be possible to start the engine and start moving. To disable the option, you will need to enter the combination on the key fob.

Car with a key on the grant panel

With a similar indicator, the car indicates the normal operation of the standard immobilizer. More details about the module are provided above.

Battery light on panel

If a similar indicator appears on the dashboard, you will need to immediately check the condition of the generator set and its wiring. It is recommended to perform a battery diagnostic.

The airbag icon is on on the dashboard

The light indicates that the activator module is faulty or disabled. In the event of a collision, the device will not operate.

Possible faults

More modern cars are also equipped with a connector for VAZ diagnostics. But even in the absence of a diagnostic connector, you can be guided by the indicators themselves.

If the instrument panel begins to work intermittently, the reasons may be different:

1. The devices do not work due to mechanical damage to the device or moisture on the panel. To diagnose, you need to dismantle the device and make sure there are no cracks on the board or other damage, as well as moisture. If there are defects, most likely the device will have to be replaced.
2. Some indicators have stopped lighting. As a rule, in this case the reason lies in the burnout of lighting sources. For diagnostics, you will also have to remove the shield and install new ones instead of burnt-out lamps.
3. The backlight stopped lighting. This problem may be due to damage to the wire responsible for turning on the backlight.
4. Some devices do not work - for example, a gas level sensor or engine temperature sensor. To diagnose the malfunction, you will need to dismantle the failed controller, which, depending on the device, may be located in the engine compartment or gas tank. The device is removed, its contact and electrical circuit are checked, you can also try installing a new sensor and checking the functionality of the device.
5. The contacts have oxidized. This problem can arise as a result of long-term use of the car (the author of the video is the In the Garage channel).

Tuning the backlight of the Lada Vesta instrument panel

Lada Vesta has an original and modern dashboard. For ease of reading at night, the hands, scales and indicators are illuminated. Want to make your instrument panel unique? Change the backlight color! Do you think that the Vesta panel backlight is dim? Install brighter LEDs!

Vesta’s instrument panel differs from those that the plant installed on previous LADA models. But from a technical point of view, these parts have a lot in common; SMD LEDs are used to illuminate the readings. The main idea of ​​the modification is to replace them with alternative ones (of a different color or brighter).

General action plan:

1. Remove the instrument panel;
2. Take it apart;
3. Unsolder the required SMD LEDs and solder your own in their place;
4. Reassemble and install in reverse order.

Dismantling instructions

Let's briefly consider the process of dismantling the dashboard using the example of a car of the ninth model:

1. First of all, the hood opens and the battery is disconnected.
2. Next, there are two screws on the top of the shield trim; they should be unscrewed.
3. Then the lining itself is dismantled.
4. Now work is being done on the shield. The device is removed from the seat, all wires leading to it are disconnected.
5. The device is removed from the installation site, diagnostic equipment is used to check it, and if necessary, repairs are carried out. Further installation is carried out in the reverse order (the author of the video about removing the tidy is the In the Garage channel).

Refinement of the Granta liftback dashboard

The basic equipment of the dashboard of the Lada Grant “Norma”, “Standard” is quite simple and uninformative. The defect was promptly corrected by manufacturing a new panel sample. It is installed exclusively on the “Lux” modification. An alternative option outside the factory version is provided. In order to increase the information content, a new instrument layout and external design are used:

• the borders of the instruments are separated by a chrome insert;
• more space is allocated for a computer monitor;
• the owner can independently choose the color design of the backlight in order to reduce eye strain;
• basic (important) information is now displayed at the top of the display.

Information about the Lada Granta instrument panel software

• turn off the ignition;
• press and hold the mileage reset button in pause mode;
• activate the ignition;
• release the pressed button.

Information about the software version and hardware model will appear on the monitor. The data must be used when purchasing a new shield.

Tuning ideas

There are several tuning options for the dashboard of VAZ cars:

1. Installation of a new, modernized dashboard. The range of such devices on the modern market is quite large - consumers are offered many different options for control panels, differing in price and characteristics. As a rule, these are digital devices. The difficulty of this method is that the car owner will have to redo the connectors for connecting the dashboard, and it is also possible that changes will have to be made to the firmware of the control unit.
2. Using overlays. One of the most popular and simple types of tuning. In this case, the overlays are mounted on top of the existing instrument scale - instead of the standard scales of the speedometer, tachometer, temperature sensor, gasoline level, etc. Installing the trim involves dismantling the tidy, as well as removing the arrows from the scale. You can purchase such overlays without any problems on the Internet, and if necessary, you can even download them from the Internet.
3. Using LEDs. This option is one of the simplest in terms of execution. Its essence lies in removing factory lamps and installing brighter and more beautiful LED light sources instead. Such a simple upgrade will significantly improve the appearance of the control panel, as well as increase its illumination. But you need to understand that there should be enough light, since bright tidy can distract the attention of the motorist. There should be no problems with replacing lamps; they are simply dismantled and new ones are installed in their place. But if you decide to use an LED strip, then you need to take into account that it will have to be soldered to the board, in this case you need to be more careful and attentive.
4. Shield trim. This type of tuning can be classified as external, since it will only affect the appearance of the instrument shell. Its implementation is relevant if the shield is worn out or has damage.

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Sequence of actions when dismantling the dashboard

The reasons for disassembling and replacing the Grantback liftback dashboard are very varied: damage, installation of a new diode, etc.

• We unscrew the three mounting bolts around the perimeter. Carefully remove the assembled unit so as not to damage the contact boards, electrical wiring, and terminals;
• Remove the instrument panel mount for the Lada Granta liftback;
• To replace the tachometer/speedometer needles, you need to move the lever up a little and turn it counterclockwise.

After the final replacement and maintenance, we reassemble the structure. Self-repair of the front panel of the Grant liftback is completed.