What 5 miscalculations of the Lada Kalina will not let the owners get bored?

In the Lada Kalina car, malfunctions are a fairly common occurrence, as in all domestic cars of this brand. However, overall the Lada Kalina is a good car. A huge advantage of the car is the fact that it is quite inexpensive, therefore, affordable for most residents of Russia.

In addition, Lada Kalina is easy to repair, and spare parts for it are relatively cheap. And, naturally, this is one of the most popular cars produced in the Russian Federation. However, Lada Kalina has not only advantages, but also disadvantages. Thus, its capacity is unlikely to be enough to move any large cargo, and the build quality leaves much to be desired.

Lada Kalina has a rather sparse interior, so it is unlikely that the owner of a foreign car will be pleased to change to a domestic car. In addition, Lada Kalina cannot boast of originality and beauty of appearance, especially when compared with numerous foreign models. The disadvantages include frequent car breakdowns, although recently this factor has subsided.

It is difficult to say whether specialists and experts in the field of domestic mechanical engineering are right when they assure that Lada Kalina has made a significant step forward, but recently the company has begun to produce more worthy modifications that break down much less frequently than previous ones. However, as with any other car, breakdowns still happen, and in the most unexpected places.

Lada Kalina problems

Domestic cars have bottlenecks, and there are many of them. There is an insufficiently powerful engine, inconvenient controls, and low performance. But all such shortcomings are insignificant if you clearly know why the car is being purchased. For example, the Lada is not suitable for off-road use, but for the city it is simply wonderful. The same is true for the other components.

And yet, if we consider the shortcomings of the car, there is one significant and incorrigible one: the engine. There is nothing particularly bad or good about it. This is a common design for average cars that are in use by the majority of the population. However, the car’s engine tends to break down often.

For example, many Kalina owners complained that the engine stalled at the most unexpected moment, and then simply refused to start. Some were late for work only because the car stubbornly wouldn’t start after being left in the cold overnight. For many, trips in the summer resulted in the engine overheating and, consequently, stopping its operation. There are many examples of such a plan.

But all the above problems can be solved on your own. The main thing is to know how the car works and what steps to take if it breaks down.

Specifications

Before moving directly to the description of the technical characteristics, it is worth noting that all the engines that were installed on the Kalina were produced by AvtoVAZ and the French versions were not installed.

Let's look at the characteristics of the VAZ Kalina engine:

VAZ 21114

VAZ 11194

VAZ 21126

VAZ 11186

VAZ 21127

The Lada Kalina engine mainly has an engine capacity of 1.6 liters, with the exception of a 16-valve power unit with a volume of 1.4 liters. Kalina engines were equipped with three types of gearboxes - a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed robot, which made it possible to use the maximum potential and power of the engine.

Cold engine won't start

If your car's engine does not start, you should know that this is due to reasons related to the temperature conditions of the device. This factor is stabilized quite simply and painlessly, and accordingly, weak points are easily eliminated.

First of all, the car may not start due to a cold engine that stubbornly refuses to warm up. As a rule, such a breakdown occurs during a long period of inactivity in the summer. In winter, everything happens much faster, because the temperature outside is minus.

Cross section of a 1.6i engine: 1 — oil pan drain plug; 2 — engine sump; 3 - crankshaft; 4 — oil filter; 5 - catalytic manifold; 6 — coolant pump; 7 - piston; 8 — oxygen concentration sensor; 9 — laying of the intake pipeline and exhaust manifold; 10 — inlet pipeline; 11 — nozzle; 12 — diagnostic fitting of the fuel rail; 13 - receiver; 14 — bracket for fastening the tip of the cable sheath; 15 — cylinder head cover; 16 — camshaft bearing housing; 17 - camshaft; 18 — crankcase ventilation system hose; 19 — valve pusher; 20 — cylinder head; 21 — bolt securing the head to the cylinder block; 22 - valve; 23 - candle; 24 — cylinder head gasket; 25 — upper compression ring; 26 — lower compression ring; 27 — oil scraper ring; 28 — piston pin; 29 — fitting for installing the oil level indicator; 30 — connecting rod; 31 - flywheel; 32 — cylinder block; 33 — oil pan gasket; 34 — oil level indicator; 35 - oil intake

In particular, the engine oil temperature is compared with the ambient temperature, which should not be the case. The weak points in this case are the coolants. The algorithm of actions for a cold engine is as follows.

1. Pull the handle that controls the lock drive towards you, thus opening the hood.
2. Take an oil dipstick and check the fluid level in the engine. You should know that ideally the mark should be between o and “MIN”.
3. Check the engine cooling fluid level. Ideally it is half the capacity.
4. Carefully inspect the engine and the space under the hood. Often the problems lie there. Particular attention should be paid to gasoline and oil drips, as well as brake and cooling fluid leaks. Be sure to check the integrity of the electrical wiring.
5. Car malfunctions are more accurately identified when trying to start it, so without closing the hood, you need to get behind the wheel. If it’s raining or snowing outside, it’s best to cover the hood. Before this, you need to check the high-voltage wires on the spark plug coils, since very often faults lie precisely in them. Then you can turn on the ignition, having previously installed the key in it under the number “I”. This factor should lead to the operation of the device for supplying gasoline to the engine.
6. The ignition key is turned and the car engine starts. If the attempt is unsuccessful, then the fault lies deeper. In particular, in the starting system, ignition system or engine power supply. In any case, you need to check all options. The video shows all the manipulations. You can watch a video on this problem.

Options

If we don’t go into prices and just compare the options available in cars by trim level, we get the following.

Lada Kalina 2 cars in the “standard” configuration, unlike the standard Grants, have electric power steering, driver airbags, a short steering rack, athermal windows, top handrails, a cigarette lighter, an ashtray, power windows for the front doors, 14” wheels, bumpers in body color.

Lada Granta in almost the most expensive version (369 thousand rubles) in contrast to Norma Kalina 2 (about the same cost - still unknown):

• - fog lights
• - electric windows for rear doors
• — electric drive and heated exterior mirrors
• — exterior mirrors and door handles painted in body color

Kalina 2, unlike Granta, has only a heated windshield.

In addition to these options, the luxury Granta and norm Kalina 2 have the following general options:

• — Security alarm function with remote control
• - On-board computer
• — Heated front seats
• — Athermal glass
• — Air filter entering the cabin
• — Power windows for front doors
• — Climate system (air conditioning)
• — Anti-lock braking system with emergency brake assist (ABS + BAS)
• — Multimedia system with 1 DIN control unit (without CD drive, FM, USB-Flash, stereo, SD card, Bluetooth, Hands Free, 7” LCD touch display)

Engine overheating, problems with the starting system

Cooling system: 1 — expansion tank; 2 — radiator outlet hose; 3 - inlet hose; 4 - radiator; 5 - steam removal hose; b — radiator supply hose; 7 — electric fan; 8 — electric fan casing; 9 — coolant temperature sensor; 10 — coolant temperature indicator sensor; 11 — throttle assembly; 12 — bracket for the coolant pump pipe; 13 — coolant pump; 14 — coolant pump pipe; 15 — heater radiator supply hose; 16 — heater radiator outlet hose; 17 — exhaust pipe; 18 — coolant pump pipe hose; 19 — thermostat housing

The engine may overheat due to boiling of the engine oil. To eliminate such a malfunction, you only need to start the starter. The motor control system itself will find the optimal way out of this situation.

However, this method cannot be called universal, so if the engine still does not start, then you need to check the above options. A video on this topic might help. You can recognize that the problem lies in the starter by its unnatural behavior. There are five main faults of this component.

1. The starter refuses to turn on. Repairing Kalina in this case comes down to eliminating the breakdown in broken contacts, a break or short circuit in the starter electrical circuits, or a malfunction of the element traction relay.
2. When you try to start the starter, you hear characteristic clicks that are repeated many times. In this case, it is necessary to start repairing the Lada with the traction relay, or more precisely, with its winding. The reasons may be a discharged battery or loose contact connections of the starter.
3. The starter starts but the armature does not work properly. The main reason is a dead battery. In addition, there may be contact failures or breakdowns of the starter traction relay. The culprit may also be simple contamination of the collector.
4. The starter and armature are functioning properly, but the flywheel refuses to operate. As a rule, the cause is a loose starter, broken teeth in the flywheel and lever, as well as the drive buffer spring.
5. The starter does not work after starting the engine. The reason lies in a malfunction of the starter freewheel or failure of the traction relay. In this case, it is necessary to immediately stop the engine to prevent its permanent breakdown. The experts in the video will tell you and show you what to do next.

It is very difficult to eliminate the above breakdowns on your own. It is best to contact a specialized service station, where they can quickly find and fix the problem.

In road conditions, you can only check the discharge of the battery using a voltmeter, and also pay attention to whether the contacts in the starter circuit are tightly tightened. The video will help you perform this action correctly.

In a station wagon

Today, many experts see the station wagon as the best creation of the Kalina family. Indeed, although its exterior is not distinguished by noticeable and catchy solutions, in order to appeal to a certain caste of consumers, it is an ideal vehicle of the classic type.

Initially, the designers were given the goal of inventing and constructing a car that would meet the needs of the masses. It was supposed to become a universal vehicle for every day. Both men and women had to like the car.

Regarding body production technology:

• 33 new materials were used in assembling the station wagon body to ensure European quality standards and compliance with safety standards. This includes not only metal parts, but also plastics, paints and much more;
• The corrosion resistance parameter has been increased several times, thanks to competent and complete galvanizing of parts exposed to greater exposure to aggressive environments
• The design of the body and interior parts was obtained entirely using computer geometric modeling. Thanks to this, it was possible to increase the rigidity and safety coefficient several times. This also affected the quality of manufacturing and mating of the front body parts;
• Welding work is carried out exclusively by robotics. Today, according to the plant administration, about 360 robots are used.

Among other advantages of the body, we can highlight the large spaciousness of the interior and luggage compartment. This, in turn, was achieved due to a successful layout solution aimed solely at increasing the volume of internal space. In addition, the car was designed with a high seating position, which provided good visibility.

Regarding comfort:

• It's easy to get in and out of the station wagon thanks to the large door opening angles;
• The rear seats are equipped with convenient settings that allow you to place cargo of different sizes;
• The interior is well protected from excess noise. For this purpose, additional door seals are provided;
• The interior is protected at the highest level from fading and ultraviolet radiation due to athermal glazing;
• The cabin provides high sound comfort. This is facilitated by proper sound insulation.

• The Kalina station wagon has a durable design. A corresponding crash test was carried out. Body deformation measurements were carried out after impacts from the front, side and rear. The following weak areas were identified, which were immediately significantly strengthened: the floor near the driver’s feet, the central door pillar, the crossbar under the seats, upholstery, side members and much more;
• In a situation of poor visibility, when there is fog or twilight outside, visibility deteriorates. This directly affects the PB. To increase safety, it was decided to install electric and heated mirrors. True, such mirrors are installed only in the “Lux” configuration.

Regarding driving performance:

Thanks to the successful combination of body and suspension, good handling and maneuverability appeared. The station wagon is comfortable to drive, both in the city and outside it.

If you are the owner of a Lada Kalina, learn to care for it competently. Above was information revealing the features of the body of this car and a step-by-step algorithm for replacing the body. Instructions for taking geometric dimensions with your own hands are also described. Find out more about this from photos and videos.

• Absolutely legal (Article 12.2);
• Hides from photo and video recording;
• Suitable for all cars;
• Works through the cigarette lighter connector;
• Does not cause interference to radios and cell phones.

Disadvantages of cars from personal experience

I decided to write an article for those who are just planning to buy Kalina. But I think that for ordinary owners it will be interesting to read and learn something painfully familiar from my writings. I would like to say once again that I have owned this miracle in a station wagon for more than 2.5 years and my car has covered just over 45,000 km.

What disadvantages and disadvantages appear over time?

The first thing I noticed as soon as I left the dealership was the rattling of the gear shift lever. Moreover, at first this sound was barely noticeable and practically inaudible. But with daily use it became stronger. This is especially evident at the moment when in second or third gear you begin to slow down with the engine.

I tried tightening the lever mounts, wrapping the wires and plug with electrical tape, and also wrapped the insert with the gear shift circuit. The sound became quieter, but still did not disappear completely. I didn’t do anything else, let it be as it is, I’m already used to this feature.

It’s possible that in the future I’ll try to get rid of these sounds, but for now I’ll go as is. As they say, so as not to forget that I’m riding Kalina!

The second unpleasant moment is damage to the paintwork at the point of contact of the front mudguard with the threshold. I think those Kalina owners who have been driving for several years are also aware of this problem. Personally, in my case, the paint rubbed down to the metal on the passenger side. Everything is fine with the driver's license; no damage to the paintwork was found.

By the way, I noticed this unpleasant feature after about a year of operation. And as always, there is no time to fix this problem, although it seems to me that this can be cured by cutting off a couple of millimeters of the mudguard in the place where it rubs with the body.

As soon as I do this, I will definitely write on the blog, but in the meantime I will carefully monitor this place so that things don’t come to more serious consequences.

Now a few more words about corrosion. Of course, I went a little overboard with such a terrible word, but there is yellowing on the body. The truth is just in one place and barely noticeable. I am sure that this drawback is observed on all machines that are stored in the open air. This applies to the emblem on the trunk lid.

Along its entire contour, especially on the inner sides, yellowness appears, in other words, traces of rust. It is clear that it is not the metal of the trunk that has corroded, but the logo mount. Since it is attached from the inside with metal locking washers. Again, this yellowing appears and is pronounced in winter, and in summer, with frequent washing, they disappear almost completely on their own.

A gap appears between the bumper and the front fenders on the sides. I once wrote about this in my previous articles. This can be treated quite simply, just tap the edges of the bumper with your fist in the place where it leaves the fender and after several blows it snaps into place.

True, this procedure must be repeated sometimes, since with intensive use of your Kalina, the bumper will again begin to protrude slightly forward relative to the wing. But I can say that in my case this method has already been tested over several thousand kilometers and so far the gaps are within normal limits.

That's basically all for now. I no longer consider the bubbling of the 8-valve engine to be a disadvantage, since I have long been accustomed to this interesting sound. I don’t seem to have any more complaints about my Lada Kalina. The car serves well and delivers only positive emotions. I hope that I am not alone in this and that many potassium growers are also happy with their devices!

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