When is it necessary to change the transmission oil of a Lada Kalina?
Like any car, Lada Kalina has an instruction manual. In this document, the manufacturer reflects all the procedures necessary to carry out the car, the timing and procedure for carrying out planned work, including regulating the procedure for changing the oil in the box. Until 2011, the procedure for changing the oil in the Lada Kalina manual transmission was not regulated at all; it was assumed that the transmission was flooded for the entire service life of the car. Previously, drivers relied only on their own experience and carried out this procedure on a voluntary basis.
However, since 2011, with the introduction of new standards, the manufacturer nevertheless introduced a procedure for changing the fluid at a mileage of 130 thousand km. However, this period goes beyond the scope of warranty service (5 years or 100 thousand km), so the costs of its implementation fall entirely on the consumer.
In addition, in 2013 the model received a new Japanese-made automatic transmission, which undoubtedly improved consumer qualities. However, the need to change the substance in such a unit is more pressing, given the complex design of the machine. AvtoVAZ regulates replacement of such a unit once every 100 thousand km, but experienced motorists reduce this period by half. This helps extend the life cycle of the box and avoid many problems during operation.
During the production of the model, there were several transmissions on the assembly line with different conditions for changing the fluid in them:
- Mechanical 5-speed gearbox with rocker drive. For this unit, changing the substance is not regulated at all, but it is desirable for mileages of 70 thousand km or more. All types of oils are suitable for such a unit, depending on operating conditions.
- Mechanics with cable-driven shifting. In fact, it’s a similar box, but the factory stipulates that the transmission should be changed at 130 thousand mileage. It is advisable to change the oil on a Lada Kalina with a cable gearbox once every 60 thousand kilometers, regardless of the type of lubricant.
- Robotic box, which is also based on mechanics. However, given the design of the unit, replacing the transmission is necessary at least every 50 thousand kilometers, given the high loads under which the unit operates.
- An automatic Japanese automatic transmission will require an oil change every 60 thousand km, regardless of operating conditions. This unit is considered unpretentious and reliable, however, timely replacement of the substance can extend the life of the automatic transmission beyond the 150 thousand mileage specified by the manufacturer.
Difficulties when changing the Kalina 2 automatic transmission oil. About interest
It's time to change the oil. I climbed into the hole and discovered that the magic bolt of the new type had been torn off. Thank you dear exchange service. The new bolt is made of soft metal and can be unscrewed with a 8mm hexagon socket.
Part numbers: Plug 21120-1011061-00
As I understand it, there are such bolts for an asterisk
In fact, I had a rounded hole and the bolt would not come off.
After reading the forums, I tried to unscrew the bolt using a gas wrench. The game is not worth the candle, dear friends. You'll get fucked and dance.
They also try to cut the bolt with a grinder and unscrew it with a large screwdriver. Also a complex approach.
How to unscrew the bolt. I don’t understand exactly how they did it in the service. Tolley with an internal hexagon of 9 or an external hexagon of 17. It was stupidly hammered into a bolt or a bolt into the head. And the bolt turned perfectly using a ratchet.
If, due to the fact that you could not unscrew the bolt, you have been changing the oil through the dipstick for a long time, then buy a flush and run the engine with it.
Next is the standard oil change procedure.
But before that, buy a new bolt from Logan. It is of the following type and is made of high quality metal. The bolt also has a washer-spacer.
To tighten it you need a 4-sided 8-pointer.
For some reason I couldn't find the original bolt.
Remember that ideally it is better to install a new bolt every oil change.
For example, what the bolts used in LADA look like.
What kind of oil to put in the box of Lada Kalina
The best oil for the Lada Kalina gearbox is indicated in the vehicle's operating manual. However, the owner has the right to upload other materials of his choice. At the same time, the plant’s recommendations for brands are based on laboratory research and practical testing of products. There are 3 main types of transmissions on the market, which differ in their composition, viscosity, washing and cooling properties:
- The synthetic substance is the product of a complex chemical reaction with the addition of various additives to improve all functions. Such materials are well suited for changing the oil in the Lada Kalina 2 automatic transmission, given the complexity of the machine’s design. However, such materials are most often counterfeited, which, if low-quality material is used, can result in complete failure of the entire unit and its subsequent replacement. Synthetics have excellent cooling properties, which especially helps the unit maintain its functions in long city traffic jams.
- Semi-synthetic substances are also quite popular, since in addition to their good properties, such substances are cheaper than pure synthetics. Such materials are used on some models by the manufacturer itself. Most often they are poured onto cars after a mileage of 150 thousand km. This oil is suitable for the Lada Kalina Cross box, taking into account its primary use on bad roads and on highways.
- Minerals are most often added from the factory and must be completely replaced when due. This product has mediocre washing properties, but is less fluid, which makes it suitable for use in natural conditions with low temperatures.
What kind of oil is in the manual transmission of Lada Kalina
The gearbox oil for the Lada Kalina station wagon, as for other body types, must meet the standards and indicators specified in the operating manual with the appropriate viscosity parameters and temperature conditions. Many famous brands produce oils that meet 5w40 standards, which are most often used as transmissions for this model.
To operate you will need the following set of spare parts:
- Automatic transmission oil. In this matter, everyone chooses based on their own considerations; many use Nissan. You need to take extra oil, you will need at least 5-8 liters;
- Automatic transmission pan gasket (code 31397 3MX0A);
- Copper washer (code 1102601M02);
- Automatic transmission filter (code 31728 3MX0A). It is advisable to change it, although many people just get by by washing it, and some don’t touch it at all, it all depends on the mileage.
From the tool you need to have:
- Container for draining old oil;
- Watering can and several pieces of hose;
- Lots of rags that don't leave lint;
- Key to “19”, “10” and hexagon to “5”;
- Inspection pit or lift.
How much oil is in the gearbox of Lada Kalina
The volume of the crankcase and the amount of fluid depends on the design of the transmission:
- In an automatic transmission, this figure is 6 liters, which is due to the very design of such a system. To cool it, an order of magnitude more liquid is required, unlike conventional mechanics; also, when using a torque converter, a high friction force is required, which means there is a large amount of liquid in circulation.
- In mechanics with a rocker, the oil volume in the Lada Kalina 2 gearbox is 3.3 liters. Such units were produced until 2012 inclusive.
- In the modernized cable gearbox of the Lada Kalina, the oil volume in the gearbox was reduced to 2.3 liters.
This data should be taken into account when purchasing consumables.
Manual transmission oil
Transmission oils, just like motor oils, are classified according to quality level. According to API designations, all performance properties are characterized by one number (from 1 to 6). The following consumables are suitable for the manual transmission of Kalina-2 cars:
Brand | Viscosity SAE | API class |
Lukoil TM-4 transmission | 75W80, 75W85, 75W90, 80W85, 80W90 | GL-4 |
Rosneft KINETIC (Angarsk, Novokuibyshevsk) | 80W85 | GL-4 |
Rosneft KINETIC (Novokuibyshevsk) | 75W90 | GL-4/5 |
Tatneft TRANSLUX TM4-12 | 75W85 | GL-4 |
TNK TRANS KP | 80W85 | GL-4 |
TNK TRANS KP SUPER | 75W90 | GL-4 |
G-BOX EXPERT GL-4 | 75W90, 80W85 | GL-4 |
Gazpromneft GL-4 | 80W85, 80W90 | GL-4 |
SHELL SPIRAX S5 ATE | 75W90 | GL-4/5 |
In an automatic transmission, the oil cannot be changed. When changing manual transmission oil, it is preferable to use material with a viscosity of 75W85, 75W90.
How to add transmission oil
The main thing is that the dipstick plug should always be screwed in as far as possible. The volume of transmission fluid in a manual transmission is 2200 ml, but, according to reviews, it is about 3 liters. The material used is from the factory manufactured (see table above).
How to fill the box of Lada Kalina with oil
To fill the liquid into the box, you must use a regular filler neck. The body of the box, regardless of its design, has a special filler neck covered with a stopper. In order to fill in new fluid when changing, it is necessary to unscrew this plug on the gearbox housing in the engine compartment (to the right of the engine) and pour in the new substance through a funnel. During normal filling, no other manipulations are required; when replacing, you must first start draining the old substance.
How to change the oil in a Lada Kalina box
Routine replacements are carried out by official dealers, as well as independently if you have a lift or a garage with a pit, a set of keys, an oil filter and 2 funnels for draining and filling the substance. In terms of its order, the change process does not differ depending on the type of gearbox and is divided into 2 types - full change and partial topping up.
Complete oil change in the Lada Kalina gearbox
A complete oil change on a Lada Kalina with a cable gearbox is carried out in several stages:
- Lifting the car on a lift and measuring the level of the liquid using a dipstick or test plug.
- Drain the used old fluid by unscrewing the drain plug at the bottom of the housing. The average time for liquid to drain is about 1-2 hours, depending on its consistency.
- When working with the machine, it is necessary to open the box body, clean the seams from old sealant and replace the oil filter along with the magnets, and also diagnose them for the presence of metal shavings.
- On a manual transmission, the oil filter is located on the housing, which does not require additional opening.
- After replacing the filter, it is necessary to fill in a new substance.
- Then you should start the engine and, standing still, switch all gearbox operating modes so that new oil gets into the seals and other parts. In this case, there should be no vibrations, gears should shift smoothly and softly.
After this, it is necessary to repeat the draining and topping up procedure 2-3 times to completely change the transmission.
Partial oil change in the Lada Kalina 2 gearbox
A partial change of substance involves a simple topping up or a one-time drain of the product. To carry out this procedure, you will need a volume equal to half the gearbox housing - respectively, for a manual transmission 1.5-2 liters, for an automatic transmission - 3-4 liters. In this case, the used oil comes out only by gravity one time.
Also, this procedure can be carried out when the level of the old substance decreases for various reasons (extreme cold, malfunction of individual elements). The procedure for replacing the filter in this case is also desirable, but not mandatory. In this case, if the level of the substance drops critically, it is necessary to diagnose the performance of all systems, regardless of the type of gearbox.
Partial replacement
Everything that Renault considers further can be done at your own peril and risk. If there is an overflow or rubbish gets into the box, you only have yourself to blame. In total, we will replace 2-3 liters of fluid (the total volume is 5.1 liters):
- We take out the automatic transmission dipstick;
- We assemble a structure from tubes d=8 mm. We insert one free tube into the filling hole (see photo);
Fill with fresh transmission fluid
Don't forget to return the dipstick to its rightful place. Reassemble the remaining components.
After all the steps, the old oil in the automatic transmission will be mixed with the new one. But this process will end after 100-200 km. The “partial replacement” is then repeated, and a total of 3-4 liters of “old” material will be replaced.
How to check the oil level in the Lada Kalina gearbox
To check the condition and level in the gearbox, the manufacturer provides several methods depending on the type of gearbox:
- Old manual transmissions use a classic plastic dipstick, which is located directly on the box body in the engine compartment. It contains risks that indicate the current level of the transmission. With its help, you can determine both the level of the liquid itself and its condition. There is also a special sensor installed on the instrument panel, which will provide information when the overall production level decreases.
- On modern mechanical products and automatic transmissions there is no such dipstick; instead, there is a control plug, the state of which determines the current level. The disadvantage of such a plug is the inability to check the actual condition of the oil, its color and consistency. In addition, there is a low level indicator on the instrument panel, which, if it drops too low, will light up and emit an audible signal indicating a lack of product.
Design features of the Jatco gearbox
We are talking about an automatic transmission installed on LADA cars. The automatic transmission design has a dipstick that allows you to control the oil level. But the control is carried out when the engine is running, and it will be impossible to get to the dipstick without removing the filter.
Consider that instead of a dipstick, only a plug is installed. In fact, this is the case for many - if you remove the filter, you can see the “plug” and not the dipstick.
Material selection
Let us remind you that a partial replacement requires up to three liters of oil, but in general the crankcase holds 5.1 liters. The “old” material is mixed with the “new”, and there are only two options to choose from:
- Nissan ATF Matic-S;
- Genuine EJ-1 ATF.
Jatco itself uses the second option.
Standard Packaging Nissan Transmission Fluid