The Niva SUV, in all modifications, is very popular in Russian spaces. This is due to good maintainability, low price and excellent maneuverability. To ensure reliable operation, you should undergo all maintenance on time, in particular, replace the coolant.
The liquid system with forced circulation of the VAZ 21214 car is designed for effective heat removal. It fully copes with its task, you just need to keep it in good condition.
How to change antifreeze on a VAZ 21214 Niva
The Niva SUV, in all modifications, is very popular in Russian spaces. This is due to good maintainability, low price and excellent maneuverability. To ensure reliable operation, you should undergo all maintenance on time, in particular, replace the coolant.
The liquid system with forced circulation of the VAZ 21214 car is designed for effective heat removal. It fully copes with its task, you just need to keep it in good condition.
Replacing antifreeze VAZ 21214
Replacing the coolant is a regulated maintenance procedure, which is prescribed in the operating instructions. There is nothing complicated about it if you clearly and carefully follow the described action plan.
Suitable for Niva cars:
Coolant drain
Before starting the draining procedure, you should prepare tools, containers for used antifreeze, as well as new liquids for subsequent refilling. If protection is installed under the engine, it can also be removed for convenience.
Next, we perform the procedure for draining the liquid from the VAZ 21214 (Niva):
- turn the temperature regulator in the cabin to the maximum position to the right (Fig. 1);
Flushing the cooling system
If there are deposits in the drained liquid or there is a transition from antifreeze to antifreeze, the system should be flushed. To do this you need to do the following:
- Flush the system with plain water through the expansion tank of the VAZ 21214. The plugs must be open;
- tighten the drain plug and bolt;
- fill the system with a flushing agent (you can use Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger or Lavr cooling system flush) with distilled water (6-7 liters);
- start the engine. Warm up to 90 degrees;
- leave it idling for 5-10 minutes, depending on the contamination of the system;
- muffle it. Allow the engine to cool to approximately 60 degrees;
- drain the flush using the same steps as removing the old fluid;
- tighten both plugs;
- fill with distilled water to rinse the cooling system;
- start the car and warm up to 90 degrees;
- turn off and let cool to 60 degrees, drain;
- repeat steps 8, 9, 10 and 11 if necessary.
Filling antifreeze into Niva 21214, 21213 without air locks
To fill new fluid into the cooling system, you can use the instructions described in the book on car repair and operation. But when doing this, motorists very often end up with air jams.
So, let's start filling it correctly:
- before filling, unscrew the hoses supplying antifreeze to the throttle valve heating unit and lift them slightly up (Fig. 1);
The filling of the liquid is completed, all that remains is to wipe off the spilled antifreeze and wait for the engine to cool. With the car now cooled down, check the level in the expansion tank again and top up if necessary.
Replacing the heater valve VAZ 21214 Niva without draining antifreeze
Niva cars sometimes have problems associated with the failure of some parts of the cooling system, such as a thermostat or pump. If they break down, they are replaced as an assembly, fortunately they are not expensive. Also a common problem are leaking hoses or a cracked expansion tank, which also needs to be replaced.
But there is another problem with the VAZ 21214, a leaking heater valve. Because of this, there may be a smell of antifreeze in the cabin, wet floor mats on the front passenger side, or the heater may not work.
There are several ways to replace a faulty faucet:
- complete draining of antifreeze from the system;
- clamp the stove pipes with special clamps;
- Place your Niva on a slope, with the hood down.
But there is another option that is more clear and simple. To do this, you need to disconnect the pipes going to the stove under the hood, point them upward and fix them in this position. The next step is to remove the stove itself:
- unscrew the console;
- disconnect the latches securing the stove;
- there is no need to disconnect the buttons;
- move the radiator assembly, along with the tap and pipes, towards the driver;
- we take out the entire structure through the space between the steering wheel and pedals;
- That's it, you can change the tap itself.
Replacement frequency, how much and what kind of fluid is needed
According to the manufacturer's recommendation, it is necessary to replace antifreeze or antifreeze on VAZ-21214 cars every 3 years or after a mileage of 60 thousand kilometers.
If the car is used in more severe conditions, then it is advisable to replace it more often - every 30-40 thousand kilometers. In addition to the recommended coolant change intervals, there are other reasons why it is necessary to change the fluid in a car's cooling system:
- loss of coolant properties. You can check the quality of the antifreeze used using a test strip, which is sold in the same places where the liquid itself is sold. Place the strip in the expansion tank, then pull it out. The strip comes with a color scale, according to which you can understand how much longer the car can be used before replacing the coolant;
- change in color of the coolant to tan or red. This means that rust has appeared in it;
- the appearance of sediments, flakes and dense formations in the liquid.
The coolant for the VAZ 21214 Niva injector should have a freezing point no higher than -40 degrees. Typically, the manufacturer fills in TOSOL TS-40 (manufacturer in Dzerzhinsk). When replacing antifreeze, it can be replaced with antifreeze with G12 approval; it is safer for the entire cooling system. You can also use original Lada G12 antifreeze, which is suitable for all cars of this manufacturer.
Frequency of replacing the coolant of a VAZ 21214 car
First, it’s worth making a small digression. It is believed that the Niva should be filled with antifreeze, a domestically produced coolant. But drivers should remember: antifreeze is the name of the coolant that was produced in the USSR. And at the moment it is no longer produced. But many domestic companies continue to call their products antifreeze. Despite the fact that, in essence, this is standard antifreeze.
But what about the frequency of replacement ? For original AvtoVAZ fluid, it is recommended to replace it every 60 thousand km. If the mileage is low - 3 years after filling in new coolant. If you use antifreeze from other manufacturers, you must check their recommendations. On average, for coolant brands G12 or G12+ it should be replaced every 200-250 thousand km or once every 5-7 years.
But it’s also worth talking about the recommendations of experienced car owners . Here's what they advise:
- Periodically check the condition of the antifreeze in the system. There are a number of factors that reduce the service life of a fluid. Here it is necessary to mention: temperature changes, dust and dirt, uneven speed limits. In case of intensive use of the car, a check should be carried out every 30-40 thousand km.
- When buying a used car, the antifreeze is changed immediately. Some owners fill the coolant system with low quality or plain water. Therefore, it is advisable to change the fluid immediately. It is also worth checking the condition of the radiator, expansion tank and pipes for leaks and damage.
- When switching to another type of antifreeze, a complete flushing of the system must be done. It is necessary to remove dirt and residual additives from the old coolant.
When replacing the coolant in a VAZ 21214 “injector”, a volume of antifreeze equal to 10.7 liters. This is the standard amount of coolant for any Niva car model. It’s worth noting here that the principles of filling and volume are the same for all Nivas. This also applies, for example, to replacing the coolant in Niva 21213, or Lada 4×4 Urban. By the way, Lada 4×4 is the new name of the Niva series models. It's worth keeping this in mind when looking for replacement parts.
Now it’s worth understanding the signs of replacing the coolant in Niva. You need to pay attention to the following points:
- The engine overheats quickly. The thermometer needle is constantly in the red zone. The fan runs almost continuously.
- The pressure in the system is higher than normal. This is due to the appearance of plugs in the cooling circuit.
- The color and consistency of the liquid have changed. The antifreeze has lost its transparency and dirt has appeared in it. In the worst case, the coolant has an unpleasant odor.
If the described problems occur, the antifreeze must be changed.
Volumes of filling tanks VAZ 21213 Niva
To refuel and service a domestic VAZ SUV, you need to know the filling capacities of the VAZ 21213 Niva and its modifications, the VAZ 21214. Some numbers need to be known by heart, for example, the capacity of the tank and engine crankcase. The rest should be written down in a notepad, which is stored in the glove compartment of the cabin. And it doesn’t matter that you are not going to do the maintenance of the car yourself, the specialists at the service station may also not know the refueling volumes of your car.
Power unit
The engine installed on the modern model of the Niva 21213 (214) car was inherited from its Soviet progenitor - the VAZ 2121, and in terms of fluid volumes they are almost identical:
- Liquid cooling system. Filled with antifreeze in an amount of 10.7 liters with a freezing point not higher than -40 ° C. The capacity of the interior heating radiator is also included in this volume.
- Crankcase. Motor oils are poured here, the brand of which depends on the operating conditions. Capacity: 3.75 liters, including oil filter filling.
The viscosity of the oil poured into the Niva engine must correspond to the outdoor temperature at which the car is operated. Possible modes and suitable oil brands are shown in the table:
When flushing the power unit during the process of replacing liquid lubricant, the same amount of flushing oil (3.75 l) is used, taking into account the size of the filter. Replacement is carried out after 8-12 thousand kilometers, depending on the quality of the oil. Flushing is usually performed after 3 engine lubricant changes. During operation, it is important to monitor the oil level in the engine crankcase using a special dipstick. If the level drops below the Min mark, it is urgent to add lubricant to the engine of the same viscosity as was previously filled.
Antifreeze needs to be updated at least once every 3 years or according to the degree of wear of the fluid. It is not recommended to dilute antifreeze with distilled water, either in winter or summer. In winter, the diluted liquid may freeze, and during the summer heat it may boil ahead of time, which will lead to overheating of the engine.
Transmission
The Niva 4x4 transmission system has the following filling volumes:
- transfer case - 0.79 l;
- gearbox - 1.6 l;
- rear axle - gearbox - 1.3 l;
- front axle - crankcase - 1.15 l;
- steering column - crankcase - 0.18-0.2 l.
As with the operation of a power unit, under different temperature conditions, transmission units and assemblies are filled with oils of different viscosities, which is reflected in the table:
As stated in the operating instructions, transmission lubricants need to be changed once every 30 thousand km. mileage At the same time, replacement is not provided for in the steering mechanism housing, only an addition through the top plug. The “native” oil for Zhiguli transmission units is considered to be TAD17I.
Transmission oils have good penetrating ability. Therefore, poorly clamped plugs and worn gaskets of units begin to gradually leak lubricant. In such situations, it is allowed to add oil of the same viscosity class and, preferably, the same manufacturer. If you do not top up during a leak, the lubricant level in the unit will decrease, which will lead to accelerated wear of expensive mechanisms.
Lubrication system
The Chevy Niva lubrication system itself is also combined. The oil pump supplies oil under pressure to the bearings, crankshaft, and drive helical gear. Some parts are lubricated by splashing. Characteristics of containers requiring lubrication:
- engine lubrication capacity is 3.75 l;
- It is better to use synthetic and semi-synthetic SUPER oil. Its viscosity class: from -25 to +30, +35 - 5W30, 5W40; from -15-+45 — 15W 40; from -10-+45 — 20W 40;
- Transmission oils from Lukoil TM-4 are made on a mineral (80W 85, 80W-90) and semi-synthetic base (75W-90) and are off-season, high-quality, as they use additives from the world's best manufacturers. They are needed for gearbox housings (1.6 l);
- the same oil is used for the transfer case (0.79 l);
- for the front (1.15 l) and rear (1.3 l) axles use 80W 90 and 85W 90;
- the power steering needs 1.7 liters of Pentosin Hydraulic Fluid CHF115;
- The hydraulic front shock absorber (0.15 l) and rear shock absorber (0.215) are filled with Slavol-AZh or GRZh-12 operating fluid.
High temperatures, constant loads and friction affect the service life and operating time of the motor. Without lubrication, gears and parts wear out quickly. In addition to cooling, it is possible to eliminate carbon deposits and microparticles.
Other liquids and fuels and lubricants
Every car enthusiast should know by heart the maximum fuel capacity of his car. The fuel tank of the VAZ 21213 has a capacity of 42 liters, including reserve. The reserve refers to the amount of fuel remaining in the tank after the yellow warning light on the instrument panel turns on. The reserve amount is at least 5 liters. The car must be fueled with gasoline whose octane number is in the range of 91-93.
The car has a number of refueling tanks that the owner must monitor during operation:
- brake system with expansion tank, total capacity - 0.515 l;
- hydraulic clutch drive with expansion tank - 0.2 l;
- 2 plastic tanks with a volume of 2 liters each contain a supply of windshield and rear window washer fluid.
The clutch release drive and brake system are filled with hydraulic brake fluid (the most popular is DOT-4). It should be changed at least every 3 years, because the liquid has the ability to absorb water vapor contained in the air. As a result, all steel parts of the system in contact with it begin to corrode, which leads to complete or partial failure of the brakes.
If there is a leak in the clutch or brake system, the level in the expansion tanks decreases, so constant monitoring is required over them.
The level of brake fluid in the reservoirs must be maintained no lower than the corresponding mark on the plastic body of the container.
Liquid or clean water for washing glass is added if necessary; in winter, a non-freezing option is required. Otherwise, the ice will not only destroy the tubes, but also damage the electric pump.
Various thick lubricants are also used for maintenance and lubrication of the Niva:
- Litol - a composition for lubricating highly loaded bearing parts;
- CV joints-4 - lubricant for the hinges of the front axle shafts and door opening limiters;
- ShRB-4 is designed for processing ball joints and steering rods.
The list of refueling containers is useful for novice car enthusiasts who bought a used car with a lost instruction manual. The operation of such a car should begin with the replacement of all fluids and oils.
What to do if liquid leaks? What kind of breakdowns happen?
Often problems in the cooling system are caused by breakdowns and leaks. And the condition of the antifreeze does not play any role here. Here is a list of possible malfunctions and how to fix them:
- Thermostat failure. This part is responsible for the connection between the external and internal circuits of the cooling system. In normal condition, it remains cold at operating temperatures below 80-85 degrees. If the liquid heats up more, the thermostat becomes hot. If there is a malfunction, the thermostat no longer heats up, or is constantly hot. And then it has to be changed. It is worth remembering that this part cannot be repaired, only replaced.
- Pump breakdowns. Possible problems: broken impeller blades, cracks in the housing, failure of seals. In case of leaks, it is worth checking whether the problem is in the pump or in the hoses.
- Problems with the cylinder block. If cracks appear or there is a manufacturing defect, you will have to turn to professionals. But sometimes problems arise due to a rotten block cover gasket. This is usually due to the use of ordinary water in the cooling system. Diagnosis is simple: dense, white or bluish smoke constantly comes out of the exhaust pipe. Here the cylinder block gasket is replaced.
- Development of the service life of system hoses. The solution is simple - replacing the hoses. It is done by hand. Tools: pliers and a screwdriver for removing clamps. Old hoses are removed and thrown away, new ones are installed in their place.
- Problems with the expansion tank. Cracks appear on it, and the container has to be replaced. The procedure is simple: the screws on the tank fastenings are unscrewed, the old container is removed, and a new one is installed.
- Problem with radiator fans. There are two of them. One or both can fail at once. Repairs can only be made by an experienced electrician.
- Radiator leaks. Corrected by repair or replacement of the part. But you won’t be able to fix this on your own; you need the help of a professional.
Used (operating) fluids and filling volumes
* For VAZ-2131 cars and its modifications.
Refueling or lubrication point
Quantity, l
Name of materials
Motor gasoline with octane number 91–93, 95*
Engine cooling system including interior heating system
Coolant with a freezing point no higher than –40°C
Engine lubrication system, including oil filter, at ambient temperature:
Motor oils (with API quality level: SG, SH, SJ)
Stages of replacing Chevrolet Niva coolant
When switching from antifreeze to antifreeze, it is necessary to flush the cooling system. This is done so that the new liquid does not lose its properties when mixed. Also, due to the different chemical composition, a precipitate or flakes may form. Therefore, the correct procedure between draining and filling should include a flushing step.
This model is quite popular, so many people know it under other names:
- Chevrolet Niva;
- Chevy Niva;
- Shniva;
- VAZ-21236.
We will consider the instructions for replacing the coolant using the example of a 1.7-liter gasoline engine. But there is one nuance: cars after the 2016 restyling have electronic control of the gas pedal.
Accordingly, there are no pipes for heating the throttle valve. Therefore, we will consider bleeding air on this modification. You can also familiarize yourself with the nuances of replacement on a regular Niva 4x4, the replacement on which we also described.
Niva Chevrolet: cooling system
Engine operation at normal temperature conditions is ensured by the functioning of the components included in its composition . This is a closed-type pipeline with forced ventilation.
List of elements providing heat exchange:
The pump operates under the influence of centrifugal force . As the blades rotate, coolant is pumped, creating a pressure difference, so the antifreeze moves along the line.
For the efficient functioning of the heat exchanger, which includes a radiator, a thermostat is provided to open and close the movement of coolant in a circle. The latter is necessary to maintain balance in the system and has factory settings - it opens at a temperature range from 75 to 80°C.
The radiator contains two tanks connected horizontally by aluminum channels:
- one receives coolant;
- from the other - coolant comes out.
Heat exchange is provided over the radiator area.
When heated, a liquid tends to expand. To avoid the creation of excess pressure, an expansion tank is designed to receive it . The latter is equipped with a cover with a bypass valve to increase the pressure in the system. By switching to a closed type, it was possible to increase the boiling point and eliminate losses due to leakage from the tank.
Airflow of the heat exchanger is provided by fans operating in two modes:
How much antifreeze is in the cooling system, volume table
According to information about car maintenance, antifreeze should be changed after the car has driven 60 thousand km. Antifreeze becomes unusable after a run of 20 thousand km .
Important. It is better to give the choice of coolant in favor of concentrate. The main advantage is that it can be diluted in the required proportion, since after flushing, distilled water remains in the system.
An excellent choice is the product Castrol Radicool SF . If you give preference to a ready-made product, it is recommended to choose AGA Z4, G12 Re or FELIX Carbox G12+.
Table (Niva Chevrolet) antifreeze volume:
- Castrol Radicool SF
- AGA Z40
- FELIX Carbox G12+
- Lukoil G12 Red
What coolant is recommended for Chevrolet Niva
The best option when choosing a coolant would be products containing:
- propylene glycol or ethylene glycol (aggressive substance);
- distilled water;
- additives (silicate, carbosilicate or hybrid).
Products with carbosilite additives have excellent heat transfer, increased cooling temperatures and a long service life ; they also prevent the formation of fatty deposits. Silicate additives help reduce temperature and cause rust.
Important! A high-quality coolant must have increased thermal conductivity and a high boiling point. During operation, foam and scale should not form, and in the cold season the liquid should not freeze.
Antifreeze G12 is ideal for a Niva Chevrolet car . The coolant is replaced every 2 years or after 60 thousand km. If the color of the fluid has changed, this is another reason to replace the coolant. When acquiring a reddish tone, you should pay attention that the chemical properties of the composition have changed.
To accurately determine which antifreeze to fill, you need to know what product was filled at the factory. It all depends on the model and year of manufacture of the car :
- If the cars were produced in 2001, then choosing the G12 class will be a good option.
- If the model was released between 2003 and 2010, then G12 +.
- For more modern models produced after 2010, it is recommended to purchase G12++ antifreeze.
Stage two
The next step is flushing the system . It is required when the circuit is heavily contaminated or when switching to another type of antifreeze. For example, when the original coolant for a VAZ 21214 is replaced with compounds from other manufacturers. They differ in the set of additives and composition, and they cannot be mixed.
There are three washing options. The method should be chosen based on the operating conditions of the vehicle. Antifreeze residues and dirt are washed out using the following means:
- Distilled water.
- Household chemical solutions.
- Special cleaning products.
Replacement frequency - what antifreeze to fill
Coolant gradually loses its properties as it constantly circulates inside the car system. Thermal conductivity is lost, the level of inhibitors decreases and foaming begins.
If the antifreeze is not replaced in a timely manner, this may cause metal corrosion and engine overheating.
Replacement times depend on:
- Product quality.
- Vehicle operating conditions.
The procedure is carried out on average once every 2-3 years . According to the established regulations, antifreeze is replaced every five years or after a mileage of 250,000 km per year.
But in some cases this period is reduced for the following reasons :
- Presence of sediment or cloudiness in the expansion tank.
- A deposit of a jelly-like mass has formed on the inside of the tank, near the neck. Even if this is noticeable at subzero temperatures, there is a need for replacement.
Attention! If the antifreeze has turned brown or rusty in color, then it must be replaced urgently, as the metal has begun to actively rust.
The volume of coolant poured depends on the engine volume and is 6.3-10 liters.
Stage three
The last step is pouring new antifreeze into the cooling system. And before filling it is worth checking whether the coolant needs to be diluted. comes already diluted. But a number of other liquids require that they be diluted with water. The proportions are indicated on the packaging.
The filling process itself looks like this:
- The radiator is filled with antifreeze through the filler hole. It needs to be filled to the bottom level of the neck. Then the plug is screwed on.
- The remaining antifreeze is poured into the expansion tank. The container must be filled to a level located 3-4 cm above the MIN mark.
- The engine warms up to operating temperature. There is a simple way to check: by the temperature of the lower radiator pipe. When it starts to heat up sharply, it means the engine has warmed up to operating temperature. And antifreeze began to circulate through the cooling system.
- After 10-15 minutes of warming up, the engine is turned off. Now the driver must wait for the unit to cool down. Then the antifreeze level is checked again. During normal system operation, this level will drop significantly. The coolant is topped up to the previous level.
Now all that remains is to install the crankcase protection in place and tighten all the plugs in the cooling system tightly. It is worth driving the next day in break-in mode, checking the condition of the car after replacement. If the Niva’s antifreeze is suitable and no problems appear, then the replacement was successful.
How to replace coolant in a Niva Chevrolet
To prepare for replacement, you need to decide on a location . This could be an inspection hole or a place where the car stands level. Before replacing the coolant, it is necessary to cool the engine. It is obligatory to work in special clothing.
List of required materials:
- Spanners.
- O-rings.
- Wire cutters.
- Capacity 10 l.
- Flushing liquid.
- Distilled water.
- 4 liters of coolant.
There are three stages of replacement in total.
Stage I (waste drainage):
- Remove the crankcase protection shield.
- Relieve pressure by opening the expansion tank cap.
- Attach the hose to the drain faucet and lower the other end into the container.
- Turn the valve.
This is how the liquid is drained.
Stage II (flushing the system):
- Pour distilled water into the expansion tank.
- Pour out the water containing scale and debris from the system.
- Close the tap and fill in the product for rinsing, followed by distilled water until the original volume is reached.
- Start and warm up the engine before the fan starts operating.
- Turn off the car and repeat the process.
- We flush the system with water.
Stage III (step-by-step instructions for pouring):
- Prepare coolant: mix antifreeze with water. The phase transition temperature depends on the proportion. (3 parts antifreeze and 2 liters of water).
- Pour into the expansion tank. Attention. To avoid air bubbles, shake the hose. The resulting amount of mixture is 5 or 6 liters.
- Turn on the engine and bring it up to operating temperature until the fan turns on.
- Check the fluid level in the tank and, if necessary, bring it to the maximum level.
- Reinstall the reservoir cap and protective shield in their original place.
Stage one
You should start by draining the used antifreeze . It is recommended to remove the crankcase protection and move it to the side. It is fastened with standard 13 bolts. The protection is neatly removed to the side. After this, the antifreeze is drained. The process looks like this:
- When the engine has cooled down, the heater levers are pushed back all the way.
- Use pliers to disconnect the receiver heating hose. This is done to bleed excess air from the system. In older models with a carburetor fuel supply system, the carburetor heating hose is disconnected.
- A container for used antifreeze is installed under the drain hole on the radiator.
- The drain valve on the radiator opens. If necessary, it is pre-treated with WD-40. To speed up the draining process, remove the radiator filler cap. All the liquid is drained, to the last drop.
- Next, the antifreeze is drained from the internal cooling circuit located in the engine. Use a 13 key to unscrew the plug on the left side of the cylinder block. It is located near the spark plug of the fourth cylinder. A hose is placed under the drain hole and the used coolant is drained through it. The plug is then screwed into place.
- The expansion tank is carefully unscrewed. Then it rises above the level of the radiator - 30-40 cm is enough. The hose going to the radiator is disconnected and sent to the drain container. The tank is washed if necessary, then installed in its original place. The remaining fluid is drained from the radiator again.
In total, there are about 10 liters of antifreeze in the system. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the volume of drained liquid . Here we must remember: the liquid from the cooling circuit evaporates very reluctantly. Therefore, even in hot weather, the volume of antifreeze in the system decreases very slightly. And if the used antifreeze is less than normal, then it is advisable to check the cooling circuit for leaks or damage.