Features of replacing the heater radiator in a Chevrolet Niva with and without air conditioning
The heating system of any vehicle has its own components that ensure the full functioning of the entire device.
The stove radiator plays an important role in the operation of the system. Situations arise when the device fails and stops working. To fix any serious problem, you will have to dismantle the unit. The radiator is located according to a special design. The article will tell you in what cases the radiator requires replacement and how to replace it yourself.
Typical radiator malfunctions
There are two main radiator malfunctions:
- Clogged grille and radiator tubes.
- Radiator leakage.
Since the Niva is often operated in difficult road conditions, the likelihood of contamination of the grille from dusty outside air is very high. Clogging of the cells reduces the heat transfer area of the radiator, and as a result leads to a decrease in the heat released from the air ducts into the passenger compartment. In such cases, the stove radiator is dismantled and washed under high pressure.
Where is the heater radiator located on the Chevrolet Niva?
The heating system of a car consists of a number of elements, without which its normal functioning is impossible. One of these is the stove radiator. Sometimes problems occur with the heat exchanger, to eliminate which it is necessary to dismantle the unit. The radiator is located in the cabin behind the heater control unit.
Body interior heating system: 1 — ventilation duct; 2 — air duct for heating the windshield; 3 - intermediate body; 4 - intermediate air duct; 5 — air intake filter housing; 6 — heating system fan; 7 — central cabin ventilation nozzle; 8 — facing of the control lever panel;
The final stage of work
The tubes are mounted in the reverse order, the clamps are attached, and the expansion tank bolt is screwed on. The barrel is filled with antifreeze and after several days of operating the machine, the liquid level in the tank is monitored. The absence of smudges, odor and warm comfort in the cabin will be a reason to replace the glove box.
Comfort in the interior of any car during the cold season is largely determined by the efficiency and serviceability of the heating system. Heating problems most often arise due to a faulty stove radiator.
Fan replacement
So, if there is an urgent need to replace the stove motor, we recommend that you hurry with the repairs without waiting for frost. Believe me, driving in a vehicle in which the heating system does not function is quite uncomfortable. In addition, in severe frosts such trips are still extremely unsafe, since the lack of heat does not allow the ice concentrated on the windows to thaw. Icy windows limit the driver's visibility of the roadway and, accordingly, provoke emergency situations.
So, pick up a new fan and check the quality of rotation of the blades. If you have not purchased it yet, we recommend that you give preference to a model with bearings, of course, if the auto store offers you an expanded range of heaters suitable for your Chevrolet Niva.
Improvement No. 2. Increasing fan performance
I also slightly increased the efficiency of the standard heater fan. The fact is that the gap between the fan blades and the diffuser is about 3 mm, and the width of the diffuser is no more than 15 mm, while the width of the fan blades is more than 30 mm. Therefore, some of the air leaks back between the blades and the diffuser, preventing a large pressure difference from being created between the suction area and the discharge area.
To eliminate these shortcomings, I reduced the gap between the diffuser blades and lengthened the diffuser. I solved these problems by cutting out a strip 30 mm wide and equal to the circumference of the diffuser from an old plastic fender liner 1 mm thick. I inserted the bent end-to-end ring from this strip tightly into the diffuser and “sewed” it to the diffuser with a thin wire through the drilled holes, so that the fan blades did not cling to the strip or wire. Against the blowing windows, the width of the strip is trimmed to 20-25 mm.
According to my estimates, the efficiency of the fan increases by 10-15%, so you don’t have to bother with this problem.
How to replace a heater radiator on a Chevrolet Niva with air conditioning (what are the differences)
Replacing the radiator of a Niva Chevrolet stove with air conditioning is carried out by changing the evaporator. To simplify the furnace reassembly process, it is advisable to mark all connectors using a special marker. After removing the fan, begin dismantling the regulator.
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To change the regulator, you will need to disassemble the front panel. It is important to remember that after dismantling you need to check the radiator tap and all supply pipes for leaks.
Dismantling the stove
The stove is dismantled as follows.
- The negative terminal is removed from the battery.
- Remove the dashboard, performing the same steps as when replacing the control unit.
- The screws securing the heater to the cross member of the instrument panel are unscrewed.
- The stove is pulled out from its installation location.
Removing the stove from a Niva Chevrolet car is quite simple
Signs of a leak
Unlike the VAZ 21214, the heater radiator on the Chevrolet Niva is not equipped with a tap and coolant circulates through it year-round. This does not mean that the heating works constantly; with the help of a plastic damper, the flow is switched past the stove, causing cold air to blow into the feet of the driver and passenger. But the stove itself is always hot, which can be felt by the slight heating of the side plastic panels of the center console.
It is impossible to know that a car’s heating system is leaking by external signs. There are no stains under the car, all connections between pipes and fittings are dry, and the liquid goes somewhere. Because of this, the electric fan that cools the engine may turn on even on cold days.
Replacing the radiator of a Chevrolet Niva stove with air conditioning is quite a difficult job, but at the same time it can be done independently. Just first you need to determine whether the cause is really in the heater radiator. Symptoms of malfunction are as follows:
- Poor operation of the stove;
- Regular lack of fluid in the heating system;
- The appearance of an antifreeze smell in the cabin (not always);
- A puddle of greasy liquid under the driver's mat (at the same time, read the article on how to dry it).
Just in case, before you climb to the stove, check the hoses and pipes supplying liquid to it. If they are wet, then that's the reason.
Tool. This work does not require any special tools; almost everything you need can be found in a regular set of keys. You will also need 2 screwdrivers (slotted and Phillips) and pliers. And also a box for screws. In addition, you can stock up on markers.
The causes of the malfunction can be listed in a small list:
- A breakdown of the control unit has occurred.
- Mechanical or operational damage to the radiator surface.
- Failed additional resistor.
- Radiator pipes damaged by external factors or worn out by prolonged use.
- Faulty heater valve.
How to determine what kind of breakdown occurred? Let's look at several different signs by which you can determine the cause of the malfunction and understand where to start repairing the stove.
Interior heater repair
The stove in the Chevrolet Niva is considered one of the most reliable components of the car. However, it can sometimes fail.
Replacing the heater cable
Sometimes it is not possible to change the position of the heater damper. The reason for this is a broken cable. To replace it, you will need a standard set of tools and a headlamp. Replacing the cable is carried out as follows.
- The driver's seat moves back.
- The handles are removed from the damper control panel and the screws are unscrewed.
- The panel is dismantled on the left side at the location of the driver's feet.
To access the cable you will need to remove the heater control mechanism - The cable fastening latches are removed.
- The recirculation damper mechanism is dismantled and the cable is removed.
- A new cable is installed. Each end must be twisted into a ring and securely fixed.
Using a cable, the position of the air supply flap is changed - Assembly is carried out in reverse order.
- The functionality of the mechanism is checked.
Replacing the interior heating control unit
A faulty control unit can also cause the interior heating system to not operate correctly. Its dismantling, necessary for repair or replacement, requires the following procedure.
- The negative terminal is disconnected from the battery.
- All handles are removed from the heater control mechanism. To do this, you need to carefully pull them towards you. All handles are removed from the heater control mechanism
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the air circulation lever. Use a flat screwdriver to remove the air circulation lever
- Use a screwdriver to pry up and then remove the block lining. Use a screwdriver to pry up and then remove the block lining
- Under the cladding, use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew two self-tapping screws. Two self-tapping screws are unscrewed under the cladding
- The control unit is removed.
- Remove the connector with the wires going to the speed switch.
- The block of wires that provide illumination of the unit is disconnected. The connector with wires is removed from the control unit
- If there is an air conditioner, all hoses coming from the vacuum switch are disconnected.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the bracket holding the damper cable braid and other similar elements.
- All rods are disconnected from the control unit.
- A new or repaired device is installed in the reverse order.
After dismantling, the control unit is repaired or replaced with a new one.
Replacing stove pipes
If a coolant leak is detected, the pipes along with the clamps should be replaced. The work is performed in the following sequence:
- The coolant is drained from the system.
- The screws securing the glove compartment are unscrewed and it is removed.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the clamp of the lower pipe. The hose is removed carefully - the antifreeze should not get on exposed skin. If difficulties arise, the pipe should be rotated around its axis.
- The second pipe is removed in the same way.
- New hoses are installed and tightened with clamps.
If antifreeze leaks, the stove pipes are replaced with new ones.
Video: dismantling the stove pipes on a Chevrolet Niva
Replacing the stove fan
If the fan does not turn on or if strange noises appear when it is turned on, then the electric motor is most likely faulty.
Before removing the heater motor, you need to make sure it is faulty.
The most common reasons for its failure are:
- Lack of voltage on the electric motor due to poor contact.
- Visible damage to the motor wires due to chafing.
- The 25 A fan fuse located in the fuse box number F18 has failed.
- Failure of one of the resistors, manifested in the absence of one of the speed modes.
- No ignition.
- Deterioration of the armature and brushes of an electric motor as a result of long-term continuous operation.
If the electric motor malfunctions, it will need to be removed.
In any of the above situations, the electric motor will need to be removed.
Heating system fan repair
To diagnose a malfunction, the electric motor is connected directly to the battery. If it works, the problem should be looked for elsewhere. Otherwise, the electric motor is removed for repair or replacement. It is located under the glove compartment panel in the cabin. After dismantling, the electric motor is disassembled and inspected.
The heater motor may not work due to internal contamination.
The design of the electric motor is quite simple. The reason for its stopping may be contamination, wear-out of the armature, bushings or brushes.
The cause of failure of the electric motor may be wear out of the brushes or armature.
The electric motor is cleaned and reinstalled or replaced with a new one.
Heater radiator repair
The main signs of a malfunctioning heater radiator are as follows:
- Coolant accumulates under the floor mat on the driver's side;
- there is a smell of coolant in the cabin;
- when heated, a greasy film forms on the glass, which cannot be washed off with water;
- the stove does not heat the interior well;
- The coolant level in the expansion tank decreases.
A coolant leak from the heater radiator must be repaired immediately.
If any of the signs are detected, the heater is diagnosed, based on the results of which a decision is made to repair or replace the radiator. More often, car owners install a new radiator. In this case, the system is completely freed from coolant.
When the heater radiator fails, it is usually replaced
Replacing a radiator on a car with air conditioning is a rather complex process that requires special equipment and appropriate skills.
Video: replacing a heating system radiator
Repair and replacement of stove tap
The need to repair the stove tap arises when a leak appears or it is impossible to close or open it completely. The fact is that in the summer the tap is closed, and its elements stick to each other. When you try to turn it off, the tap breaks. Usually it is replaced with a new one.
If the stove valve fails, replace it with a new one.
The tap is replaced as follows:
- When the engine has cooled down and the heater tap is fully open, the coolant is drained.
- The traction cable and glove compartment are removed.
To remove the traction cable, use an open-end wrench to loosen the nuts - The clamps securing the pipes are loosened and removed.
- The tap is removed.
When replacing, it is recommended to install a ceramic faucet with an extended service life. The cost of such a product is within 900 rubles.
About removing other elements
When replacing the heater on all VAZ cars, questions often arise - how to get to the heater and how to remove the radiator in the easiest way. In this regard, the Chevy Niva is considered an exception; getting to the stove here is relatively easy. No special tools are required for this; all you need is a set of screwdrivers and the following tools:
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You should also prepare a supply of antifreeze for refilling in an amount of 2-3 liters. An inspection ditch is not needed for work; a flat, open area will suffice. The process begins with partial emptying of the Chevy Niva cooling system. Antifreeze is drained only from the cylinder block; there is no need to touch the cooling radiator.
To empty the basin, you need to place the basin under the cylinder block on the left side (in the direction of travel) and pass the hose into it. Using a 13mm wrench, loosen the bolt - the plug on the block - and then unscrew it by hand, holding the hose at the ready. When the plug comes out of the hole, you need to quickly insert the hose and hold it until the antifreeze flows out.
After removing the element, it is worth examining the condition of the rubber pipes supplying coolant to it. If they become sour or cracked, they need to be replaced, otherwise you will have to undergo lengthy disassembly again later. To disconnect the pipes from the engine, you need to remove the plastic casing from the motor and unscrew 2 clamps, then pull the hoses out. That's all, we install the new unit, assemble it and fill it with antifreeze.
Car enthusiasts practice a simpler method, but it involves cutting out the plastic elements of the front panel. Here each motorist decides for himself which method to choose.
Taking advantage of the moment when part of the Chevy Niva’s interior has been disassembled, you can simultaneously replace other parts if they are faulty. If it is necessary to replace the fan, then the disassembly procedure is carried out in the same way, only at the end the motor and turbine located above the removed glove box are dismantled. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- Disconnect the motor power supply terminal.
- Disconnect the air duct from the supercharger.
- We unscrew 3 screws and dismantle the fan with turbine.
- To separate the turbine, simply remove the spring-loaded washer.
About removing other elements
The device is replaced in stages:
- Remove the glove box and disconnect the air duct.
- To simplify the process of removing the rubber tube to drain the remaining liquid, loosen the bolts.
- The structure is attached using two screws.
- Using a side cutter, remove a piece of plastic that interferes with the dismantling of the structure.
- Then a new radiator is prepared. To prevent air from passing through the cracks, glue is applied around the perimeter.
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This procedure is based on the experience of a large number of drivers who have already replaced a part without the complex dismantling of the instrument panel. The work can be divided into several stages:
- We remove the glove box and disconnect the air duct leading to the front passenger's feet.
- Loosen the clamps so that you can remove the rubber tube to drain the remaining liquid. To do this you need to prepare a small container.
- To carry out this procedure more carefully, you can cover the interior with cloth or film so as not to accidentally spill antifreeze.
- The radiator is additionally secured with 2 screws. After removing them, you need to pull it towards you a little until its movement is limited to the air duct.
- Remove the relay cover fastener to remove it. This must be done so that the corner of the plastic frame on the heat exchanger does not interfere.
- Using a side cutter, you can bite off a piece of plastic that interferes with dismantling
- Then you need to prepare the new radiator for installation. To do this, use glue to apply thin strips of foam rubber around the perimeter of the part. This must be done so that the air does not pass through the cracks and warms up as efficiently as possible.
- Then the part is installed in its standard place
Replacement of the Chevrolet Niva heater radiator with air conditioning. Difficult, but possible
Sooner or later, you may need to replace the radiator of the Chevrolet Niva stove with air conditioning. This is due to the tendency for this element to maintain a normal microclimate in the cabin to break down. After all, gone are the days when copper radiators were installed in AvtoVAZ’s creations; they were essentially eternal. Aluminum parts are now being installed, which does not have the best effect on the operating life of the stove.
At the same time, many drivers are afraid to do repair work themselves and turn to services. They don’t like this work there, because the volume is large, not very comparable with the payment, and they often do it not very well. In this regard, it is advisable to make the replacement yourself.
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