The car's heating system must be in good working order regardless of the time of year. But many people think about this only when cold weather sets in. The efficient operation of the Lada Kalina heater ensures a comfortable stay in the cabin. The heating system does not fail so often, but timely maintenance is also important for it.
The design of the heating system Lada Kalina
The heater in a car transfers heat from the engine to the cabin. Without heating, the windows quickly fog up and become frosty in winter. On Kalina, the location of the stove allows for the possibility of integrating an air conditioner. The system is designed extremely simply and clearly, and is the same for models regardless of body type - station wagon, sedan or hatchback. It is shown schematically in the photo.
Heating system diagram
- The air duct exit is on the left.
- Air duct on the left.
- Windshield air ducts.
- Air duct distribution housing.
- Heater.
- Ventilation duct on the right.
- The air duct exit is on the right.
- Air duct for heating feet.
- Air duct for heating the interior.
- The air duct outlet is in the center.
The design uses the supply and exhaust circulation principle. Air enters the cabin, heated by the coolant, which simultaneously removes excess heat from the engine. The stove operates as a result of the radiator being heated by coolant. Then, with the help of a fan, the heated air flows through the air ducts through the deflectors into the car interior.
The heating system is controlled electronically. The volume of air masses that are heated from the heater radiator is regulated using a damper. On the center console there is an air conditioning control unit that controls the position of the damper and the speed of the electric fan.
The heater control unit consists of the following elements:
- Temperature regulator. By turning the knob, you can adjust the temperature of the air entering the cabin. Turning to the blue zone adds cold air, turning to the red zone adds hot air.
- Fan speed switch. It regulates the speed of air flow into the cabin.
- Air flow direction switch - to the windshield and down, only down to the feet, to the upper part of the cabin, to the windshield and side windows.
- Recirculation handle. Enables air circulation inside the cabin, while no air enters from outside. Can be used for a short time due to fogging of windows.
- Rear window defogger.
The control system also includes air duct deflectors. They can be closed or opened, and can also be used to regulate the direction of air flow.
Malfunctions of the Kalina heating system
The most common malfunctions of the stove are that the air flow is weak, only cold air comes in or not at all. Among the reasons why the stove on the Lada Kalina does not heat:
- Wear of the engine cooling system pipes. Antifreeze leakage due to worn hoses leads to a decrease in its level in the system, and therefore to insufficient heating of the heater radiator.
- The stove valve is out of order. This malfunction can be determined by the puddles of coolant that appear on the floor, under the front mats.
- The heating control unit is faulty. First, you should check the power supply from the on-board network. If it arrives, there is a problem in the air conditioning system. It is better to entrust unit repair to specialists.
- Wiring problems. There is no voltage supplied to the heating control unit. To check this, you will have to “ring” all sections of the chain.
- The additional resistor used to control the electric fan is faulty.
- The heater regulator is broken. In this case, it will be impossible to set a comfortable air temperature in the cabin.
- The radiator is faulty. One of the most common problems is that the Lada Kalina stove does not heat well. In the event of a breakdown, coolant leaks are typical. The part cannot be repaired.
If the problem is not heating, the cause is a malfunction of some part of the cooling system. These two systems are interconnected, and problems with one negatively affect the other.
Why the heater in the car does not heat well: reasons and solutions
Most car owners change the thermostat when the interior heating is weak, but this does not always solve the problem. Usually the stove stops heating the car efficiently for the following reasons:
- Antifreeze is leaking. In this case, you need to find out exactly where the leak is, and then tighten the connections;
- the lining is burnt out. This can be immediately noticed. Typically, this problem causes some of the exhaust gases to enter the cooling system. There is only one solution to the problem - replacing the lining;
- There is a defect in the heater, due to which the air is directed only to one place. For example, it only blows on your feet, but does not hit the windshield or other parts of the car. It is enough to replace the stove or eliminate the defect, if possible;
- the intake damper does not fit well, as a result of which the air mixes disproportionately with the cold flow. It is necessary to ensure that it fits completely and there are no gaps.
Solving the problem associated with cold air from the furnace is not difficult if you pay more attention to your vehicle.
If you do not understand the car well, you always have the opportunity to contact competent service station employees.
Determining a malfunction in the cooling system
The first sign that something is wrong with the cooling system is a decrease in the level of antifreeze in the expansion tank. The amount of coolant should be constantly monitored. In a working system, its level should be maintained between the minimum and maximum marks. If the amount of antifreeze begins to decrease, the engine will heat up faster and the risk of overheating will increase.
On Kalina there is no engine temperature indicator, there is only a light on the instrument panel that signals the critical temperature of the coolant. If you have to add antifreeze frequently, you should look for the leak. If the hoses are broken, they can be replaced, just like the clamps.
The next thing to check is the circulation of coolant in the system. After starting the engine, you need to pay attention to the expansion tank. Impaired circulation may be caused by a faulty water pump (cannot be repaired) or a clogged cooling system - in this case it needs to be cleaned.
To diagnose the thermostat, you need to start and warm the engine to 70-75 ° C, then touch the lower radiator pipe. If it is cold, the coolant circulates only through a small circuit due to the thermostat valve being stuck in the closed position. This device is replaceable only.
If after a full check the fault is not found, the cause of the stove malfunction is an air lock. After removing excess air, the heater’s operation returns to normal.
Antifreeze affects the functioning of the stove
Everyone knows that the cooling circuit contains its own liquid, due to the circulation of which heat is removed from the Lada Kalina engine. Kalina's heating system has its own radiator. Sometimes a reduced level of antifreeze can cause a decrease in the efficiency of the stove, that is, the stove does not heat well. Here you will need to open the hood cover and visually assess the level in the corresponding system tank. It should be located between the upper and lower marks corresponding to the maximum and minimum.
Another common reason is insufficient heat removal and the stove again does not heat well. The reason for this may be the presence of an air lock in the circuit. Is it possible to check it? Yes! With the engine cool, grab the upper and lower radiator hoses with your hand and squeeze them. The absence of gurgling is the main condition for which there is no plug. If the situation is the opposite, then we “expel” the air from the circuit. To do this, open the tank lid and, lifting the front of the car, start the Lada Kalina engine. Let it run for some time (4-5 minutes), periodically revving the accelerator. Then lower and close the lid.
Checking heating system elements
If the heater on the Lada Kalina does not work - it blows cold air - it is better to look for the reason, starting with the simplest thing. You should not immediately disassemble complex components. Typically, most problems arise from minor problems.
temperature sensor
If only hot or, conversely, only cold air blows from the air duct nozzles, regardless of the position of the damper, the cause of the malfunction is the interior temperature sensor. It is located in the ceiling, in the lampshade. The problem is solved by replacing the sensor.
Heating fan
If switching modes and air flow speed does not produce anything (a whistle or crackling sound is heard, the fan begins to make noise), the malfunction is related to the electric fan. To check this, you need to do the following:
- Set the temperature control knob to the extreme blue zone position.
- After that, use the switch to change the fan speeds from first to fourth.
The air flow should become stronger as speed increases. If this does not happen, then the fan is faulty. If it works, but not in all modes, or the speed changes disproportionately, then the cause of the breakdown is a failed auxiliary resistor. The source of the problem may be a blown fuse F5 in the mounting block due to an open circuit in the power supply.
Heater damper
To check the heater damper on the Lada Kalina, you need to set the temperature control knob to the extreme position in the blue zone, and the fan speed switch to “maximum”. Then you need to turn the damper control knob and at the same time monitor how the direction of air mass flow changes. If nothing happens, this indicates a malfunction of the damper regulator or the damper is stuck in one position (the traction cable has come off).
Tips for solving the problem of cold air from the stove
In order to make the stove work in warm air mode, you need:
- To blow warm air and heat the windows, you can install additional blowers, especially for the Lada Kalina.
- You can also install cardboard on the radiator to help the car warm up better. This “old-fashioned” method is known to almost all motorists.
- Regularly changing the cabin filter is one of the ways to solve the problem of lack of heating. If the filter is clogged, it creates additional stress on the stove.
- It is important to constantly check the coolant level in the expansion tank.
- Check the operation of the thermostat. If the engine is hot and the radiator is cold, then the thermostat is faulty. A hot radiator indicates that the problem is not with the thermostat.
There are times when the cooling system malfunctions due to an air lock getting into it. You can get rid of it like this:
- open the cap on the hot engine of the expansion tank;
- If you hear a crackling sound and the cooling level rises, then you need to repeat this procedure several times at short intervals. It should disappear after a short time. If it does not go away, then the problem is in the valve.
A broken cable can also cause a malfunction in the Lada Kalina stove. If the cable has come off the stove, then this problem needs to be solved as soon as possible. If you have experience in mechanics and have some knowledge, then you can fix all these breakdowns yourself, bypassing the service center. You can also contact a service station, where such malfunctions will be quickly resolved. In cold weather, proper interior heating is more important than ever. That is why it is necessary to ensure in advance that it always functions smoothly and properly.
DIY heating system repair
To change this or that part of the heating system, it is not at all necessary to seek help from specialists. This will help save time, but not money. If you follow the recommendations, you can replace some system components yourself.
Heater fan
Even beginners can replace the Kalina stove fan. The main problem is its location. For this reason, most of the time is spent not replacing the part, but dismantling it.
Fan replacement with panel removal
The method is recommended by AvtoVAZ engineers, but it is not the simplest. Not everyone decides to use it in a regular garage. When performing work, you must follow the instructions:
- First, turn off the power to the on-board network by disconnecting the battery terminals.
- Drain all coolant and remove the cabin filter.
- After unscrewing the fastening nuts, lower the steering column to its lowest position.
- Release the brake light switch from the wires, unclip the clips, and remove the upholstery from the pillars.
- Unscrew the screws and remove the front panel (cladding), then remove the dashboard along with the deflectors.
- Now you can begin dismantling the fan. To do this, you need to disconnect the terminal with wires from it, remove the ventilation hose, and unscrew the fastening nuts.
After installing the new fan, all further actions are carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The procedure requires attention and accuracy and takes a lot of time. At some points, the help of a second person will be required.
Replacing a fan without removing the panel
It is not practical to remove the entire dashboard just because of the heater fan. You can replace the device without removing the dashboard - you just need to lift its right side. Next, you should “arm yourself” with a knife and a flashlight and crawl under the panel. The noise insulation is cut off, the fasteners are unscrewed, and replacing the Kalina stove motor becomes much easier. This method will significantly save time and nerves, although it will create some inconvenience.
Before you start replacing the electric fan, you need to make sure that this particular device is faulty.
Replacing the temperature controller
To dismantle the part and replace it, it is necessary to remove the control unit assembly. The procedure looks like this:
- the on-board network is de-energized by removing the “negative” terminal from the battery;
- the radio tape recorder (if any) is removed, and the terminal block of wires is unhooked from it;
- the damper control lever is removed;
- Next, the handle for controlling the temperature and direction of air flow is dismantled;
- there are plugs located at the bottom of the control unit - they need to be removed and the fastening screws underneath must be unscrewed;
- the center console should be carefully pulled towards you;
- After removing the console, disconnect the terminal blocks from the switches.
After replacement, everything is assembled in the reverse order. This operation is simple and only requires a couple of different screwdrivers to get the job done.
Replacing the heater core without removing the panel
Changing the heater radiator on a Lada Kalina, as on all front-wheel drive VAZ cars, is not an easy task. You will have to remove most of the front panel. To work, you will need a new heater radiator, hoses, clamps, an angle grinder and a standard set of tools. First you need to carry out some manipulations in the engine compartment:
- drain antifreeze from the cooling system;
- remove the battery and air filter housing, ensuring unhindered access to the heater pipes;
- you need to disconnect all the rubber pipes from the stove in the engine compartment, unscrew the nut securing the metal shield that covers the hoses going to the stove into the cabin.
Now you need to go to the salon and perform the following steps:
- unscrew the three fastening nuts and remove the gas pedal;
- move the brake pedal as far as possible to the side;
- Having made a cut on the metal shield, cut off the radiator pipes with a knife;
- Unscrew the fastening screws and pull out the heater radiator towards the pedals.
Removing the radiator without removing the panel is only half the battle. It is no less problematic to install it. Before this, the pipes should be thoroughly cleaned of burrs and roughness with fine-grained sandpaper.
A hose with a thicker end is attached to the upper radiator outlet, and a narrower end to the lower outlet. The other ends, without being confused, need to be installed instead of the old ones. It is advisable to treat the place where the hoses from the passenger compartment enter the engine compartment with soundproofing material.
Replacing the stove radiator will help solve the problem of insufficient heating. Due to the labor-intensive nature of most work on troubleshooting a heating system, prices for such services at specialized service stations may seem quite high. It is not surprising that many “folk” repair methods have appeared.
Cabin filter
This element is very important because it is “responsible” for the cleanliness of the cabin air. It should be replaced at least every 10 thousand km of distance traveled. Over time, the filter element becomes clogged and becomes unable to effectively pass air flow into the cabin. Replacing the Lada Kalina filter is quite simple. Under the hood is its housing, by opening the lid of which you can remove the used component. We install a new product in its place. We recommend purchasing a filter whose working element contains a carbon base, which allows you to effectively capture not only dust, but also harmful odors.
Heating system modifications
Every owner of a Lada Kalina is faced with the need to modify the stove. The upgrade usually involves installing a new 6-hole thermostat, a coolant filter element, and a different heater valve. Many, given the mediocre performance of the pump, install an additional water pump. There are many ways of minor tuning that can be used to achieve improvements for greater comfort.
Increase in operating temperature
This method is suitable for Lada Kalina with an electronic gas pedal. Previously, the throttle valve, which was heated by a common cooling system, was controlled by a cable drive. After installing the electronics, the hose that went for heating was looped into the cooling system.
To upgrade, you will need a tee, an additional hose and clamps. The second air duct is mounted as close as possible to the thermostat - the tee is installed in the coolant supply pipe to the radiator. The other end of the air duct is connected to the outlet of excess steam near the expansion tank fitting. Thanks to such a simple modernization, it is possible to increase the operating temperature to 92-95 ° C when the stove warms up from 50 ° C and above.
Installation of a hydraulic fence for drainage
A regular medical dropper is inserted into the channel of the steam outlet tube, which is immersed in antifreeze to the bottom of the expansion tank. As the liquid cools, obeying the law of physics about communicating vessels, it will begin to be drawn into the steam outlet, preventing the possible formation of air plugs - airing. Thanks to this simple method, the stove will begin to heat much more efficiently, which means the interior will be warmer.
You can also change the clamps to more reliable ones - self-tightening ones, and ordinary rubber hoses - to silicone ones. To reduce heat losses, it is worth taping all the joints of the air ducts, but to do this you will have to dismantle the panel again. The most convenient way to do this is when troubleshooting a problem.
Regular removal and installation of the dashboard will lead to its loosening, squeaks, knocks and other extraneous sounds will appear coming from under the panel while driving.
