Causes of immobilizer malfunctions on a Chevrolet Niva and instructions for disabling it yourself

What does the Check Engine light mean?

When the Check Engine light, located on the dashboard, comes on, it means that the electronic control unit (ECU) has detected a problem with one of the vehicle's systems.

Reference. The light comes on when the engine starts and then goes off. It is at this time that the ECU tests the main systems of the car, and if it finds no problems, it turns off the emergency indicator.

If the ECU detects a malfunction, it records it in the internal memory in the form of a special error code and informs the driver with a lit “check”. In some cases, the indicator may be constantly on, in others it may go out and then light up again - it all depends on the specific type of malfunction.

A light coming on does not mean that you should necessarily stop the car and turn off the engine. Check Engine can be triggered in different cases, so you need to react to it differently :

1. Problems with the Check Engine light coming on can be caused by objective reasons. For example, it is triggered by the installation of a new alarm system or an almost discharged battery. In this case, you can ignore the error.
2. If the check light is on on the Chevrolet Niva, but the engine is running normally, you can continue driving. Such a malfunction, as a rule, is not critical. However, subsequently you need to diagnose the error using a scanner or computer and troubleshoot the problem.
3. If the warning light goes off simultaneously with a sharp change in the behavior of the Niva, it is recommended to immediately stop the car and turn off the engine. A sharp drop in power, tripping, the appearance of strong detonations at idle, floating speed while driving may indicate a serious engine malfunction. It is dangerous to continue driving in such a situation.

Chip tuning

Some drivers do chip tuning of the Chevrolet Niva in order to increase engine power. The essence of this procedure is to remove the established restrictions by adjusting the optimal factory settings in the electronic control unit. This procedure helps to extract the additional performance inherent in the motor.

The whole process can be divided into several stages:

1. Reading the necessary data from the electronic control unit
2. Making the necessary adjustments
3. Updating and recording new data

The main advantage of this procedure is:

• Engine power increases
• Speed ​​limit removed
• You can change the fuel type
• All factory settings can be returned at any time

The disadvantages include:

• High cost of work
• The ECU may fail
• Increases fuel consumption, reduces system life
• Errors may appear

Each specialist has a different attitude towards chip tuning, some consider it useful, while others think that this procedure can negatively affect the performance of the car, while reducing its service life.

Why did the light come on and how to fix it

There are many reasons for the Check Engine light to come on . The most common reasons for a light bulb to go off include the following problems.

Refueling with low-quality fuel

Most often, the indicator light comes on after filling the gas tank with low-quality gasoline . In this case, you can correct the situation by adding high-quality fuel to the tank. You can also completely drain the gasoline, clean the fuel system, and then refuel with high-quality fuel at a reliable gas station.

Refueling with 92 gasoline

The recommended gasoline for the Chevrolet Niva engine has an octane number of 95 , but the Chevy Niva engine is capable of “digesting” 92-octane gasoline. In this case, the Check Engine warning light may be triggered, since due to insufficient octane number of gasoline, the level of fuel detonation in the engine cylinders increases. Switching to 95 gasoline helps solve the problem.

Low battery

The light may light up if the on-board network voltage is low , that is, the battery is almost discharged. If the car engine starts, then the activation of the indicator does not have any negative consequences. You just need to charge the battery, after which the problem will disappear.

Insufficient engine oil level

Lack of oil causes engine oil starvation . The low level should also be indicated by the oil pressure warning light located on the instrument panel. But sometimes it doesn’t work, and the problem only manifests itself in the Check Engine light coming on. You need to check the oil level, and it is also worth inspecting the engine compartment for leaks. If the level is insufficient, add engine oil to the filler neck.

Engine overheating

It may be due to a malfunction of the radiator cooling fan, a coolant leak, or other reasons. This malfunction is easily diagnosed, since the engine temperature is displayed on the Chevy Niva dashboard. To solve the problem, you need to stop and let the engine cool. Then you should diagnose and eliminate the malfunction that caused the light bulb to blink.

Contamination of fuel injectors with tar deposits

For this reason, the pressure in the fuel line decreases . It manifests itself in complications when starting the engine, increased fuel consumption, failures during acceleration, and unstable operation of the engine at idle due to misfires in the engine cylinders. To correct the situation, you need to clean the fuel injectors.

Malfunction of the oxygen sensor (lambda probe)

A breakdown of the oxygen sensor causes the ECU to receive incorrect data . To solve the problem you need to replace the sensor.

Short circuits in the network of other sensors

Low or high sensor signal level . The modern Chevrolet Niva is equipped with a variety of controllers responsible for the stable operation of the engine and other vehicle systems (mass air flow sensor, air flow sensor, air pressure sensor, speed sensor, etc.). Failure of the sensors or short circuit in the electrical wiring causes the Check Engine indicator to light up. To correct the situation, it is necessary to replace the failed controller.

Problems with the ignition system

Associated with wear of the spark plugs, incorrectly set gap, breakdown of the ignition coil or high-voltage wires . To eliminate an error caused by a malfunction of the ignition system, you need to inspect the spark plugs for contamination with oil or soot deposits, measure the spark plug gap (normally from 1 to 1.15 mm), measure the voltage of the ignition coil and high-voltage wires. The problem can be corrected by replacing the spark plugs, coil or wires.

Anti-theft system problems

A break in the anti-theft system or a break in its power supply circuit also triggers the warning light . To eliminate the error, you need to calibrate the alarm or repair the open circuit.

Control unit errors

Also, a lit “check” may be caused by errors in the electronic control unit itself . For example, error 1640 indicates a problem with writing or reading the controller's memory, and code 1689 means incorrectly set error codes. To correct the situation, flashing or replacing the ECU is required.

Reference. Also, the light may be triggered by other malfunctions of the engine or other systems. In total, there are several dozen error codes that cause the light bulb to go off. You can diagnose a specific malfunction using a scanner or computer.

Decoding codes

Now we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the decoding of the combinations. Why errors may occur and how to eliminate them can only be found out as a result of diagnostics.

The elm327 channel published a video showing the diagnostic procedure for a Chevrolet Niva using a special adapter and an Android-based mobile phone.

Common mistakes

First, let's look at deciphering frequently occurring problems that occur in the Chevrolet Aveo in the back of the T250, T300, Niva and other models.

Diagnostics of Niva Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Niva diagnostic connector helps you obtain information about how most units work, into which special equipment is connected via Bluetooth or a cable. Therefore, if you want to conduct independent diagnostics, it is important to know where it is.

The connector in the Niva is located under the steering wheel on the right side, and the pinout itself is under the dashboard on the driver’s side. To check the on-board computer, you need to use special equipment that transmits all the necessary information to the laptop. Data transfer is carried out using a COM port into which a K-LINE type connector is installed.

When connecting, errors may appear on the laptop screen. At this moment, there is no need to worry, since the appearance of such messages may be due to a lack of communication with the device itself. You should also check whether the standard anti-theft system is installed; if so, check the adapter itself. If there is a standard location, then it is connected to the diagnostic line between the ECU and the immobilizer. And if it is missing, a plug is installed in its place. To restore communication between the contacts, a jumper is installed, as shown in the picture below:

Depending on the year of manufacture of the model, the connectors may differ from each other.

Checking the oil level and condition

The next most important reasons for the signal are considered to be overheating of the motor and a decrease in the level of lubricating fluid in the internal combustion engine. It is recommended to check the engine temperature. If there is no overheating, you need to check the volume and condition of the oil. After checking the level, it is necessary to add the missing amount of lubricant. Using a clean paper napkin, the quality and composition of the engine oil is checked according to the following criteria:

1. Color.
2. Consistency.
3. Presence of mechanical inclusions.
4. The smell of burning.

If everything is in order with the quality and quantity of oil, the engine starts to eliminate unusual sounds and noise when operating both at idle and under load.

If unusual noise effects of a running engine are detected against the background of a burning check, it is recommended to send the car to the nearest service company. Moving the car yourself is not recommended; delivery is carried out by towing or other convenient method. Further operation can lead to serious damage and costly repairs to the elements of the power unit.

Self-diagnosis

If it is not possible to check with a special device, then this can be done using self-diagnosis, which will help to quickly identify all problems associated with the operation of the car. To do this, press the odometer button and turn on the ignition. The speedometer needle will begin to rise to the top; by pressing again, information about the firmware will appear on the screen, and by pressing again, all existing errors will appear.

Let's take a closer look at the Chevrolet Niva error codes with decoding:

During self-diagnosis, error 8 and error 14 often appear, the first informs about problems in the brake system, and the second is related to fuel consumption, quite often this is a system glitch, but in any case you need to replace the sensor responsible for these mechanisms, or reset the memory by resetting the battery terminals.

As practice shows, knowing how to perform an independent check is very useful, since this knowledge helps to quickly identify a malfunction and eliminate it in a timely manner.

Why is error 8 associated with problems with the brake system?

Some car enthusiasts incorrectly interpret the message with error 8, believing that it is necessary to check the brake system. This is due to the fact that on VAZ cars this fault number indicates an insufficient level of brake water.

The Chevrolet Niva's on-board computer uses other designations, so you should not interpret them in the same way as in the VAZ. If you doubt the condition of the brake system, you can check it during the repair process. Before all this, pay attention to the brake water level, and then check the pads.

Source: ladaprofi.ru

Check engine error

If a check light comes on on a Niva Chevrolet car, this warns that there are malfunctions associated with the operation of the engine. The light comes on at the moment when the engine begins to detect a failure or error and writes a specific code into its memory.

Let's look at the main reasons why this warning may appear:

• The air/fuel mixture is incorrect. This problem is eliminated by filling the tank with higher quality gasoline.
• Low engine oil level
• Engine overheated
• There are problems with the ignition system, which may be due to a faulty spark plug or ignition coil
• The power system is faulty. It is possible that fuel injection into one of the cylinders has stopped.
• Lambda probe faulty
• A separate sensor in the ECM system has failed

We can conclude that in some cases, when the engine starts and the check light is on, this may indicate that the engine is operating in emergency mode and the problem is not very critical. If the engine starts and stalls, then this is most likely a problem with the fuel supply or the crankshaft sensor has failed.

In any case, it is better not to use the car until you find out the exact reason.

Signs of main malfunctions and reasons for the appearance of the indicator signal

If the Engine check light comes on while the car is moving after refueling at a gas station, the most likely reason is inappropriate quality of the gasoline poured. The following symptoms are observed:

1. Reduced power.
2. Interruptions in engine operation (stalls).
3. Detonation as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel.

To correct the situation, it is recommended to do the following:

• add a portion of higher quality fuel to the tank;
• Drain the recently filled gasoline and clean the fuel system.

If the check does not want to go out after the cause has been eliminated, you need to delete the error recorded in the device’s memory using a special computer program.

If the check engine light comes on: 5 most common reasons for the “Check engine” light to turn on

Many of us have encountered such a problem as turning on the engine icon (Check engine), the appearance of which frightens car drivers. We offer you the 5 most common reasons why the check engine light comes on on the dashboard.

The engine warning light usually appears without warning. The reason for the appearance of the Check engine cannot be immediately understood. Even if the car has auto diagnostics (for example, in cars such as BMW, Audi, Porshe, Mercedes-Benz, VW), which scans all car systems for errors and, if any, displays a decryption on the information panel, the reasons for the check engine light will not be decrypted .

For most drivers, the appearance of this warning icon on the dashboard means the need to urgently go to an auto repair shop to diagnose and eliminate the reason why the “Check Engine” warning sign appeared. But in fact, in most cases, when the “Check” indication appears, you can independently diagnose the cause of the engine failure and, in some cases, possibly eliminate the cause yourself without a trip to a car service center, which will save you money.

Messages 18

1 Topic by 4istoff 2016-01-28 07:37:04

• 4istoff
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Topic: Resolved: Starter won't turn over, exclamation mark just lights up on dashboard

Hi all! When I try to start the car, an exclamation mark on the dashboard lights up (!) and the starter does not turn (((it starts fine from the pushrod. What is the problem? Thank you.

2 Reply from Slag 2016-01-28 08:03:56 (2016-01-28 08:09:29 edited by Slag)

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Re: Resolved: The starter does not turn, an exclamation mark just lights up on the panel

Try turning the starter by closing the contacts on it with a screwdriver. [video] Measure the voltage on the battery, maybe it's dead...

3 Reply from 4istoff 2016-01-28 08:26:47

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Re: Resolved: The starter does not turn, an exclamation mark just lights up on the panel

The battery is fine, I'll try to close it now. The immobilizer cannot be modified?

4 Reply from Slag 2016-01-28 10:20:40 (2016-01-28 10:22:37 edited by Slag)

• Slag
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Re: Resolved: The starter does not turn, an exclamation mark just lights up on the panel

With the immobilizer active (mine is activated), the starter turns, but does not engage the engine, since there is no connection with the ECU. So it's not about him. If it starts with a screwdriver, I think it’s worth digging towards the ignition switch and the wiring from it..

5 Reply from 4istoff 2016-01-28 10:29:54

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Re: Resolved: The starter does not turn, an exclamation mark just lights up on the panel

Or maybe the starter is frozen? Damn, what's the matter?((

Added: 2016-01-28 11:29:54

And how can you understand why the “(!)” icon on the right side of the dashboard lights up when you turn the key to the starter position? Then when you release the key, does this icon go out? What the hell is this?

6 Reply from Slag 2016-01-28 11:03:53

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Re: Resolved: The starter does not turn, an exclamation mark just lights up on the panel

In general, as far as I know, it should light up when you turn the key to “Start”. Read here.. similar topic: autolada.ru/viewtopic.php?t=293907&start=25

7 Reply from lex0589 2016-01-28 11:11:06

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Re: Resolved: The starter does not turn, an exclamation mark just lights up on the panel

Clean the mass that goes from the battery to the engine (a thick harness, but it’s better to clean everything) and clean (check) the positive contacts on the starter. I had such crap - the mass was to blame.

Replace the oxygen sensor (lambda probe)

The oxygen sensor in your car is part of the exhaust system that monitors how much oxygen is not burned in the engine's combustion chamber. This sensor helps control the vehicle's fuel consumption. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor (lambda probe) means that the car computer is receiving incorrect data, which can significantly increase fuel consumption and reduce engine power. Most cars have 2 to 4 oxygen sensors. If you have a home car error scanner, then by connecting it to the car, you can easily find out which sensor needs to be replaced.

For what reason does the oxygen sensor in a car become unusable: Over time, the sensor becomes covered with a layer of used engine oil (oil soot), which reduces the accuracy of reading sensor readings for regulating the gasoline mixture and distributing optimal fuel consumption. A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in a car leads not only to increased fuel consumption, but also to an increased content of harmful CO2 substances in the exhaust.

What needs to be done: If you do not change a faulty car oxygen sensor, this can lead to failure of your car's catalyst (it may burst), which will result in expensive repairs. The cost of new catalysts is very high due to the precious alloys they contain. On some cars, there are several catalysts, the cost of which can reach up to 90,000 rubles. So don't delay replacing the sensor. Although replacing the sensor and its cost is not very small, it is not commensurate with the cost of the exhaust gas catalyst system. You can also save on replacement costs by doing it yourself. Many car manuals have detailed instructions on how to replace the oxygen sensor yourself. If you know where the oxygen sensor is located, then it will not be difficult for you to disconnect the faulty lambda probe and replace it with a new one. Remember that you cannot delay replacing this important element!

Tuning options

The choice of options for tuning is not particularly large:

1. Install a device from another car. In this case, you will need the services of a qualified electrician, since the connectors will have to be redone. You can also install a digital version of the tidy - it will be more than original.
2. As a tuning option, you can install LED bulbs instead of regular ones. Many car owners choose this option because it is less expensive and the easiest to implement.
3. Another tuning method is to install original instrument scales on the speedometer, tachometer and other sensors. Moreover, you can buy such scales either ready-made or make them yourself in accordance with your preferences.

Check the fuel filler cap

Many drivers, in most cases, when the “check engine” indication appears, will think about serious problems in the car’s engine, but will not even think to check the tightness of the fuel system, which may be compromised due to a defect or an insufficiently tightened fuel tank cap. This is a very common reason for the appearance of the “Check” engine icon.

Reason for the error: Leakage of the fuel system due to the passage of air through the filler cap of the fuel tank will increase the vehicle's fuel consumption, to which the vehicle's diagnostic system will generate an engine error by turning on the "Check engine" indication on the vehicle's instrument panel.

What needs to be done: If, when the “Check” indication appears, your car has not lost power, and there are no audible signs of engine damage (engine knocking, humming, creaking, etc.), then first check the gas tank for leaks. Your gas cap may be cracked or not tightened enough. If the cap was not tightened enough, then after tightening it all the way, continue driving the car for a while to see if the engine error disappears. To prevent a check engine light from appearing for this reason, check your fuel filler cap regularly. Remember that the cover must be replaced with a new one periodically!

Shnivy tidy does not work: reasons

Usually this is damage to the module's power circuit, moisture/condensation on the board, or mechanical damage caused by improper repair.

The problem is simple when studied in detail, and can be easily eliminated without the help of specialists.

The shield does not light up

If it just goes out (the backlight has failed), check the corresponding fuse inside the mounting block. Next you need to follow the wires towards the tidy. Here the condition of the contact groups and the presence of oxidation on the terminals are checked. If there are such problems, the problems should be eliminated.

If only some of the light bulbs stop lighting, dismantle the device and check the lighting elements directly for damage.

Shnivy's shield is blinking

A typical problem in cars that are driven on rough terrain or broken roads. A symptom of trouble is that the device periodically goes out while driving or blinks quickly.

Instrument needles Strings stuck

In such a situation, check the systems.

Car exhaust catalyst

An automobile catalyst helps a car make engine exhaust gases more environmentally friendly. It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful substances into harmless compounds. If your exhaust catalyst has become unusable, you will notice it not only when the engine icon (check) appears, but also long before that, when the car’s power drops by half. For example, when you press the gas pedal, the car will not have good acceleration dynamics as before.

Replace the mass air flow sensor

The mass air flow sensor regulates how much air needs to be added to the gasoline mixture for optimal ignition of the fuel. The sensor constantly reports data to the car's computer about the amount of oxygen supplied. A faulty mass air flow sensor increases fuel consumption, increases CO2 levels in the exhaust gas, and reduces engine power and smoothness. Also, if the sensor is faulty, poor acceleration dynamics are observed. In cold weather, a car with a faulty sensor has difficulty starting.

What are the reasons for the failure of the mass air flow sensor: Most sensor failures occur due to improper installation of the air filter during its scheduled replacement. Also, if you do not regularly change the air filter, as required by the vehicle maintenance regulations recommended by the manufacturer, the mass air flow sensor may fail.

What you need to do: Theoretically, you can drive for a long time with a broken mass air flow sensor (several weeks or months). But you will notice that the longer you drive, the more your fuel consumption increases. Replacing the sensor in a car service is not that expensive, since the work itself does not take much time and is quite simple. The main costs are related to the cost of the sensor, which for some car models can be 11,000-14,000 rubles if it is an original sensor or up to 6,000 rubles if it is an analogue substitute. Replacing the sensor yourself is very simple. But due to the low cost of replacing the sensor, you can entrust this work to a mechanic at a car service center. Remember that you need to regularly change the air filter, observing the vehicle maintenance regulations!

Replacing brushes or the generator itself

Current collection brushes wear out most often, so here is a description of how to do this job:

1. Remove the negative terminal from the battery and disconnect the wires leading from the generator casing.
2. Remove the protective cap from the terminals of the positive terminal of the wires. Unscrew the nut that secures the block to the generator block.
3. Disconnect the spring clips and remove the dark plastic case.
4. Unscrew the voltage regulator mountings with a Phillips screwdriver. Take it out together with the brushes.
5. Disconnect the wires from it. Remove the assembly together with the fastening bar, take off the belt.
6. Release the generator from the bracket by unscrewing all the mounting bolts.

The upcoming action plan depends on what you will change. If the brushes are very worn, they need to be replaced. If the current collectors are visually intact, then the reason may be in the remaining parts of the generator. Almost always, car enthusiasts simply change it completely.