Modifications of Lada Granta - types of gearboxes
Lada Granta Sedan
Lada Granta Liftback
| Equipment | Gearbox type |
| Standard | MT |
| Norm | AT/MT |
| Lux | AT/MT |
| Standard | M.T. |
| Classic | M.T. |
| Classic Optima | MT/AMT |
| Comfort | MT/AMT |
| Luxe | MT/AMT/AT |
| Luxe Prestige | M.T. |
A little history
Domestic cars with automatic transmissions are not as new as inexperienced consumers might think. The development of such cars began back in the 40s of the last century. The first Soviet car with an automatic transmission was the executive class limousine ZIM-111, released in 1958. Another “luxury” car with the same transmission was the “Chaika” (GAZ-13).
In addition, around the same time, the GAZ-21 (Volga) with a three-speed automatic transmission was produced. In total, about 700 of them were produced. And from 1962 to 1970 - GAZ-23, produced by special order of the KGB. Subsequently, this car was replaced by the GAZ-24-24, which was also produced exclusively for the needs of committee members.
Over time, the baton was taken up by the more modern Volga - GAZ-3102. She rolled off the assembly line for 27 years. From 2008 to 2010, 9,000 Volga Siber vehicles were produced in Russia.
We tried to keep up with the GAZ cars and "Muscovites" with "Zhiguli". True, the former limited their work to only two prototypes 3-3-5 and 3-3-6. The cars were assembled in the late 70s. But VAZ managed to release an export model 2103 - Lada 1500S Automatic in the late 80s. In addition, automatic transmission was also installed on export versions of “kopecks”, “fives”, “sixes” and “sevens”.
Automatic transmission background information
Jatco - four-speed automatic transmission with transverse arrangement. Factory index JF414. Installed on Lada Granta Sedan/Liftback cars.
Initially, the Jatco JF414 automatic machine was manufactured to equip the Japanese brands Nissan and Suzuki. Since 2013, the Zhatko automatic transmission has been equipped with the Chinese automobile brand March.
Salon
Explanation of the abbreviation JF414:
- J – Jatco;
- F - front-wheel drive;
- 4 — number of gears;
- 14 — ordinal modification index;
- E - electronic control.
What is the O/D OFF button for?
The “O/D OFF” (Overdrive Off) button, when turned on, prohibits the connection of the fourth, highest gear. When the button is pressed, the automatic transmission changes to three stages. In the normal (main) automatic transmission mode, the car loses a little in dynamics, but fuel consumption decreases.
When it is recommended to use the main mode (O/D ON):
1. when driving uniformly at high speed (on highways, on high-speed sections) 2. at speeds above 70 km/h (fuel consumption decreases, speed drops) 3. many generally recommend never turning off O/D, except in cases when fast acceleration is required (for example, to overtake someone or actively drive through the city during rush hour).
Source
Reviews of Lada Granta automatic
| № | Positive |
| 1. | Vladimir: the transmission is functional, picks up from the bottom, picks up speed very quickly from the start at traffic lights. |
| 2. | Kirill: a vigorous start from a standing start, which is convenient and practical in megacities. Fuel consumption is 1.0 liter more than the mechanical type, but for me this is not significant. |
| 3. | Vyacheslav: the dynamics of picking up the lows is clearly noticeable on the machine. Unlike a number of other brands, including European ones, lethargy is not typical. |
| 4. | Ivan: The automatic transmission works quite smoothly, the moment of gear shifting is practically not felt. What is missing is sound insulation. Of course, it is present, but the thickness of the felt upholstery is not enough for complete silence. |
| 5. | Sergey: It’s very nice that when you sharply press the accelerator pedal, the “Kickdown” mode, the automatic transmission quickly shifts the gear to a lower position. You can feel the speed of transition when overtaking or sharp maneuvers. |
| 6. | Oleg: despite the lack of manual control in the automatic transmission, the manufacturer left manual control for the first two speeds. Very convenient and practical when overcoming road obstacles, |
| 7. | Vyacheslav: the machine has a mechanical “Overdrive” button preinstalled; turning it off helps to operate the engine at higher speeds. This is very convenient and practical when overcoming road obstacles, snow drifts, and shallow fords. |
| Negative | |
| 1. | Alexander: despite numerous modifications to the Zhatko automatic transmission, vibrations and increased noise at speeds over 100 km/h are still present. This causes discomfort; the driver is forced to raise his voice so that passengers can hear him. |
| 2. | Ignat: a 16-valve engine is installed together with the automatic transmission, the maximum torque is set at the “top”. During rapid acceleration, the automatic transmission pulls the torque to the top, the tachometer needle borders on the red zone. At such moments, the roar of the engine in the cabin can be clearly heard. |
| 3. | Dmitry: during long climbs, the automatic transmission systematically shifts to lower gears, pushing the tachometer needle into the red zone. |
| 4. | Vasily: Unfortunately, Zhatko does not have a manual gear shift mode. This is very inconvenient if you frequently use the machine on rough terrain. Those who live on the periphery will understand me. |
| 5. | Vladimir: Zhatko’s gearbox is of the direct type. The “Drive” position is located third from the beginning. To move the selector to the “Drive” position, you need to take your attention away from the road. There is a preset indicator on the dashboard to indicate the current gear, but the display size is very small. |
| 6. | Victor: I don’t recommend this type of automatic transmission for the Lada Granta, as it’s already at 45,000 km. Replaced gaskets and solenoids. The torque converter clutches were also damaged. |
| 7. | Vasily: my sensors and the electrical ROM board of the automatic transmission “flyed”. The reason is a manufacturing defect. Fortunately, they replaced it free of charge under warranty. |
Automatic transmission error codes
Automatic transmission malfunctions, ways to eliminate them
Characteristics and differences of JATCO automatic transmission
After the merger between Nissan and Renault, the latter began to be equipped with Jatco transmissions. This once again confirms the high quality and reliability of the units.
Jatco gearboxes are installed on both budget cars and middle-class models. For example:
- Lada Granta: four-speed JF 414E;
- Daewoo Matiz, Kia Picanto:JF 402/405E.
The main difference between a gearbox is its simplicity of design, maintenance, and reliability. Automatic gearboxes and stepless variators (Tiptronic) are widely represented on the domestic market.
The machine is based on a complex control system at the level of solenoids and valve body.
For the first time since 2011, Zhatko boxes are equipped with solenoids made of a special material that is unpretentious to the quality of the transmission fluid.
This made it possible to change the oil less frequently, increase the service life of the fluid, and save some money. Maintenance of the unit is carried out every 75-85 thousand km. At the specified interval, it is necessary to replace the cleaning elements.
Manual Transmission Background Information
The design of the Lada Granta manual transmission is nothing more than a modernized version of the manual transmission from the VAZ-2108. Until 2022, lever-type manual transmissions were installed. The new Lada Granta Sedan / Liftback (2018) is equipped with a cable gear shift mechanism.
Unlike the lever type, the cables are placed on top, which is convenient and practical when carrying out diagnostics and repairs. The shape of the clutch housing has also undergone changes and has become smaller in size. However, this did not affect the functionality of the manual transmission in any way.
Mechanics
Modernization
Gradually the car underwent improvements.
By 2014, the company began using a new fluid for shock absorbers, which should provide better performance and increase their service life. In parallel with this, work was carried out to introduce new NAK oil seals into shock absorbers.
Renault specialists, who support this project and actively participate in it, proposed changing the characteristics of the shock absorbers, as well as modifying the rear suspension.
In 2014, special attention was paid to the operation of the hydraulic booster and its so-called information content, especially in the near-zero zone. This will ensure a soft and even ride of the car when turning and eliminate jerking.
Owner reviews about Lada Granta mechanics
| № | Positive |
| 1. | Vyacheslav: in general, manual is better than automatic, especially for rough terrain. Poor quality road surfaces are not suitable for automatic transmissions. This is what became the key factor in choosing the type of transmission. |
| 2. | Sergey: I wanted to buy an automatic, but due to the peculiarities of the geographical area in which I live, a manual one is the only right solution. |
| 3. | Slavik: I’ve been familiar with mechanics for several decades now, I know the strengths and weaknesses, the machine is still a little damp. Let them improve it a little. |
| 4. | Vitaly: in bad weather conditions, it’s hard to find a better manual transmission. Despite the presence of a mechanical “Overdrive” button in the machine, it is not possible to fully control the engine. |
| 5. | Victor: I’ve been actively using the Granta for a year now, I have no complaints, the transmission works properly. I believe that it doesn’t matter what type of gearbox, the main thing is systematic maintenance and timely oil changes. |
| 6. | Volodya: I like the mechanical type of gearbox, it picks it up from the bottom, who knows, he will understand. If an emergency maneuver is necessary, you can always switch to a lower gear and complete overtaking. You can also do this automatically, but it will take much more time. |
| 7. | Vitya: for me, as a taxi driver, manual gearbox control is much more effective than automatic. In a metropolis, it is necessary to quickly respond to changes in traffic conditions; this will not work with an automatic transmission. |
| Negative | |
| 1. | Vasily: despite the efficiency of the manual transmission, one liter less, the automatic is much more practical and functional than its predecessor. |
| 2. | Dmitry: Japanese “Zhatko” is an ideal solution for the domestic VAZ. The transmission is very “smart”, it understands when to shift to a higher gear, and when, on the contrary, to engage a lower one. |
| 3. | Gennady: after 60,000 km, the synchronizers on my mechanics began to fall off, so I contacted the service center. The workmanship is poor, it is better to buy with an automatic. |
| 4. | Ivan: for a 16-valve engine, the mechanics are not enough, the gear ratio is not adjusted by the gearbox. Automatic transmission is essential. |
| 5. | Savely: I bought a Granta with mechanics, I thought I made the right choice, but it turns out I was wrong. The transmission failed at 70,000 km. |
| 6. | Vladislav: except for replacing the cable control levers, nothing has changed from the VAZ 2108. For that kind of money, it’s better to buy with an automatic transmission. |
| 7. | Kirill: I don’t recommend the mechanical type of transmission, it’s a weak box for such a powerful engine. |
List of necessary tools for changing oil in manual transmission
To change the oil in a manual transmission, the tools from the table below are required.
Table - Tools and materials required to change the oil in a manual transmission
| Tools and materials | Note |
| Ratchet | Narrow |
| Heads | "at 17", "at 19" |
| Key | "at 13", "at 17", "at 19" |
| Special tool for filling oil | Oil resistant syringe |
| Rags | To clean dirt |
Lada Granta automatic or manual, which is better?
Each of the above types of transmissions certainly has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before purchasing a machine, clearly determine the type of geographic area where the machine will be used and the climatic conditions.
It has been verified that the automatic machine does not like frequent switching or start-stop modes. The solenoids wear out quickly and the torque converter clutch knocks. Since all automatic transmission parts are interconnected, prevention alone is not enough; a major overhaul is needed. It is expensive and time-consuming.
Mechanics are another matter. Despite the complaints addressed to it, the unit is quite working and functional. The final word belongs to the owner.
Disadvantages and methods for eliminating them
As with most VAZ models, one of the main disadvantages of the car is its noise inside the cabin . After a few months, the driver or passenger seat may begin to squeak. And after another couple of months, the dashboard or door trim may begin to make various hissing, rustling sounds. And this, of course, with complete sound insulation.
The car is very noisy on rough roads. It's especially loud for rear passengers, as they are closest to the noisy seat belt reel. In 2014, manufacturers promised to eliminate this deficiency. For this purpose, silent coils were ordered from the foreign company Takata. But such reels are often used only in the “Lux” package, since their cost clearly goes beyond the average set.
You can also often hear noises from the air conditioning compressor belt. In order to avoid this situation, you need to carry out maintenance of the air conditioner more often than required. There are often complaints about the appearance of a “chip” or “check” signal, which indicates a malfunction of the indicator system. Simply replacing the sensor can solve the problem.
There are many complaints about door seals. There is a joke among drivers that there is a “dust man” living inside the car who endlessly sprinkles dust. Getting rid of this problem is quite easy. One has only to install the seals from the Lada Kalina car, they fit and serve as an excellent barrier to dust.
And also, you should not skip scheduled technical inspections, which may reveal other deficiencies due to the fault of roads and wear of spare parts.
| We would like to draw your attention to the fact that: We take into account all these nuances of owning these cars, and we carry out all the necessary routine maintenance within the required time frame. Therefore, by offering you these cars for long-term rent, we can guarantee you their complete serviceability and maximum comfort. |
First impressions of the new Lada car
Let's be honest, just a few years ago no one expected AvtoVAZ to be capable of this. The car looks modern, the interior is not inferior to almost any other model in competitive classes. A very successful design of the optics and good appearance of the interior details make the car feel more expensive than it actually is. Of course, this is only a first impression, but it is incredibly important in making a purchasing decision.
It is necessary to note the following design and construction features of the car:
Bottom line
To be honest, I didn’t want to go and test this car, the aftertaste of the February test drive was very strong. But now I can say that this test drive of a car with an automatic transmission changed my view. A “normal” car is most likely even worth the money, this is how it should have been at first, back in February. For 373,000 rubles, it is impossible to find a car with air conditioning and an automatic transmission. I believe that this car will be popular with girls and women who have just received their license. And that's all.
Comments
28.06.2013
Sergey
I really liked the car... I bought a luxury car with an automatic transmission. To the Far East from Moscow I traveled across the country back and forth. Everything with the car is in order, I changed the oil in Vladik and that’s it. Automatic racks are fine. I didn’t regret the car, but nothing happened. The car turned out to be very strong. True, it doesn’t go over 170 no matter how hard you accelerate. But it picks up speed quickly. Overall I liked the machine. Good luck to all .
Main engines
As the main engines, AvtoVAZ offers customers a choice of the power units already mentioned just above. Let's talk about each of them separately.
VAZ-11183-50
The eight-valve VAZ-11183-50 engine is an improved VAZ-2111 with a power of 82 hp, which is installed on Grant sedans and hatchbacks. The work carried out to improve the unit has increased its environmental friendliness and reliability, the level of engine torque and its elasticity have significantly increased.
The disadvantages of the VAZ-11183-50 include increased noise and the need to adjust the valves from time to time. In addition, this motor may not warm up to the required temperature due to a malfunction of the thermostat (the thermostat in such a situation must be replaced).
In addition, instability in the operation of the motor is often observed, for which there may be several reasons. For example, such instability is often associated with the burnout of one of the valves, with a violation of the integrity of the gasket, or with a malfunction of the ignition module. However, bending of the valves due to a broken timing belt will not occur.
VAZ-11186 (VAZ 21116)
VAZ 21116 is another representative of eight-valve engines with 87 hp. under the hood. It is a modified and improved VAZ-21114 engine, which is distinguished by a lower noise level and noticeable fuel economy. They are equipped with Grant's Norma vehicles.
If we compare the VAZ 21116 with the VAZ-21114, we should note a noticeably increased level of environmental friendliness, and the power has also increased significantly. The disadvantages of the engine include a more modest resource than, for example, that of the VAZ-11183. Its pistons are much lighter than those of its predecessor, but this circumstance led to the appearance of two more disadvantages.
So, in lighter pistons there is simply no room left for the recesses, therefore, if the belt breaks, the valves will definitely bend. Another disadvantage of such pistons is related to their fragility. For this reason, pistons can break when colliding with valves, and in four cases out of five such contact will require replacement.
