In general, after almost 6 years, I finally decided to install an electric lock on the trunk, or rather an activator that will open the lock instead of a button.
Kalina has a standard installation of the activator in the trunk, there is even a place and wires with a terminal
but this system is designed to unlock the lock, and not to open it, instead of turning the key in the lock, although there are no places for rods in the lock, apparently another lock is required, but I don’t care, because I just need to disable the mechanical button and open the lock itself
I figured out the position so that I could screw it on properly and have enough traction, I drilled a couple of holes, screwed it on, the block is connected to the wires normally, I tried it and it seemed to work, I slammed the lid and it didn’t open (I had to open it from the inside)
postponed the improvements until the next evening
the next evening I continued to straighten the rod a little, thereby lengthening it and increasing the stroke of the activator and voila, it opens with a bang, I tested it many times, it works without failures)
There’s just one catch: it’s ok to open the key fob, but if you unlock the doors from the button on the driver’s door, the trunk will also open, because According to the developers, the activator should only unlock the trunk lock instead of the key. and the owner opens the trunk himself...
The simplest thing is not to unlock the doors from the button on the door, but since I decided to be clever, I’ll leave this as the last option)
At first I thought of doing magic with the button on the door, but there are only 2 channels: “open” and “close” to the control unit, and the control unit gives signals to the door locks and to the trunk activator.
I went to the control unit, thought I could do some magic with it, took it apart, and there was a circuit board there that couldn’t be done)
Ideally, I would reflash it so that it doesn’t give a signal to the trunk when the button on the door is pressed, but I don’t know how to flash such things(
Then I found a wire going from the control unit to the activator, so I’m thinking about getting tricky with it...
Lyrical digression: xs like on other cars, but on mine it’s very bad that the wires somewhere start in one color and end in another, minus for the VAZ ones(
I have some idea, maybe someone can help me:
Roughly speaking, here is the standard system:
But here’s a thought: maybe there are some types of reverse relays in nature, where when a signal goes through one circuit, the other circuit breaks?
Features of opening the trunk of the Lada Kalina
Owners of the Lada Kalina car are almost unanimously surprised: with all the bias towards Europe, the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback in the basic configuration for some reason can only be opened with a key. For many, the situation immediately became quite common: the driver gets into the car, starts the engine, and then remembers that he needs to put something from the passenger compartment into the trunk. Further actions are similar to a joke.
You need to turn off the engine, remove the key from the ignition, get out of the car, and so on. If you imagine all this in an environment of time shortage, one can only feel sorry for the owner. In addition, if someone happened to approach the trunk of a car with something heavy in their hands, the procedure for opening it with a key turned into something difficult. Another problem could have arisen: in regions where real frosts occur in winter, the lock cylinder would at times freeze tightly.
What’s interesting is that any car owner sees a separate button on the Kalina key, which for this brand of car replaces the standard key fob. She's supposed to open the trunk. If you press and hold such a button for a couple of seconds, you can hear a click - this is a signal that everything is in order with the electrical package control unit.
Then another interesting detail became clear: the craftsmen who climbed under the trunk trim to understand the internal structure realized that there was still a place for the lock activator and even a standard electrical connector for wires. And then the same craftsmen began to solve the problem of how to modify Kalina to increase the comfort of use. The complete trunk lock drive is not available for sale as a single set, so the parts will have to be obtained separately.
Installation of the activator: preparatory work
Since there is space for a trunk lock activator in Kalina, it makes sense to use it. Absolutely any activator will do. Of course, for those who are interested in the quality and long service life of the entire device, it is better not to stop at extremely cheap options. Experienced car owners still advise choosing domestic Kalina electric lock drives, regardless of body type. They are somewhat more expensive than similar products made in China or Taiwan, but still more reliable. Main parameters of the activator:
- 12 volts;
- two-pin;
- lock-unlock functions.
In order for the system to open doors by pressing a button to work fully, one activator will not be enough. You will also need such a thing as a rotary washer. According to many car owners, the easiest way is to grind it yourself. You will need a steel plate and a machine. There are quite enough drawings with dimensions that will show what kind of rotary washer for the Kalina activator should be on various auto forums.
It is possible that after the washer is manufactured, it will have to be modified when installing the activator. The activator installation technique itself will require some tricks. For example, the first step is to remove the trunk trim. It is secured with pistons, which immediately became unusable for most car owners. Conclusion: pre-purchase of “hedgehogs” for subsequent installation of the trunk trim in place is mandatory.
Another nuance lies in the types of locks on the Lada Kalina. Firstly, locks on cars produced before 2010 and after differ in their design. Accordingly, the types of activators will differ slightly. This issue is resolved upon purchase. Secondly, most of those who independently installed the lock activator for Kalina station wagon either modified the lock itself or replaced it with another one. It remains to figure out why this is needed and how it is done.
The bottom line is that the trunk lock is equipped with two “tongues”. After modifying the lock to open it with a button on the key, the existing problems were partially solved, but a new one arose. If, when opening the trunk with the key button, someone did not support the trunk lid in time, it would lower, as a result the trunk would close again. And only on one “tongue”. And this meant that the key fob certainly became useless. Now it was possible to open the trunk again only with the key. This is where two options for solving the problem appeared.
Let's get started!
- The task is to put the spring on the rod of the “lift” or trunk shock absorber, depending on who you say. To do this, you need to unscrew the hinge-mount. This is best done using a vice.
- We clamp the rod in a vice using fabric or other gasket that will prevent damage to the rod.
- Carefully unscrew the hinge and put on our springs. It is recommended to cut two turns to achieve the desired effect. Although everything needs to be looked at locally, it all depends on the length and stiffness of the spring.
- You can install washers or rubber gaskets under the springs, thereby eliminating contact between the spring and the elevator.
- After this, the spring is either fixed, for example, with electrical tape, or remains “free floating”.
- Some experimenters use a valve spring from a VAZ, adding one washer at the top and bottom; it is advisable to use rubber ones.
Next, this entire structure is returned to its place and checked. Be prepared for the lid to close with some force that was not there before. This is because of the springs that provide resistance. The disadvantage of the design is that over time the springs “sit down” and cease to perform their function; here, in principle, there are options. You can either find a stiffer hardened one, or stretch this spring from time to time, making it stiffer. You can also find suitable springs and change them from time to time.
Methods for installing the trunk lock activator
The first option is to saw off one “tongue” from Kalina’s lock. Particularly gifted craftsmen do this without any removal of the lock, right on the spot, using an angle grinder. You have to work very carefully. If you don’t have a grinder, the same steps can be done with a hacksaw. It just takes much longer, and one can only guess about the physical effort required for such a process. If you are not confident in the intricacies of your own work, it is better to remove the lock for modification. In this case, it will be easier to work with both a grinder and a hacksaw.
The second option is to replace the lock. Many car owners installed a trunk lock for their Lada Priora instead of the original one. This option is perfect for those Kalina owners who do not have the desire and/or ability to cut anything. All other steps for installing the Kalina station wagon trunk lock activator are extremely simple.
- A rotary washer is installed on the plastic activator pusher, then the entire system is secured with a locking ring.
- The complete activator is placed in a standard place.
- The activator wires are connected to the corresponding connectors. Naturally, all electrical work is carried out only with the battery disconnected. The point is not what can “knock” an electric current: 12 volts of direct current for a person is just nonsense. But capricious electronics, if something suddenly “shorts”, may suffer. In the best case, problems with functionality will begin, in the worst case, something will completely fail.
- The next stage is installing and adjusting the rods.
- A check is in progress. First, the lock itself, regardless of whether the original one was modified or another one was installed (from Priora). All detected problems are corrected. The activator is being tested.
If everything worked perfectly, then it is quite possible to install the trunk trim in place, if only there were “hedgehogs”. Car owners are advised, since they had to remove the trunk trim, to also check which parts are making noise, knocking or vibrating. If such small problems are discovered, they can be solved by installing plugs from pieces of foam rubber of the required size. This will not only solve the problem with the lock, but also increase comfort when driving the car.
Removing the door trim yourself
The casing is attached not only to screws, but also to plastic pistons. The number of screws holding the part in question is four:
Numbers here indicate all fastening elements. But to get to them, you need to remove the screw cap “3”, as well as the inner door handle. The pawl handle also needs to be unscrewed.
If these actions are completed successfully, the casing begins to be dismantled, moving it away from the metal. Dismantling is carried out starting from any of the corners, but care must be taken: the pistons holding the plastic are fragile.
If the package includes power windows, you will need to disconnect the connector connected to the button block. Also, another similar connector is present in most trim levels - where there is a central lock. Both connectors must be disconnected.
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All the steps described here involve electronics in any case.
Therefore, at the stage before dismantling the trim, you need to open the hood, take the “10” key and unscrew the negative terminal. We are talking about the battery terminal, which can be connected last (when the last screw is screwed in). Anyone who breaks this rule will look for blown fuses. Draw a conclusion.
Luggage compartment lock
You can, if desired, modify the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback in exactly the same way as was considered in the case of the Kalina station wagon. One of the main nuances, oddly enough, is not in the electrics or body design features, but in the fastening of the trunk trim. The point is that the Kalina hatchback is supported not only by pistons, but also by plastic corners.
That is why, when removing the trunk trim of a Kalina hatchback, you must pull the trim from the top: while the “hedgehogs” are easy to replace, the stationary plastic holders are only easy to break. And more about plastic. The bottom line is that the Kalina hatchback has a plastic trim on the trunk lid. According to the observations of many car owners, these are two problems at once. The first is that plastic is not entirely suitable for this part.
Constant efforts to open the fifth door, combined with a small number of stiffeners, gradually lead to the appearance of cracks in the plastic. Then everything follows domino rules. Perhaps the plastic will soon “fly”, and then you will have to think about repairs. Or, which is no easier, the plastic cover may remain in place, but will begin to “walk” along the metal part. And these are scratches on the coating and subsequent corrosion.
There are also aesthetes among Kalina hatchback owners who simply do not like the look of the trunk lid opening button. In general, all of the above reasons often lead hatchback owners to the same decision: an opening button on the fifth door is not needed. To solve all the problems at once, you can not only modify the Kalina trunk lock, but also remove the button from the fifth door, and, on the contrary, install a button in the car interior.
Door adjustment process
To eliminate defects in the operation of door elements, it is necessary to find out the cause of its occurrence. In some cases, treating moving parts of the mechanism with lubricants helps. The seals between the trim and the body are subject to wear and tear, and they also require replacement periodically.
- the gap in the extreme part of the structure causes the door on the Kalina car to not close tightly;
- The problem is caused by a faulty door lock.
Violation of the geometry of the structure in the doorway is the most common cause of the defect. Gaps can appear in any part of the joint with the body. Most often this happens from above and below. The adjustment in these cases is similar, but has minor differences.
Installation of the locking device drive
Removing the fifth door opening button is the easiest thing. It is more difficult to seal the remaining hole. This can be done using a special putty. One of the tricks is to process the hole cavity so that the surface becomes as rough as possible. This will create optimal adhesion to the putty. Next comes sanding, priming and painting. The work can be done independently without special training and practical skills. After that, you don't have to worry about aesthetics.
Of course, all dismantling work can be carried out only after the installation of the electric drive is completed, as well as the installation of the trunk opening button in the cabin. The trunk lock drive and how to install it are all relatively clear. Both the location and the connector of the wires in Kalina are determined in advance for this.
Advantages and options for upgrading car locks
Any option for modifying your own car has its pros and cons. It was already discussed at the beginning why exactly it is worth modifying the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback and station wagon. Now about the possible options. Installing the trunk lock activator alone solves one problem - the issue of using the key. The downside is that when the ignition is on, pressing the trunk open button will not help Kalina hatchback and station wagon: the engine will definitely have to be turned off.
True, you no longer have to remove the key from the ignition. That is why the issue of installing a trunk release button for Kalina hatchback and station wagon remains relevant. This modification option has its drawback: you will have to run the electrical wire through almost the entire car. Most car owners are willing to put up with such inconveniences, since they are one-time use.
The Kalina hatchback trunk lock drive and the issue of modification are a matter exclusively for the car owner. It is possible that it is impossible to independently modify the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback, and there is nowhere to turn. In some regions, purchasing a lock for a Lada Priora car can be difficult. According to many motorists, this disadvantage can somehow be put up with.
For particularly skillful car owners, options for controlling door opening/closing mechanisms, including the fifth door, are available. For example, the simplest option is one in which all the doors of the car are unlocked simultaneously. And the most complex option, which is not achievable for everyone, since it requires a somewhat non-standard approach, is that the driver, passenger and fifth doors are controlled separately.
Naturally, the options for modifying the Kalina hatchback and station wagon lock differ in cost, execution technique, and time required for a full range of work. The decision which option to choose is always up to the owner.
In order to successfully replace the trunk lock in a domestic car Lada Kalina in a sedan, station wagon and even a hatchback, you will need to stock up on some tools and accessories. The algorithm of actions is simple, so such work is available to owners subject to responsible preparation.
Next, we will consider in detail the nuances of the replacement process.
Let's sum it up
Replacing the trunk lock is quite labor-intensive and will require a lot of time to implement. If the owner of LADA Kalina encounters difficulties, we advise you to contact specialists when performing the installation procedure.
To replace the trunk lock of Kalina, you need to arm yourself with some materials. You can carry out the work yourself, doing everything according to a certain algorithm. Below you will find detailed information about the replacement.
How to dismantle the lock to replace the cylinder?
You can gain access to the lock mechanism by removing the plastic upholstery inside the luggage compartment. This protective component is fixed by means of two bolts, which are located in the places where the special handle is installed. They are also called latch caps. They are pryed off with an ordinary screwdriver.
Structurally, the trunk lock in the Lada Kalina is made of two parts, regardless of the body type, hatchback, station wagon or sedan. They are presented in the form of a cylinder and the unlocking mechanism itself. If it is necessary to replace the trunk lock, then the dismantling of these components is carried out in a separate order.
When you only need to replace the larva, this can be done in a few simple steps. Here you will need a screwdriver and a socket.
- By unscrewing the bolts, we release the necessary part of the body.
- Next, remove the retainer using a screwdriver. It is attached directly to the body of the larva itself.
- It is recommended to remove it very carefully, while holding the spring.
- Installation of a new element is carried out strictly according to the reverse manipulation algorithm.
If there is a need to replace the lock itself, the operation becomes a little more complicated due to the need for additional actions.
- First, the door lock is unscrewed using a screwdriver. This is not difficult since the element is held in place with only two screws.
- Now we pull the trunk lock outward, and it freely comes out of the landing niche.
As you can see, removing the trunk lock is not difficult.
Adjusting a door with a large gap at the top
Failure to correctly position the door is not always due to a manufacturing defect. The appearance of an enlarged gap in the upper part of the doorway is often associated with natural processes. Poor quality roads, driving on rough terrain, and heavy weight of the structure lead to the door sagging relative to its original position.
Restoring the position of the element relative to the body is carried out by a similar physical impact in a state of incomplete closure. The glass goes down completely. The door closes with one click. In this state, the size of the gap is regulated by moving the door toward or away from you, depending on the force applied.
Alignment is considered successful if the gaps are the same on all sides. The front doors are calibrated in the same way.
With heavy trunk doors of Lada Kalina hatchbacks and station wagons, the procedure is more complex and technological. The design is designed in such a way that when slammed, the lock tongue snaps into a metal bracket. The specific fastening of the lock with bolts creates additional instability.
The bolts should be found and tightened with a screwdriver. The lock is coated with silicone grease. Checking for opening and closing will indicate further actions. If the defect has not been eliminated, rubber stops are used to strengthen the drive traction of the luggage lock. However, you should not overuse force to install them, as this may have the opposite effect.
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How is the activator installed?
The only way to get inside the trunk of a Lada Kalina is this manipulation - turn the key and press the button. This action is not always associated with convenience. For example, in bad weather or when your hands are full, this is not easy to do. This circumstance prompts owners to consider purchasing and installing an activator. Installing this useful element is quite simple. Here you will need a self-tapping screw, which will secure the device we are considering. To check the functionality of the activator, you should connect it with the standard connector from the on-board network.
After the current supply to the activator is stopped, the door is locked with the first latch, but remains not completely closed. To get back inside the luggage compartment you will need to use the key.
Installing a push-button lock is not a very difficult task. To implement it, you will need to assemble a circuit, which requires wiring. Here you will need to “attract” the programmable channel present in the alarm.
Electric drive: easy installation
The manipulation algorithm is very simple. Here you will need to make the rotary plate together with the rod yourself. The wiring is laid directly to the lock and connected to a special control unit. When the car is “disarmed”, the electric drive of the luggage lock is activated following the unlocking of the button responsible for opening the rear door of the Lada Kalina.
The whole essence of the action comes down to connecting the electric lock to two cable lines. You can buy the product at a specialized retail outlet. The end of the luggage compartment will need to be hidden in order to prevent the risk of moisture getting into it. If this is neglected, then with the penetration of water a short circuit will be observed in the designated area.
Much attention should be paid to the area near the door hinges, because broken wires are a common occurrence here. To prevent this, it is recommended to regularly monitor this section of the highway.
Before starting the procedure for installing the electric drive in a Lada Kalina car, you will need to remove the plastic trim. Here you need to be careful not to damage the specified protective element.
The choice of a lock for LADA Kalina should mean that there is no subsequent need for modifications before installation. This means drilling additional holes.
An important point in the installation procedure is the laying of electrical lines. For these purposes, you will need about 3.5 m of appropriate cable. You can use standard wiring suitable for the rear door. The power source can be a cigarette lighter socket. It is also important to install the fuse correctly.
We do all switching in LADA Kalina in accordance with the diagram.
Important! The main line in this version may include a wire that goes to the courtesy lamp for lighting the space inside the trunk.
