Unfortunately, we have to put up with the fact that the heater radiator on a Chevrolet Niva sometimes fails and has to be replaced. The reason for the failure is some parts made of aluminum. Agreeing that the stove has begun to heat poorly is not only difficult, but also completely wrong. The correct temperature regime ensures the maintenance of an excellent microclimate in the cabin. It is comfortable to travel in such a car even for a long period at any time of the year.
So, if you are faced with poor performance of the stove, having found out that the main cause of the problem is the radiator, we do not recommend that you rush to the service station. The local craftsmen will quickly carry out the work, but will demand a tidy sum. We suggest you save it, keep it in your pocket, and do the work yourself. I would also like to note that sometimes service stations employ hacks who are ready to blindside you by ripping off your money. As a result of such “masterful” work, you will soon need to carry out repairs again. So it’s much easier to do everything yourself at once.
Replacing the device
First, you need to disconnect the battery terminal.
1. Remove the side panel and glove box
2. Unscrew the cabin filter, remove the wiring harness
3. Unscrew the screw and remove the engine control system
4. Using a screwdriver, remove the evaporator screws
5. Remove the radiator pipes or cut them
6. Remove the device and replace it with a new one
- Dismantle the side panel, as well as the glove box, by unscrewing all the necessary screws.
- Next, unscrew the bolt and remove the air duct located in the passenger’s feet. Unscrew the electronic engine management system, it will be easier.
- Dismantle the airbag plug, which is secured with four bolts on the inside. Next, cut out the plastic and remove the air duct.
- Now you need to remove the cabin filter element. Dismantle the so-called volute along with the damper body; the structure should be moved to the side. After this, disconnect the supply wires and dismantle the electric motor along with the snail.
- Next, you will need to unscrew the evaporator, which is secured with two bolts on the inside. In addition, disconnect the pipes along with their fastening device.
- The lower plates should be bent. The evaporator itself should be moved slightly to the side (to the right). Be extremely careful here; under no circumstances should you use a lot of force so as not to damage the element. Press the evaporator onto the floor of the vehicle and then simply pull it out.
- The radiator hoses should be removed. If you see that they are in poor condition, then it is advisable to replace them immediately, then the pipes can be cut off. In addition, it will be much easier. The bolts securing the device must also be removed.
- Then all you have to do is dismantle the element and replace it with a new one. All further assembly is done in reverse order. You need to wait a while for the Shumka to dry. Pay attention to the condition of all hoses and pipes; if you notice any shortcomings, we recommend replacing them immediately.
Location of the heater radiator on a Chevrolet Niva
The location of the radiator is marked with an arrow
In addition to the thermostat and pump, the heating system also includes a heat exchanger (radiator). It is located in the center of the instrument panel and can be seen visually.
The heater radiator is located in the footwells to the left of the passenger
Causes of malfunctions
The heater radiator is leaking
Long-term use of a car inevitably leads to:
- Appearance: traces of antifreeze under the driver's mat, a specific smell, a (greasy) coating on the glass. Insufficient interior heating.
- The need to frequently fill the expansion tank with antifreeze.
Troubleshooting
The Chevrolet Niva stove is one of the most problematic components of the car. To carry out quality repairs, you first need to understand the reasons and identify the faulty element of the system.
The heater does not heat the footwell
There may be several reasons why the stove does not direct air to the legs. First you need to find out whether this mode is turned on correctly. Due to the design features of the damper system, air is directed to the legs as follows:
- Warm up the engine.
- Set the stove fan speed to fourth.
- Set the heater mode switch to the upper vertical position.
- Switch the mode controller one position to the left.
After this, air should begin to flow into the legs. If this does not happen, the procedure should be repeated several more times. If the mode still does not turn on, you should check the following components:
- electric motor of the stove (if it is faulty, the stove will not work);
- radiator and heater pipes for coolant leaks;
- a damper that distributes air flows;
- the entire air duct system for leaks.
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. In addition to heating and ventilation devices, the car can be equipped with an air conditioning system. If in the first case you can dismantle the radiator without much difficulty, then in the second case you will need to put in a lot of effort.
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; 9 — front air duct for heating the interior; 10 — rear air duct for heating the interior; 11 — air duct for heating legs; 12 — heater assembly; 13 - side nozzle (heater radiator is located inside box 12)
When the radiator needs replacement
When using a vehicle for a long time, the following problems arise with the heat exchanger:
- the appearance of a leak, as evidenced by puddles under the carpet on the driver’s side, the formation of a greasy coating on the glass;
- clogging, which affects poor throughput and deterioration of heat transfer.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning stove fan
The main signs of a stove fan failure are as follows:
- the electric motor does not work;
- the rotation speed of the electric motor decreases;
- The fan starts to creak.
Depending on the symptoms that appear, the procedure for eliminating the problem is determined.
The electric motor does not work
If the electric motor stops working, the noise in the cabin disappears when the heater is turned on.
Often the reason for this is the failure of fuse F18 with a rating of 25A in the corresponding block, through which voltage is supplied to the stove motor.
Another reason may be damage to the fan motor winding - if the wire insulation is damaged, an interturn short circuit may occur. In this case, the electric motor must be replaced.
When there is an interturn short circuit, the electric motor stops working.
The rotation speed of the electric motor decreases
When the rotation speed of the motor shaft decreases, it is somewhat more difficult to determine the source of the problem. The noise level becomes noticeably lower as the motor power decreases. This may be due to severe wear on the armature or brushes. In addition, the fan begins to consume much more current, and this can lead to the failure of fuse F18.
If the armature is heavily worn, the electric motor will rotate much more slowly.
The fan starts to creak
The fan begins to creak when the motor bearings wear out. The more wear, the stronger the squeak. If you do not take any action, the heater fuse will burn out and the motor itself will jam. In this case, the electric motor should be replaced with a new one.
Replacing the heater fan fuse
Almost any malfunction of the stove motor leads to the replacement of fuse F18. On a Chevrolet Niva car, the fuse box is located in the passenger compartment under the instrument panel and is closed with a cover secured with two self-tapping screws. When replacing F18, it is recommended to check and, if necessary, replace other fuses.
The heater fuse is located in the fuse box under the instrument panel
If fuse F18 has to be changed quite often, then the problem should be looked for elsewhere. There may be a short circuit somewhere in the motor power supply circuit. Sometimes the fuse blows as a result of severe contamination of the cabin filter. In this case, the electric motor does not have enough power for normal air ventilation, and the fuse fails.
Often the cause of the heater motor stopping is a blown fuse.
The suspicious fuse is removed from its seat in the block using special tweezers. If it burns out, a new one is installed in its place. When checking, it is better to use a multimeter, since it can be difficult to visually determine the integrity of the fuse.
Replacing the Chevrolet Niva heater radiator: preparation
To replace you will need the following tools:
- 14" head with long knob;
- 10" head with long knob;
- head on "8";
- open-end wrenches;
- flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, available in a set;
- pliers that are needed to clamp and grip parts of various shapes.
Next, be sure to drain the antifreeze from the cooling system. When replacing the heater radiator on a Shnivy, the coolant is usually drained in the following ways:
- open the hood lid, open the cap on the expansion tank, on the front part of the cylinder block, drain the liquid through the drain hole;
- There is another way - you also need to open the cap of the expansion tank, remove the clamp on the throttle body hose, pull out this hose, and instead put another hose through which the liquid will immediately flow into the bucket.
But in theory, the easiest way is to use the first method, but anything can happen, maybe the drain hole cannot be unscrewed.
By the way, to prevent the airbags from suddenly deploying while replacing the heater radiator, you just need to turn the ignition key to the “Lock” position and also disconnect the ground on the battery. After disconnecting the battery, you need to wait a couple more minutes so that the backup capacitor has time to discharge.
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You can also prepare thin strips of foam rubber in advance, which will need to be used to cover the radiator around the perimeter. This must be done so that there are no gaps and the air flow goes only through the radiator.
If the car has air conditioning, then this changes the whole situation a little and complicates the process of replacing the radiator. Therefore, there are such options for the development of events:
- Without removing the instrument panel, you need to depressurize the air conditioning system, remove the evaporator and then fill it with refrigerant;
- If you completely disassemble the dashboard and remove the steering wheel, the air conditioning will still work.
It will be difficult to do this work on your own in the garage. You can change the heater radiator yourself only if the car does not have air conditioning. By the way, for those who live in Ukraine, there is an opportunity to buy spare parts for the Chevrolet Lacetti in Kyiv at competitive prices.
What is a stove tap, its functional features and location
The stove tap is a metal part that resembles a regular water tap. Antifreeze (coolant or coolant) constantly flows through it.
In the Chevrolet Niva, the coolant can flow through 2 cooling circles: winter and summer. The heating tap gives the driver the opportunity to switch to one of them. For example, with the onset of summer, when the tap is fully open, it is almost unbearable to be inside the car due to the heat, so it is closed for this period of time, and with the onset of cold weather, the tap is opened again. Due to active use, the part eventually becomes unusable and leaks coolant.
It is very easy to determine whether a part is faulty - lift the cover in the Chevrolet Niva interior. If there are obvious signs of leakage, the unit must be replaced.
In the diagram you can see where the heater tap is located and the circulation of antifreeze in two circles
It is best to replace the metal faucet of the stove with a ceramic one, which will increase its service life several times.
Replacing a stove radiator on a Chevrolet Niva without air conditioning
To replace the stove radiator on a Chevrolet Niva you will need the same tools. However, the replacement algorithm is slightly different.
Sequence of actions when replacing a stove radiator
The procedure for replacing the heater radiator on a Chevrolet Niva without air conditioning is as follows.
- All antifreeze is drained from the heating system. Complete draining of the coolant takes 7–10 minutes.
Before replacing the heater radiator, it is necessary to drain the antifreeze from the expansion tank
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the glove compartment and the plastic side panel on the passenger side. Access to the mounting bolts and radiator pipes is provided.
The glove box can be removed using a Phillips screwdriver
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to loosen the metal clamps on the pipes. Then the pipes are removed. In this case, you should place a small container under the radiator, since even with a complete drain, a small amount of antifreeze remains in the radiator, which can get on the interior trim.
When removing the pipes, place a small antifreeze container under the radiator
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the two radiator mounting bolts, and carefully pull it out until its right corner rests against the edge of the plastic panel.
The heater radiator is attached to the body with two bolts
- The corner of the plastic frame that does not allow you to pull out the radiator is carefully broken off with pliers or cut off with a hacksaw.
The radiator is completely pulled out. The corner of the plastic frame is broken off with pliers or cut off with a hacksaw. - Before replacing the plastic frame of the new radiator, a corner is cut off in the same way. Further actions are carried out in reverse order.
Let's get started
If you are replacing the radiator of a Niva-Chevrolet heater without air conditioning, you need to remove the glove compartment on the passenger side. It is attached with self-tapping screws. We put the latter in a separate box so as not to experience difficulties with installation.
If you are replacing the radiator of a Niva-Chevrolet stove with air conditioning, you will have to disassemble the front panel and part of the engine compartment.
Replacement process
Because replacing a heater core is not an easy process, it should be started when there are compelling reasons and you observe signs that clearly indicate problems in the heating system. Experienced technicians share recommendations based on which you can make a “diagnosis” for your car, indicating that it is time to replace the radiator. If the stove begins to heat poorly, so you constantly feel chills in the cabin of your vehicle, then there is a problem with the heating. If, in addition, you smell antifreeze, then your fears are even more confirmed. You should be even more concerned if you begin to notice that the level of coolant used is constantly decreasing, and under the carpet in the cabin you suddenly find a “swamp” of greasy liquid.
First, of course, check all the pipes and hoses that are part of the heating and cooling system. Make sure they are intact. If this is so, it means that the culprit of such troubles is, after all, your stove radiator, the resource of which has already been exhausted. Even if you don’t have the knowledge of how to change a radiator, don’t give in to the problem. We are ready to help you and give specific recommendations, based on which you will skillfully replace the heater radiator on a Chevrolet Niva with and without air conditioning.
There are two ways to replace the radiator. The first method involves carrying out work that does not require removing the torpedo. However, this method is accompanied by a clear disadvantage, namely that during the task the air conditioner will depressurize, so upon completion it will have to be refilled with refrigerant. The second method can be done by removing the dashboard. Unfortunately, such a replacement of the heater radiator on your Chevrolet Niva will be accompanied by a greater expenditure of physical and time resources. Decide which method will be preferable for you, study the recommendations we offer and get started.
First way
This method is suitable for those who are used to performing all actions at lightning speed, since they cannot allow their vehicle to simply sit idle in the garage. The main disadvantage of this method is that at the very beginning of the action you must release all the freon from the air conditioner. If you want to make the reassembly process easier for yourself, take care of this before disassembling, arm yourself with a marker and mark all the removed bolts, screws and other components.
First, unscrew all the bolts and remove the glove compartment. Next, refocus your efforts on the airbag, if you have one. Remove the passenger air duct by unscrewing the bolts and disconnecting the plugs. Don't be afraid that even when you apply force, the air duct won't give way to you. The manufacturer sometimes glues them together with tape, so increase your pressure and you will succeed.
Remove the pipe located at the bottom, where the passenger's feet are usually located. Next, dismantle the control unit by disconnecting the wires from it. To keep these wires out of your way, you can temporarily tie them together with electrical tape. The next step is to remove the cochlea. You will again have to unscrew several screws, then disconnect the cables and freely pull out the snail. Now go from the hood side, find the air conditioning pipes and unscrew them.
Now we get to the radiator. However, it cannot be dismantled immediately. Initially, you should cut a hole in it, substitute a previously prepared container and drain all the antifreeze remaining in it. Such actions are quite important, because if you ignore them, as soon as you disconnect the pipes and hoses, all the antifreeze will begin to splash in different directions, polluting everything around, including the interior. It will be difficult to continue the process.
Once the antifreeze is drained, you can safely remove the radiator and install a new one. Of course, you can immediately begin the assembly process. Do not forget to visually inspect the outer surface of the pipes and hoses to ensure they are unusable. Otherwise, you will have to repeat this procedure again if you install back the pipe that causes the leak.
Second way
You can also use the second method. First, disconnect the battery, then drain the radiator to the last drop of coolant. It wouldn’t be superfluous to even blow out the expansion tank. Now unscrew the four bolts and remove the radio with its guides. Let's move on to the crucial moment - you have to remove the instrument panel. Press the latch and pull the panel towards you. To make it easier for her to “obey” you, pull her not only forward, but also slightly to the right.
We suggest that you now use a marker and label all connecting parts. In this case, when assembling, it will be easier for you to complete all the necessary actions, and you won’t have to strain your memory. Next, unscrew the bolts and remove the dashboard. The next step involves removing the stove control unit. First, remove its side panel, then slightly pull it towards you, then disconnect the cables and backlight terminals. Next, remove the steering column. On the side of the panel you will see a spacer, which is also important to remove. Direct your efforts to removing the panel amplifier and fan mounts. Now you have managed to get to the stove and air conditioner. These two devices are fastened with four screws, three of them can be easily unscrewed, but the fourth, “the most stubborn” one, will only give in if you bend the edge of the amplifier. Remove the stove tee and its casing. Now nothing will hinder you; you can safely replace not only the radiator, but also, if necessary, even the entire stove. Next, you will need to perform reverse assembly. Take your time, perform all steps in reverse order carefully. In this case, you will be able to complete the replacement in such a way that even the most experienced craftsmen will simply gasp and envy your effective work.
So, the process of replacing a stove radiator is labor-intensive and responsible, but any car owner who is ready to set such a goal can cope with it. Based on our recommendations, it will be easier to understand the sequence of actions, carry them out and get the maximum result.
Heater diagram
The most common reason for its failure is: Warm air does not enter the lower part of the cabin Before starting repairs of the stove, you should check the temperature of the coolant. Perhaps the problem is not in the interior heater, but in the cooling system.
With the help of damper position regulators, warm air is directed to different parts of the cabin. First, the dampers should be adjusted. To supply hot air to your feet, follow these steps: The engine warms up until the warm air can be felt with your hand. Consequently, it is almost impossible to open the tap without breaking it.
stove Niva Chevrolet
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UNMCm8ypDbI
To get to it, you need to dismantle the dashboard in the cabin on the passenger side. The stove tap is mounted in a special niche in the engine compartment. If the tap has been replaced, then it is better to install new pipes along with it, because during operation they have probably lost their elasticity.
Collective farm tuning of the Niva Chevrolet stove: In some cases, the correct switching method does not work and then you have to modify the heater in order to achieve its full functionality. The main problem with dampers and ducts is leakage.
We will improve the cracks and eliminate leaks in the stove. Remove the heater control unit by disconnecting all wires and cables from it. If there is a radio, remove that too. Disconnect the transmission tunnel lining.
You don’t have to remove it completely, but only lift it by unscrewing two screws on the driver’s and passenger’s sides. Remove the steering wheel, steering column trim and unscrew the screws securing the front panel. When removing the dashboard, mark all the wires to make it easier to reattach them in their places in the future.
Without removing the entire front panel, when dismantling the heater unit, some elements of the air conditioner and the stove itself can be damaged. Remove the front panel frame attached to the body with screws. The heater housing cannot be removed without dismantling the front panel frame. Behind the frame you will find the heater unit casing, connected to the intermediate housing of the heater or to the evaporator section on a car with air conditioning.
Chevrolet Niva 2012, 80 l. With. — self-repair
Installation of a new unit is carried out in reverse order. The most common purpose of such tuning is to improve the air supply to the driver's and front passenger's footwells. To do this, install additional air ducts and adjust the shape of the damper drive strip
For such modification you will need: You must work with the plastic of the heater housing very carefully, as it is quite fragile
The steps are performed in the following order: Select tubes suitable for the role of additional air ducts. You can use plumbing pipes as additional air ducts. Remove the side trims on the center console on both sides.
Air flows in the cabin are distributed by air ducts, which are located under the instrument panel and under the floor tunnel lining, and under the floor upholstery to supply air to the feet of the rear passengers.
To control the distribution of air flows, use the distribution regulator handle on the center console of the instrument panel, as well as the regulators and guides of the central and side deflectors on the instrument panel.
To heat the interior, move the temperature control knob to the hot red zone. In this case, the outside air is directed using a damper through the heater radiator, which is integrated with the engine cooling system.
Remove the screws of the tie rod brackets. Disconnect the rods from the heater damper levers. Unscrew the screw of the bracket securing the recirculation flap drive rod and remove the lever bracket and disconnect the wiring harness block from the heater electric fan switch.
Heater diagram First of all, we want to orient you that the Niva already has a liquid-type heater installed, which allows you not only to supply warm air into the car interior, but also to cool the running engine, preventing it from overheating. It's no secret that overheating the engine entails extremely undesirable consequences.
An electromagnetic clutch is built into the compressor pulley, which engages and disengages the compressor shaft from the pulley according to signals from the engine control system controller. Refrigerant vapor from the compressor under high pressure enters the condenser located in front of the radiator of the engine cooling system. Passing through the honeycombs of the condenser, the refrigerant is cooled by the counter flow of air and with the help of fans of the cooling system.
Radiator replacement process
In the process of replacing the radiator
Independent replacement of the radiator is carried out with a set of tools, including a flat and Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and small socket heads (8, 10, 14).
Preliminarily: the battery terminal leading to ground is disconnected. It is better to remove the ignition key. It is advisable to start the process after 2-3 minutes in order to completely discharge the reserve capacitor.
Drain the antifreeze
Adhering to the stage of preparatory operations, antifreeze is drained from the heating system.
Unscrew the lid
The usual option for draining the antifreeze is offered, which involves removing the bottom bolt and opening the expansion tank cap.
The second alternative method is performed by opening the reservoir cap and disconnecting the throttle body cooling tube. In place of the tube, another hose is inserted through which the antifreeze is drained. To speed up the process, the barrel can be purged to remove any remaining liquid.
Technology without removing the instrument panel
The basis for replacing the heat exchanger is the experience of drivers, which allows one to eliminate complex procedures for dismantling the dashboard.
Disassembly steps:
- The so-called glove compartment and the passenger (leg) heating duct are removed by unscrewing the self-tapping screw.
Glove compartment removed - Loosen the clamp, remove the rubber tube, and drain the remaining liquid into a pre-prepared container. The upper clamp is loosened and the pipe is pulled towards itself.
For convenience, lay down a cloth. You can use a diaper to prevent any remaining antifreeze in the radiator from spilling into the passenger compartment.Drain off the remaining antifreeze
- The radiator, after removing two screws, pulls out until it hits the air duct.
- The nut securing the relay cover is unscrewed and then removed. It is visually noticeable how the corner of the plastic frame of the heat exchanger prevents the removal of the radiator.
Bolt location
- Use wire cutters (side cutters) to bite off the interfering piece of plastic.
For clarity, the photo is on the new radiator. Without removing this piece, the radiator cannot be put on
- The outer edges of the new radiator along the perimeter are covered (“moment”) with thin strips of foam rubber.
This is done to prevent air from penetrating through the cracks. Covering the edge of the radiator with foam rubber to prevent air from entering
As when dismantling the old unit, the frame of the new radiator with a cut off corner is inserted into the standard socket.
Equipment with air conditioning
Dismantling the heater radiator is complicated if the car is equipped with air conditioning. The operation is painstaking, but ingenuity and curiosity greatly simplify the process.
During the replacement process, you will need to remove the air conditioner evaporator
Of the existing two methods of replacing a stove radiator, the preferable option is to remove the instrument panel. The process guarantees the safety of the air conditioner. In another case, it becomes necessary to break its seal and then refill it with freon.
Removing the panel involves steps identical to the procedure for removing a heat exchanger without an air conditioner. With some exceptions:
- The battery terminal is disconnected and the antifreeze is drained into the prepared container. The barrel should be purged so that all the liquid flows out.
- The bolts are unscrewed, and the radio tape recorder is removed along with the slide. After unscrewing the screws (self-tapping screws), the side panels and instrument panel are removed. At the same time, do not forget to remove the fastening buttons. Having released the latches, we move the panel to the right and a little towards ourselves, freeing it from the grooves.
- It is advisable to mark the chips and connectors with a marker, which will speed up the assembly process. By unscrewing the speedometer drive, the bolts are released, as well as the torpedo itself. o By freeing the side shield and steering wheel casing, the control unit is removed. The backlight connector is disconnected.
- The steering column and the shield mounts (from below) are unscrewed and the spacer is dismantled.
- The panel amplifier is disconnected (4 bolts).
- Having released the fan mounts, the stove is removed along with the air conditioner and amplifier. The bolts securing the latter to the body are also unscrewed.
So, the stove is free after removing the tee from it. To ensure that there are no extra fasteners left during assembly, adhere to a strict, reverse sequence.
Conviction that the radiator is faulty comes after checking the supply pipes, pipes, and hoses for leaks.
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
How to replace the heater radiator on a Chevrolet Niva without air conditioning
Before you begin dismantling the radiator, you will need to drain the antifreeze from the cooling system. To do this, unscrew the bolt on the cylinder block and remove the expansion tank cap. Another option is also possible, in which you open the tank lid and disconnect the cooling tube of the throttle assembly. Instead of this tube, another hose is inserted, through which the liquid is removed. To speed up the process, you can carefully blow out the tank to drain any remaining antifreeze. In addition, it is recommended to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
To replace the heater radiator, you need to unscrew the bolt on the cylinder block and the expansion tank plug to drain the coolant
Tools for work
To dismantle the radiator you will need:
- screwdrivers (flat, Phillips);
- pliers;
- wire cutters;
- socket heads of different sizes (8, 10, 14).
How to remove a stove radiator
It is worth taking into account that the manufacturer’s recommendations for car repair are not always the simplest and most accessible for the average motorist. Therefore, quite often you have to rely on the experience of owners who carry out repairs with their own hands using improvised means and tools, resorting to various tricks. Let's start the disassembly procedure:
- We dismantle the glove compartment, for which we unscrew the corresponding fasteners. We unscrew the screws securing the trim on the right and left sides in the passenger's feet, and remove the terminals of the lighting bulbs.
To remove the glove compartment, you will need to unscrew the corresponding screws and remove the side decorative trim in the legs
- We loosen the clamps of the rubber pipes from the radiator and carefully tighten them, pouring the remaining antifreeze into the prepared container.
After removing the hoses from the radiator, drain the remaining antifreeze into a prepared container.
- After removing the hoses, unscrew the fasteners of the heat exchanger itself and push the part towards you until it rests against the air duct.
- We unscrew the nut securing the relay cover with the “8” head and remove the element. It will be seen that the subsequent dismantling of the radiator is hampered by a corner of the frame. To solve this problem, use pliers to remove the interfering part of the plastic and remove the heat exchanger itself.
To remove the radiator from the seat, you will need to cut off a piece of plastic
- On a new radiator, it is recommended to glue the outer edges with foam rubber to avoid air penetration due to leaky connections.
- We also cut off a piece of plastic on the frame of the new heat exchanger, and then insert the part into its seat.
On a new stove radiator, it is necessary to cut off the corner of the frame, which will allow the part to be installed in place
- We perform assembly in reverse order.
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:
Also interesting: Niva Chevrolet installation of air conditioning - Auto magazine MyDucato
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.
The main signs that a Niva Chevrolet heater radiator needs to be replaced
If you drive a Chevrolet Niva for a long time and do not do or check anything in it, then an unpleasant situation can happen when the car becomes cold in winter because the heater will not work properly. To prevent this from happening suddenly, you need to take into account the following signs associated with the cabin radiator (also called a heat exchanger):
- if antifreeze appears under the driver's mat, this is a serious sign;
- the smell of antifreeze appeared in the cabin;
- a greasy coating began to appear on the glass;
- the air heats up slightly during the cold season;
- Antifreeze in the cooling system must be constantly topped up.
If there are no antifreeze leaks at the joints, it means that all of them need to replace the heater radiator. And then, you can see this just by looking at the radiator; if it is covered in drips, then it is clear that it must either be repaired or replaced. Then you need to choose a new stove radiator; they are usually made from aluminum or copper; both are good, depending on which one you already like.
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.
Problems of choosing a new radiator
For the Chevrolet Niva car, you can find aluminum and copper radiators on the market, differing both in performance characteristics and in price.
Aluminum radiators
The main advantages of aluminum radiators:
- low price (from 700 rub.);
- short heating time;
- light weight.
The disadvantages of such radiators include:
- low heat saving rates (heats up quickly and cools down quickly);
- low maintainability (impossible to solder holes and holes);
- the presence of steel inserts that are subject to corrosion and significantly reduce the service life of the radiator.
In Russia, aluminum radiators are produced by LUZAR and.
LUZAR radiators are low cost
Copper radiators
Copper radiators have a number of advantages, the main of which are:
- high heat saving rates;
- longer service life than aluminum radiators;
- possibility of repairing holes and holes using soldering.
Disadvantages of copper radiators:
- high cost (from 1700 rubles);
- slow heating;
- heavy weight making installation difficult.
DAAZ copper radiators retain heat well
Copper radiators produced by DAAZ and SHAAZ are in greatest demand among car owners.
Thus, replacing the heater radiator of a Niva Chevrolet car is quite simple. You will need a new radiator, a standard set of plumbing tools and no more than two hours of free time.
Installation
So, the replacement of the Niva-Chevrolet heater radiator is almost complete. Now you need to install the new element in the reverse order. First you need to cover it with a thin strip of foam rubber. It is better to use “Moment” or “Liquid Nails” glue for this. Next, using a file, we bite off the plastic corner (the same as when dismantling). Installation may also be difficult. Often the foam would catch on interior parts.
If only fourth speed works
In cases where the motor refuses to work at the first, second and third speeds, but turns perfectly at the fourth, the same resistor with three isolated windings is to blame. If you can’t buy it, you can try to restore it yourself. True, only in the case when the thermal fuse has blown, naturally, no one will rewind the windings, the game is not worth the candle.
Fan resistor
You can remove and check the resistor without dismantling the engine. This is done like this:
- Use a Phillips screwdriver with a short blade to unscrew the rightmost screws securing the glove compartment.
Unscrew the rightmost screws securing the glove compartment. - We gain partial access to the motor, but this is enough to get to the resistor.
Move the glove compartment aside to get to the resistor.
- Remove the terminal block and move the wiring harness to the side.
We remove the contact block.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screw securing the additional resistor.
Unscrew the screw securing the resistor. - We remove the resistor from the housing.
Resistor contacts.
We take out the resistor.
- We check the integrity of the thermal fuse with a multimeter. If it is faulty, you can try to replace it.
- Installation of a new or restored resistor is carried out in the reverse order.
Chevrolet Club - Information
First of all, check the flow in the expansion tank at idle. There should be a vigorous flow. If there is no stream, then throw the pump in the trash. The pump must be original, no cheap one will do, it has a smaller impeller. With a non-original or faulty pump, a stream appears in the tank only when you re-gas it.
Pump and test. Lech wrote:. Good day everyone! I would also like to make my small contribution to the forum if, of course, anyone else is interested. Not long ago I had problems with the heater which I solved by replacing the pump. If I posted the topic incorrectly, please correct me.
The essence of my problem was that with the engine well warmed up, the temperature in the cabin left much to be desired. The strong air flow from the heater was lukewarm. Thanks to the respected forum participants, the decision was made to change the pump. Indeed, in my case, the stream in the reservoir at idle was completely absent, appearing only closer to the engine speed. Having removed the pump, it turned out that there was a “hepa” with a small impeller:. The hepa impeller has a diameter of 64mm. The TZA impeller has a diameter of 72mm.
Measuring the air temperature from the heater in the glass mode with a well-warmed engine before replacing the pump showed the following result: After replacing the pump with the original one, a steady stream appeared in the expansion tank at idle speed and the heater air temperature in the same mode on the glass increased significantly: Now I I felt warm, I even unscrew the heat-cold knob to 12 hours, otherwise it’s too hot..
The presence of a wheel on the windshield is especially incomprehensible. What can we now understand from this diagram? Theoretically, nothing blows from there until you put the front in position.
In practice, it constantly blows from the front if the dampers are not treated using the technology below. In short, you need to turn the wheel in the front position. Feel what is blowing from there and never touch it again. Additional airflow to the windshield never hurts. The diagram has errors, but not major ones, the main thing is to grasp the meaning. Treatment using technology improves the overall warming of the feet.
Indications for treatment are:. This bonus significantly increases the comfort in the car interior when the damper is in frosty weather.. Bigfoot wrote a:. Everything works perfectly, now it blows where I want, in the legs of Tashkent it even blows in the legs of the rear passengers. This has never happened before.. It is better to increase the efficiency of heating the legs by eliminating air leaks from the large technological holes podiums for fastening the damper cables, which are installed at the factory no one is fooling around.
The holes are through, air is blown out of them from the stove... Here they are visible in the light. Don’t put the foam rubber too far into them, otherwise the damper will jam the heat and cold. In the photo the largest one is in the center. The flap with its small squiggle on the right can pinch and drag pieces of foam rubber inside. Where else can cold air siphon from?
From the joints of part number 4. Owners of Shniv with a condo can relax or tense up. Because simply removing the glove compartment will not solve anything. But you can check it by removing the glove compartment and rushing through in the cold with a breeze, the passenger can feel everything.. No problems were found with the other joints. Maybe this will reassure owners of Eltse trim levels.
