Check engine light on Lada Kalina 8 valves: reasons, how to fix

If the check engine light comes on on the dashboard of a Lada Kalina with an 8-valve engine, this is a fairly common occurrence. The reasons for the appearance of such an alarm signal are different, and there are many of them and most owners have already become familiar with them. Many car owners are interested in the question of how to reset a check.

In our material we will try to determine the main factors affecting the activation of this lamp. To identify the causes, you can use the diagnostic service of the service center. It is also possible to determine the influencing factor in independent mode. And how to reset a check.

The oxygen sensor has become unusable

The importance of this component of the on-board engine management system (or ECU) for any car, including the Lada Kalina with an 8-valve engine, cannot be overestimated. Over time, the lambda probe requires replacement. This sensor serves to record the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gas stream. Receiving certain impulses from this oxygen sensor, the on-board control module adjusts the composition of the mixture, which leads to a decrease in the volume of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. Also, the operation of the lambda probe partially characterizes the level of fuel consumption.

Failure of the designated sensor initiates the appearance of the warning lamp, and as mentioned above, the reasons are different. This action is performed due to the lack of a signal from the computer required to control mixture formation. Such a malfunction entails an increase in fuel consumption and causes a decrease in the power level of the power plant. Most modern cars are equipped with two or four lambda probes.

It is not difficult to determine the fact that the oxygen sensor has failed. Here you will need to connect the scanner to the appropriate diagnostic socket of the car and turn on the reading program in the device. Faulty sensors cannot be repaired and are therefore replaced with new analogues.

The main reasons for the probe to malfunction, if the check engine light comes on, is contamination of its working element with oil impurities entering the exhaust manifold. In this case, there is a decrease in sensitivity, leading to incorrect readings.

Neglecting the problem can cause a malfunction of such an expensive exhaust circuit component as a catalyst. The cost of the sensor itself is commensurately less than the price of the neutralizer, so we do not recommend delaying the replacement of the lambda. The replacement procedure is characterized by the absence of difficulties. The main thing here is to adhere to the provisions of the relevant instructions.

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Sensors

Often, the reason why the check light on Kalina may come on is the failure of one of the sensors.
Possible ones that are worth checking right away include: mass air flow sensor, idle speed control, crankshaft position sensor, oxygen sensor and coolant temperature sensor. You can determine the cause by going through each sensor separately and using a tester to check their functionality.

But, there is a simpler and more effective way to determine the malfunction of a particular sensor, namely connecting to the electronic engine control unit. Here you can look at the errors and, by deciphering them, determine where the problem is.

Failure of the fuel tank, failure of the neutralizer

When the check engine light comes on, the owner of a Lada Kalina with an 8-valve engine first of all aims to find faults directly in the engine. However, the reason can sometimes “lurk” elsewhere. The glow of the symbol is caused by a loss of tightness in the fuel circuit. Even a loose tank cap can cause this situation.

Depressurization of the system involves the penetration of an additional portion of air into the circuit. In this case, a symptom such as an increase in fuel consumption appears, and the correct functioning of the engine itself is also disrupted.

When the owner of a Lada Kalina does not detect any extraneous sounds in the engine or other deviations in its operation, but the lamp on the dashboard still continues to glow, then the first step is to make sure that the gas tank cap is tight. Quite often there are situations in which drivers, in a frantic rush, forget to check that the cap is correctly and securely seated after refueling.

If after such a check the lamp on the dashboard “refuses” to go out, then you need to continue searching for other reasons. What to do when the catalyst “announces” its malfunction? This important component of the exhaust system serves to neutralize the flow of exhaust gases. It is no secret that a huge number of substances harmful to the surrounding atmosphere accumulate in the exhaust system during engine operation. Due to the presence and functioning of the neutralizer, the level of their emissions is reduced significantly.

Among the main signs of a breakdown of the catalyst in Lada Kalina, 2 experts highlight the factor of reduced engine power. This also manifests itself in worsening dynamics.

As already noted, a common reason for the neutralizer to become unusable is the breakdown of the lambda probe in the Lada Kalina 2. Also, worn-out spark plugs can significantly shorten the “life” of the exhaust circuit element considered here.

As a result of the influence of these factors, a significant decrease in the effect of gas neutralization is observed. Oxides accumulate inside the component, which over time leads to overheating and the risk of catalyst destruction. Operating a car with such a breakdown is undesirable, since incorrect operation of the engine will not allow the unit to develop the declared characteristics. Over time, a neutralizer that has become unusable can cause damage to the power plant, so timely replacement of this component is a more rational and cheaper measure compared to engine overhaul. To replace it, you will need to contact a service center, since it is unlikely that you will be able to carry out the repair procedure yourself.

Let us remind you that the keys to a long service life of the neutralizer are:

timely replacement of spark plugs;
use of high-quality fuel;
correct operation of the lambda probe.

Another factor if the check light is on is the failure of the sensor responsible for the mass flow of air sucked into the intake manifold. This malfunction is characterized by a decrease in the engine power level and the failure of the unit to start smoothly when cold.

Why can the mass air flow sensor fail? One of the reasons for this annoying situation is the untimely replacement of the filter element in the air intake circuit. The motor itself is unlikely to suffer from a faulty state of the sensor, other than the indicated loss of power parameter. However, the owner will refuel more, due to the increase in consumption provoked by this fact. The price of the mass air flow sensor is not exorbitant, so it is not advisable to delay replacement. The repair procedure itself is not difficult to perform. This can also be done at the service center during scheduled maintenance.

conclusions

A lit Lada Kalina engine warning light is not a cause for particular concern. To determine the exact problem, you should connect to the electronic control unit and find the true cause of the signal. As practice shows, these are often ECU errors that need to be reset, but this is not always the case.

A couple of days ago I received a question by email from a blog reader with the following content:

Hello! Please tell me - after replacing the thermostat, the next day the engine and gearshift knob began to vibrate. The ignition coil has failed. There was no electricity flowing to cylinders 1 and 4, I replaced it and replaced the spark plugs in one go.

The motor began to work normally, but the indicator on the panel does not go out. I started checking the error codes and got -34-6-8-. I reset everything but the indicator does not go out, I drove a short distance again but no more codes appeared, but the indicator does not go out.

Please tell me where to look for the problem?

As far as I understand the author, the indicator he is talking about is the “Check” light on the instrument panel. The very first advice that I could give to this Kalina owner was to remove the terminal from the battery and wait about five minutes until all the ECU settings are reset, which in very frequent cases helps get rid of this problem. And in fact, after performing this procedure, the "Check" light went out and did not light up again, according to the owner.

A car malfunction is unpleasant. A breakdown will occur unexpectedly if you do not take care of the car and do not heed warnings. One of them is the “Check engine” light. How to understand what the problem is, what it indicates and what to do if it lights up.

Spent spark plugs and worn high-voltage wires

Candles have a direct impact on the quality of the combustion process of the mixture inside the working chambers of the engine. A failed spark plug is unable to generate the spark needed to ignite. This results in unburned fuel and air entering the exhaust manifold. Even if the engine managed to start, a misfire will cause it to operate incorrectly, characterized by vibration, jolts, failures during acceleration, etc.

What to do if the light comes on

If you see that the check engine light does not light up as it should (does not go out after starting the engine or lights up when driving), then you should stop to diagnose the car. This may not be done right away, but it is necessary. Remember, if it lights up, this is the reason, either go to a service station for diagnostics, or check the engine for faults.

The first thing you can do when the light comes on is to stop and listen to how the engine is running: is there any vibration, or any extraneous noise or knocking. If you hear extraneous sounds, they will indicate the cause of the breakdown to an experienced driver. If the cause of the breakdown is not clear to you, the direct route is to the nearest service station.

If the cause of the light coming on is poor-quality fuel (this can be determined after diagnostics, after eliminating other causes), then the service technicians will tell you that it is worth changing the type of fuel you fill in the car or the place where you are used to refueling.

Oxygen sensor. It is worth replacing it yourself, following the operating instructions for a car of a particular brand. If the replacement is not made in time, there will be excessive fuel consumption and the catalyst may break, the replacement of which will be much more expensive.
A leak in the fuel tank is the cause of air getting inside, which means excess consumption. It is worth either replacing the lid or achieving a tight seal using gaskets.
Candles. This is the main element that guarantees the combustion of the fuel mixture. If they do not work correctly, then the car will refuse to work at all. Replacing spark plugs is not difficult if you are already an experienced driver. You can change either only the spark plug that has already served its purpose, or all at once, in order to definitely avoid problems with the car. It’s worth buying a set of spark plugs specifically for your car at the store. If you are not sure that you will buy the right option and be able to replace it, then go to a service station, they already have the parts you need and specialists will be able to make the replacement quickly and affordably. When it comes to spark plugs, it is worth remembering that old-style cars require replacement every 20,000 km, and if the car is new, then it can travel up to 150,000 km on the same spark plugs. If you change spark plugs on time in accordance with the technical operation requirements of your car, then you can avoid catalytic converter breakdown and improve engine performance.
Replacing the mass air flow sensor. This part regulates the amount of air needed for rapid ignition. When it is faulty, it results in excessive fuel consumption, an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust, poor acceleration, and a decrease in engine power. Most often, the breakdown is due to an incorrectly installed air filter or the filter's operating time has already expired. When it comes to changing a sensor, the costs are related to the price of the sensor itself, but the replacement service is not so expensive because it does not require much time and is simple in technology. Regular filter replacement guarantees long-term operation of the sensor .

Let's sum it up

In a modern car, which can also be considered the Lada Kalina, most systems are equipped with sensors with the help of which the on-board module carries out control. If the check light is on, this indicates that a certain type of malfunction has occurred. The cause is found using a diagnostic device. Sometimes the problem when the check light is on requires the connection of more complex scanning equipment to identify the breakdown. In any case, to prevent malfunctions, it is necessary to perform regular diagnostic inspections, which will avoid premature failure of expensive components. Answering the question of how to reset a check, the answer is obvious: it is necessary to diagnose the malfunction and eliminate it.

Engine diagnostics

Before you start tinkering with the hardware, it’s worth turning to the car’s software and understanding whether the reason may lie in the failure of one of the power unit’s sensors or in a so-called software failure.

Getting access to the car's software is quite simple. To do this, the motorist will need some equipment and materials. First, you should find out which engine control unit is installed on the vehicle.

To do this, you need to look at the service documentation or decipher the body number. The second option is not available to everyone, and therefore it is worth following the path of the slightest resistance. Electronic engine control units marked 11186-1411020-12 can be installed on the Lada Kalina 2 power unit.

Diagnostics Lada Kalina 2.

Depending on which ECU is installed on the car, it is worth choosing software for diagnosing and repairing software. Also, in the process you cannot do without a USB data cable, which is called OBD II. Well, to perform direct diagnostics and guide the process - a laptop computer or tablet.

Let's proceed directly to the process of diagnostics and troubleshooting. We install the appropriate program on the tablet, which will not only allow it to synchronize with the ECU, but will also make it possible to carry out full diagnostics. After installing the software, connect the cable to the tablet and control unit.

By analyzing the data obtained, you can understand what the condition of the equipment is and whether there are problems. Typically, diagnostics show failed sensors that need to be replaced. After replacement, it is worth clearing the accumulated errors and trying to see if the engine operation has changed. If this does not happen and the cause remains, then you should go directly to looking for the causes in the hardware.

The main reasons for this malfunction in Kalina

When you find out that the power unit is running rough in the Lada Kalina, this means that out of 4 cylinders in the engine, only 3 are working. Naturally, this indicates a malfunction of the engine, and this manifests itself while driving and strange noises appear. It happens that the engine stalls when cold.

What indicates signs of “triple” in Lada Kalina:

When any gear is engaged, jerking appears during acceleration;
There is a strong vibration in the cabin when the engine starts;
Sometimes instruments display “strange” readings, for example, this applies to the tachometer;
The engine does not start;
The vehicle has reduced speed and dynamic characteristics;
In any mode, fuel consumption increases significantly;
One of the candles turned black;
The exhaust sound has changed.

A qualified auto mechanic can identify a problem with an engine by the way it operates, or more specifically, by the sound it makes.

If you see one or more of the above listed signs in your car, then this is a signal for you to completely stop using the car and carry out a comprehensive diagnosis. The above symptoms can be the cause of a wide range of power unit problems that fall under other non-serious faults. So, it is necessary to promptly determine the causes of the problem.

For example, you notice that the candle has turned black. You clean it or replace it, and continue driving the car. However, the cause of the incident has not been identified, and the longer you drive, the more likely the engine will suffer serious damage.

The case when the automatic diagnostic system of the Lada Kalina indicates a malfunction deserves special attention. If you notice that the check engine light is on on the instrument panel, then the best option is to stop. The car should be transported to the service center by tow truck. After all, it is specialists who, under appropriate conditions, will be able to quickly and accurately determine the cause of the signal from the sensors and eliminate the machine malfunction.

When a car owner continues to operate his vehicle, knowing that the engine is running rough, he must understand that this will lead to serious wear and tear on the parts working while driving, this applies to the cylinder, piston and rings. In any case, the same faulty cylinder receives gasoline, which washes away the oil protective layer. As a result of this, if you're lucky, the entire cylinder will have to be replaced, but if things get worse, the entire engine will need to be repaired or replaced.