It's hard to disagree with the famous advertising that claims that oil is the main element of a car. If there is an artistic exaggeration here, it is very slight. This is true. It is the oil, or rather the lubrication system, that determines the life of the engine. Thanks to it, friction between parts of the car is significantly reduced, which prevents it from overheating. In addition, carbon particles deposited on parts are removed with the oil.
This is why proper functioning of the lubrication system is very important for any car. VAZ 2114 is no exception. It, like most modern cars, has a combined lubrication system. High pressure in it is an indicator of normal operation. It is thanks to him that the most important components of the car are lubricated. It is quite natural that blood pressure needs to be controlled.
For this purpose, the car has an emergency lamp and a VAZ 2114 pressure sensor. Failure of the latter can cause serious engine damage, and in some cases lead to its replacement. Therefore, it is worth studying in more detail the oil pressure sensor, the process of diagnosing and replacing it, as well as other factors on which the pressure in the VAZ 2114 lubrication system depends.
Sensor operating system
Lubrication in a car is used not only in the engine, but in many other units, but it is in the engine that even a short-term disruption in the system can cause irreversible consequences. Experienced motorists call this “engine knocking.” Therefore, it is very important to find out the reason for the alarm even with a short-term alarm, otherwise there is a possibility of facing expensive repairs. The operating principle of the oil level sensor is to measure current resistance in time. In working condition, the measuring part of the device is immersed in a liquid, in our case, oil. When the lubricant level decreases, the measuring part becomes dry and, therefore, all current resistance is lost. While being immersed in a liquid medium, it gives greater resistance at the exit.
It should be recalled that in addition to the oil level sensor (OLS), there is also an emergency oil pressure sensor (DAPM), but still these are completely different devices.
Triggering of the DUM may indicate the following:
- Insufficient lubrication in the engine. Check visually (with a probe).
- The measuring device itself does not function. Perhaps the DUM itself burned out, or the contacts oxidized.
Before replacing the oil level sensor on a VAZ 2114, it would be advisable to check its functionality.
Where is the temperature sensor located?
On VAZ 2110 cars (as well as in 2101 - 07, VAZ 2109, 2108, 21099, VAZ 2112) the coolant temperature sensor is located near the thermostat.
In Samara-2 models, the system contains two types of sensors simultaneously - in the thermostat and in the cylinder head. They measure coolant temperature in two places - at the engine outlet and at the radiator outlet. This type of car includes the VAZ 2115, 2114 and 2113 models.
One condition for all types of engines is mandatory - the temperature measuring device must be in direct contact with the medium being measured, that is, be immersed in the coolant. Otherwise, it will transmit readings not from it, but from the surrounding air, which will distort the data and lead to errors in operation.
DTOZH reads the temperature level of the coolant and converts it into resistance. As a rule, car sensors have a negative temperature coefficient, which means that as the heating level increases, the resistance value drops.
Verification method
Not everyone knows how to check the oil level sensor, however, this is a completely simple operation. For this job we will need:
- a set of keys;
- voltmeter;
- rags;
- inspection pit or overpass.
Pay attention to where the VAZ 2114 oil level sensor is located. This place is located near the oil filter. To get to it we proceed in the following sequence:
- We park the car on an overpass (or on a viewing hole).
- We dismantle the engine protection.
- We get to the DUM.
- We clean from dirt and dust.
- We start the car.
- Disconnect the wire connected to the block.
- Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage at the connection block and ground. A working measuring device should show a voltage of 12 V on the voltmeter.
How to change the oil level sensor on a VAZ 2114
If the specified voltage is not available, then do the following:
- check the functionality of the display unit;
- check the contact and the possibility of wire breaks in the circuit.
If the above actions do not have any result, then replacing the VAZ 2114 oil level sensor becomes the next step in troubleshooting.
Replacement
Replacing the DUM is not some difficult or complicated task. Any novice driver is quite capable of carrying out the replacement, and to make this work easier, we have prepared instructions. So let's get started:
- First, we place the car on an overpass or inspection hole.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the wire from the negative terminal of the battery.
- We dismantle the engine protection.
- Remove the wire tip from the DUM block (it is located near the oil filter).
- Using a rag, clean the upper part of the measuring device from dust and dirt.
- Take a 10mm socket wrench and unscrew the fastener.
- Gently rocking from side to side, we remove the part from its seat, trying not to damage the float.
- We take a new DUM and carry out the work in reverse order.
The structure of alerting the driver about the operation of the lubrication system also includes an emergency oil pressure sensor.
It also sometimes breaks down and requires replacement. It consists of a housing in which the measuring membrane is located, as well as a transmission mechanism. This membrane can bend and take one or another position. At the same time, it closes or opens the contacts. The easiest way to check the functionality of this device is to replace it with a spare one. If there is no spare, then check by connecting a pressure gauge. It is installed in place of the sensor and the engine is started. At idle, its readings should be at least 0.65 kg/cm2. If this is the case, then the pressure in the engine is normal, and the removed device is out of order and must be replaced.
This device cannot be repaired, since it is unprofitable, and the price of a new one is not so high.
Sometimes this trouble, when the red light with an oil can blinks, can happen on the road when there are no instruments at hand. In this case, you can use the so-called traditional method of checking DADM. To do this, you need to remove it and crank the starter (without starting the engine!). Oil should squirt out of the mounting hole. If this happens, then there is pressure in the engine and, at least, you can get to the garage, where in a calm atmosphere you can find out the cause of what happened.
Replacing the oil pressure sensor VAZ 2115 VAZ 2110
The replacement process is very simple and does not require much time or special knowledge. The only thing you need is a 21 open-end wrench or a tube-shaped spark plug wrench + a screwdriver.
Spark plug wrench - tube.
The sensor is located in the upper left corner of the rear wall of the engine.
First of all, remove the rubber protective cap of the sensor.
Then disconnect the power wire from the sensor
and unscrew the sensor with a regular or spark plug wrench.
You need to reassemble everything in reverse order. If the problem was with the sensor, the lamp will not light up.
About the operation of the lubrication system
Lubrication of the rubbing parts of the power unit of VAZ 2115 and 2114 cars occurs according to the same principle. Engine oil flowing into the recess of the sump is captured by the oil pump, pumped through the filter and supplied through channels to all units where friction occurs:
- crankshaft plain bearings (in jargon - liners);
- cylinder head - for lubrication of camshafts and valve group;
- cylinder walls;
- other gear mechanisms.
The VAZ 2114 electronic oil pressure sensor is installed in the upper part of the cylinder head, where the oil channels end. In this way, it controls the pressure level all the way from the pump to the camshaft. The oil pressure sensor 2114 is equipped with a sensitive membrane, which, under the influence of lubricant, closes and opens contacts, breaking the electrical circuit. The membrane response threshold is 0.65 Bar.
In older cars, produced 30-50 years ago, a mechanical emergency oil pressure sensor was installed, connected to the engine by a tube. It showed the real pressure in the lubrication system, which was very convenient. Over time, mechanics were replaced by electronics, and now problems in the “circulatory system” of VAZ 2115 and 2114 cars can only be known when the red light on the instrument panel is on.
The oil pressure light does not light up, what are the reasons?
In some cases, the driver may encounter a different kind of problem: the pressure is low, but the icon on the instrument panel does not light up. That is, if there is a real problem in the engine compartment, the alarm signal does not come into the cabin.
Or, at the moment of starting the engine, when the entire set of indicators lights up on the instrument panel, the oil can does not blink:
The oil pressure lamp should light up at the moment of ignition, and go out when the engine is fully started. This is the standard indicator for all car models.
Does not light up when the ignition is turned on
This is one of the most common problems with the oil pressure sensor, since it is the sensor that sends the signal to the indicator in the cabin. If, when you turn on the ignition, the oil can blinks, but does not light up like other indicators, the fault is due to a short circuit in the wiring.
It is recommended to remove the wire from the oil pressure sensor and short it to the housing. If the oil can still does not light up, then you will have to change the wiring - perhaps there are kinks in the wires somewhere or wear of the protective braid. If the light comes on when the wire is shorted to the body, then the wiring is in order, but it is better to replace the pressure sensor - it will continue to “deceive” you further.
If the sensor stops functioning, this can be easily checked by shorting the wire to engine ground
Doesn't burn in cold weather
Operating any car in winter is associated with some difficulties. Firstly, the oil needs time to warm up and regain its normal fluidity. And secondly, every car mechanism needs careful attention in winter, since at subzero temperatures it is very easy to ruin the performance of a particular system.
If the oil pressure lamp does not light up in cold weather, this cannot be considered a malfunction. The thing is that when the engine starts, the sensor may simply not take the pressure readings and therefore remain inactive. The car needs time for the engine to warm up completely and for the oil to regain its normal fluidity.
If at sub-zero temperatures the oil pressure lamp does not light up, then this cannot be called a malfunction.
Causes of problems
The lamp indicates problems with insufficient oil pressure in 2 ways: flashes periodically or is constantly on.
Remember that if the red light is constantly on, you have a maximum of half a minute to turn off the engine, otherwise the matter may end in a very expensive repair.
If the lamp blinks periodically, the reasons may be as follows:
The first 3 reasons arise due to negligence in servicing the power unit. When the oil is not changed on time, it loses its lubricating properties and its fluidity is more like water, causing the pressure in the system to drop. For the same reason, a lot of dirt accumulates in the oil pan, clogging the oil filter and the oil intake screen. The problem is solved by removing the pan and pump, cleaning and flushing the system with a complete oil change.
A little about the consequences
Consider yourself very lucky if the red light is on and you continue to drive without knocking or jamming. This means that only the VAZ 2114 oil sensor has failed. But it is not always possible to get by with little damage. 10-20 seconds of operation of the power unit without lubrication is enough for the crankshaft to rotate the Babbitt liners and jam. In this situation, you will face expensive repairs, which involve replacing the plain bearings and grinding the crankshaft bearings and connecting rod journals.
We should not forget about the piston group. If oil stops splashing onto the cylinder walls, the aluminum piston quickly heats up, causing it to increase in size. The result is deep scratches on the cylinder walls, wire-like rings, plus unusable pistons. Insufficient oil pressure, as indicated by a red light, can easily lead to a major engine overhaul.
Many motorists have encountered the fact that the low engine oil level indicator lights up on the instrument panel of a VAZ-2114. This may be due to several reasons. But the main thing is low oil level. Although, the fault may be hidden elsewhere. Let's look at the reasons why the oil level light comes on, as well as methods for solving the problem.
Reasons why the indicator light may come on
The indicator light can light up both while driving and at idle speed. Before making assumptions about the causes of possible malfunctions, you should observe the behavior of the light bulb. If it lights up periodically and only while driving, the problem should be looked for in the sensor wiring. If the lamp lights up when the engine is idling and does not go out, this may be due to:
- faulty pressure sensor;
- low oil level;
- too liquid (not corresponding to the class or expired) oil;
- oil pump malfunction;
- oil filter wear;
- contamination of the oil receiver mesh;
- wear of the crankshaft liners.
Let's consider each of these situations in more detail.
Sensor Wiring
Flashing of the indicator light while driving may be due to damaged insulation of the sensor wire. The wire, under the influence of vibration, shorts to the ground of the car, which causes the sensor to operate. This problem can be eliminated by thoroughly inspecting the wiring and replacing the damaged section.
One of the reasons for the light to come on may be damage to the pressure sensor wiring.
Sensor
In VAZ 2114/15 cars, the oil pressure sensor often fails. Most often, it is this that causes the indicator lamp to constantly burn. It is impossible to check its serviceability yourself. Usually a new sensor is purchased and installed.
Location and design of the oil level sensor
Low engine oil light on the instrument panel (marked with a red arrow)
Low engine oil pressure light on the instrument panel (marked with a red arrow), not to be confused with low oil level
So, it becomes clear that the lighting of the oil level light is inextricably linked directly to the sensor. Before determining the problem, you need to understand the location of the sensor under the hood.
The oil level sensor is located near the oil filter on the block, at the bottom.
The sensor has a tube that extends almost to the bottom of the crankcase. The contact group sends a signal to the corresponding indicators. For the VAZ-2114, until 2004, the electrical connections went directly to the dashboard, like the “nine”. But, after modernizing the car, since 2004, the contact connections of the electrical circuit were laid through an electronic control unit, which should control the operation of the sensors and the engine as a whole.
Causes of malfunction
Oil level sensor
Once the operation and circuitry of the oil level sensor has become clear, you can consider the reasons for the light on the dashboard to light up. So, let's consider all the possible reasons that could cause the indicator to light up on the dashboard of the VAZ-2114:
- Low oil level.
- Sensor malfunction.
- The problem is in the contact circuit.
- Short circuit inside the instrument panel.
- Faults in the ECU.
Elimination methods
Now you can go directly to the elimination methods. First, you need to figure out what tools you may need to complete the process: a 10mm wrench, a multimeter, a set of screwdrivers. Now that everything is collected, you can move directly to solving problems.
Low oil level on dipstick
Oil production and wear can affect its level, so it is worth checking this indicator regularly.
Also, the cause of oil loss in the engine may be a faulty gasket or a breakdown in the engine crankcase . In order to eliminate oil loss, it was necessary to eliminate the malfunctions that caused the effect, and then add oil to the required level.
To measure the oil level, there is a special tool called an oil dipstick. It is located on the front of the engine. The oil level in the engine should be midway between the minimum and maximum indicators. When the indicator drops below the MIN mark, the oil level indicator lights up on the dashboard.
Sensor malfunction
A sensor malfunction can also cause an oil level indicator to appear on the dashboard. To eliminate the malfunction, you need to check the sensor, and if it is faulty, replace the part.
Old and new oil level sensor
The replacement process is quite simple and not complicated. Let's consider the issue in more detail. To complete the operation, you will need a key for 10. So, let’s proceed directly to the sequence of actions aimed at replacing the sensor:
- The car must be installed so that there is access from below. A viewing hole, a lift or an overpass is suitable for this.
- Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.
Remove the negative terminal from the battery
Removing the engine crankcase protection
We dismantle the pallet
Contact circuit problem
Diagnostics of the fuel level sensor chip
More than once, the cause may be a break in the wires or contact group that goes from the sensor to the electronic control unit. Based on the electrical diagram of the car, we find the corresponding wire that powers the meter. Next, we find exactly the same one in the ECU and call it.
If there is no contact, then a break has occurred in this area and should be repaired. We carry out the same procedure with the remaining wires.
Short circuit inside the instrument panel
More than once, a short circuit inside the dashboard board can be the cause of a light on the dashboard. This may be caused by corrosion damage or a short circuit inside the instrument panel. Thus, the solution to the problem may be to repair the board or replace the instrument cluster.
Checking the dashboard board contacts
It is quite easy to determine the malfunction: you just have to disassemble the device and look at the contact connections . Also, to be completely sure, you can ring the contacts on the board and directly on the indicator lamp itself, using a tester.
Malfunctions in the VAZ-2114 ECU
The last possible option to look for a fault is the electronic control unit. Errors may occur here that will not only cause the oil level light to light up, but also cause other indicators to malfunction, such as the speedometer, turn signal, and others.
The method of troubleshooting is to connect a laptop or tablet to the “brains” of the car via an OBD cable and a standard test. If errors related to the oil level are detected in the ECU, they must be reset. The procedure for resetting all errors should be done for all indicators that have accumulated in the “brains”. After this, the problem should disappear; if not, then the fault must be looked for elsewhere.
Car oil level
Ideally, the oil level should not change. This is true on a new car. However, on four-wheel drive vehicles whose mileage has exceeded 100,000 km, the lower mark on the dipstick is increasingly becoming visible. This is usually due to poor tightness of various connections. As a result, the oil for the VAZ gradually runs out, and it has to be added more and more often.
Of course, this does not have a very beneficial effect on the lubrication system, because the level can be missed. Then the amount of oil will be insufficient. To prevent this from happening, the VAZ 2114 has an oil level sensor, which will notify the driver if it drops critically. By the way, in case of a loose connection, oil will get onto the cylinder block and gearbox of the VAZ 2114, which will noticeably worsen engine cooling.
Very often, the cause of increased consumption is valve stem seals. They prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber through the valve guides. Over time, losing their elasticity, they cease to perform their functions. Replacing VAZ valve stem seals is a difficult operation and must be performed by specialists. After repair, it is advisable to change the oil.
In addition, the cause of insufficient level may be excessive wear of the piston group. This malfunction is typical for engines with very high mileage. The piston rings wear out and they stop removing lubricant from the cylinder walls.
As a result, after some time the oil level sensor records its critical value. In this case, the engine requires qualified repairs. The engine may need to be removed. This procedure is not easy, but specialists will be able to do everything professionally without removing the VAZ 2114 box.
