Checking the idle speed sensor


If “floating” speed appears on your Lada Kalina, then you definitely need to check the idle speed sensor. Among all engine problems, incorrect idle speed can occur in the following cases:
  1. The engine stalls when changing gears.
  2. The engine speed increases or decreases independently.
  3. When stopping the car with the engine running, the speed drops sharply.

All of these symptoms indicate a faulty idle speed sensor. But before you start repairing it, you need to know exactly where it is and what it looks like.

Where is it located and what does it look like


The process of installing the idle speed sensor Lada KalinaThe process of installing the idle speed sensor Lada Kalina
The idle speed relay on all three versions of the Kalina is located near the throttle assembly and is fixed with two small bolts.

This element of the engine control system is located on the throttle assembly in close proximity to the throttle control sensor.

Where is the idle speed sensor on Kalina

Due to its purpose, the product is located directly in the throttle assembly next to the throttle position sensor.

Signs indicating malfunctions

Some signs indicating improper operation of the unit: - problems with starting the engine (it is possible to start only by repeatedly pressing the gas pedal); — floating speed when switching gears to neutral; — when changing gears, the car stalls completely or choke; — it is difficult to warm up the engine in the cold season (engine speed does not increase above 1500 rpm); — when additional energy consumers are turned on (stove, air conditioning, heating and others), the idle speed is lower than the operating values, or constantly floats.

If you observe one or more of the above situations, pay attention to the idle speed sensor for the 8 valve Kalina and carry out diagnostic measures.

Symptoms of a problem


The process of removing and cleaning the idle speed sensor on Lada KalinaThe process of removing and cleaning the idle speed sensor on a Lada Kalina.
Symptoms of an IAC malfunction on a Lada Kalina car are as follows:

  • the engine does not idle. In this case, the idle speed may jump, freeze, and then return to normal again;
  • the engine idles;
  • there is no compensation for the increased load on the engine;
  • Difficulty starting the engine. If pressing the gas makes starting easier, then this is a sure sign of an IAC malfunction;
  • insufficient or no warm-up speeds are maintained;
  • The car stalls at idle, when releasing the gas, or changing gears.

Regulator replacement

In order to adjust the idle air regulator in carburetor-type cars, there are special screws that allow you to make the replacement manually. But you will need additional devices such as a tachometer and a gas analyzer. In general, the process of replacing the idle air control valve on these vehicles is characterized by a certain complexity.

But on new vehicles this procedure can be done much easier and faster. True, you will have to strictly follow some tips and recommendations:

  1. According to safety rules, all repair and diagnostic work is carried out only with the engine turned off.
  2. The four-pin connector must be disconnected.
  3. Then special contact bolts are unscrewed, after which the previous IAC is removed. Installing a working idle air control valve occurs in the reverse order.
  4. The bolts must be tightened well, since the idle air control regulator should not rattle.
  5. After installation, you can connect the connectors.
  6. Next, the sensor is calibrated. To do this, you need to turn on the ignition, but so that the engine itself does not start.
  7. Then, after calibration, you can operate the vehicle.

There is one small but important nuance that concerns the repair of the idle air control. It is simply not provided for. Some faults can be eliminated by treating the surface with special chemicals. For example, WD-40 or carburetor cleaner.

Diagnostics


Throttle valve Lada KalinaThrottle valve Lada Kalina
Have you noticed the above “symptoms”? Make sure that it is a faulty sensor that is causing the problem. If you have a voltmeter among the tools, you can carry out the diagnostics yourself.

Checking the circuit

Before checking the circuit, prepare a multimeter in advance and set it up to work. Next, open the hood and disconnect power from the idle air control. Then you need to set the voltmeter operating mode on the multimeter. The black probe needs to be connected to the ground of the car, and the red one is connected one by one to all the terminals on the block.

Checking the idle speed sensor on Lada Kalina
Checking the idle speed sensor on Lada Kalina

Using the help of a second person, start the engine and watch the multimeter readings. The parameters must be within 12 volts. If the multimeter shows a value that is significantly lower than expected, the cause must be sought in the battery, and when the voltage is completely absent, the cause must be sought in the wiring or in the engine control unit. If during verification it turns out that the circuit is working properly, you can focus on the sensor.

Sensor check

When checking the sensor, the multimeter must be switched to resistance testing mode. Next, regardless of polarity, you need to connect the probes to terminals A and B, then to C and D. The resistance at the working sensor should be within 53 Ohms.

After this, you need to connect the probe to all terminals one by one. The multimeter should show “infinity” in all connection options

Preparing to clean the idle speed sensor

In order to clean the IAC, you need to prepare in advance a small set of tools and materials that will be needed during the work: a small Phillips screwdriver, aerosol liquid, rags and carburetor cleaner.

After everything necessary for work has been prepared, you need to turn off the power to the car from the battery. Next, you should find the IAC located on the throttle assembly and use a small screwdriver to unscrew the two fixing screws.

IAC cleaning

Place the idle speed sensor on a clean rag and spray the idle speed sensor needle with cleaning fluid from an aerosol can. While spraying, be careful not to get any liquid under the spring. If this happens, you will need to purge the sensor under high pressure, but this procedure will not guarantee that the IAC will work correctly. Next, wipe the needle with a clean piece of rags and wait until it dries completely.

Idle speed sensor on Lada Kalina - the photo shows the cleaning process
Idle speed sensor on Lada Kalina - the photo shows the cleaning process

If this is not done, you will subsequently have to dry and clean the car spark plugs. Use engine oil and wipe the idle speed sensor O-ring. After that, install it in the seat and securely fasten it with two screws.

When installing the sensor, care must be taken, since the IAC will not operate normally with a damaged seal. If after cleaning the idle speed sensor does not want to function normally, it must be replaced with a new one.

Replacing the idle air control

To do the job you only need a shaped screwdriver. If dismantling involves removing the entire throttle assembly, you need to prepare a set of standard socket wrenches or sockets.

  • First, wait until the engine has cooled down, after which you can disconnect the terminals from the battery.
  • The clamps must be removed from all hoses.
  • From the idle speed control and throttle position sensor, disconnect the wire chips and remove the throttle cable.
  • The throttle heating hoses must be removed and plugged.
  • Use a 13mm wrench to unscrew the fastening nuts, then the throttle assembly can be removed.
  • Next, all that remains is to unscrew the two screws holding the idle speed control and remove it. A new IAC is installed in its place and secured with two screws.

You should not touch, much less move, the sensor rod - such manipulations can lead to failure of the device. If, after starting, increased engine speeds are observed (more than 1500 rpm), then there is nothing to worry about. If such a situation occurs, you need to turn off the engine and start it again - the position of the IAC valve will be calibrated and the speed will return to normal.

The throttle assembly is installed in the reverse order of removal. If cleaning of the damper is not required, the sensor can be replaced without dismantling the unit. When tightening all nuts, be careful not to loosen the fasteners. Otherwise, the sensor will vibrate when the engine is running and will quickly become unusable.

During operation of the car, you need to periodically check all its systems and mechanisms, diagnosing possible malfunctions in the early stages. IAC Lada Kalina should also be tested occasionally. The needle and, in general, the entire throttle assembly should not be allowed to become heavily contaminated.

At the slightest disturbance in the stability of the engine, it is necessary to carry out a thorough check and eliminate all possible malfunctions. Only in this case will the car work reliably and for a long time.

The idle speed sensor in the injection system of the Lada Kalina model is a special electronic device. Such a component can be found in any other car that runs on gasoline and has distributed injection. The design of the sensor is represented by an electric motor, paired with a conical needle by the manufacturer. Note that the device is controlled by an ECU.

The idle speed sensor rarely experiences malfunctions, but if such a fact occurs, it causes a malfunction in the idle speed of the engine. They begin to “float”, and the engine, in turn, ceases to function normally. As a result, achieving a timely return to operating temperature after a cold start becomes problematic.

Sensor selection and price


New idle speed sensor for Lada Kalina in packagingNew idle speed sensor for Lada Kalina in a package.
This element is not very expensive, but at the same time it is not cheap. Its price depends primarily on the manufacturer. And especially, the price tags began to differ due to the growth of the dollar exchange rate.

  1. KZTA 573 rub.
  2. Omega 639 rub.
  3. AvtoVAZ 695 rub.
  4. GM 1074 rub.

There are several other manufacturers, but there is no point in listing them, since the average price range is, in principle, understandable. If you have any questions about replacing, removing or installing the IAC on a Priora, please discuss it below in the comments.

Step-by-step replacement instructions

  1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the idle air control valve to the throttle body.
  2. Removing the idle air control

    Checking and replacing the idle speed sensor Lada Kalina

  3. Using an ohmmeter we measure the resistance between the terminals of the windings.
  4. Using a caliper with a depth gauge, we measure the protrusion of the new valve needle.

    Checking and replacing the idle speed sensor Lada Kalina

  5. If the valve protrusion is more than 23 mm, recess the valve into the body as follows:
  6. We connect the positive terminal of the battery with a wire to terminal D of the regulator (the connection of the wire to the terminal must be insulated);

    Checking and replacing the idle speed sensor Lada Kalina

  7. With the bare end of the wire connected to the negative terminal of the battery, briefly touch terminal C of the harness block. Since the valve moves very slowly, we touch it repeatedly, reproducing the operation of a switching power supply.

    Checking and replacing the idle speed sensor Lada Kalina

  8. Visually check the condition of the o-ring. We replace the damaged ring.

    Checking and replacing the idle speed sensor Lada Kalina

Install the regulator in reverse order

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