How to decipher and eliminate error codes on Chevrolet

How self-diagnosis of Niva Chevrolet is carried out and the main error codes

Not enough people know that the Chevrolet Niva has a self-diagnosis function that produces basic error codes that can be used to quickly find and fix problems with the car. 1 1 error code 14 Chevrolet Niva firmware. It is not difficult to perform this function without the help of others; just press the odometer button tightly and turn on the ignition. The arrows on the speedometer will creep up, after pressing again, an information message about the firmware version will be displayed, and then all the error codes will appear on the monitor, naturally, if there are malfunctions in the car.

Car diagnostics

Diagnostics of the engine and other systems and units in Chevrolet Niva, Cobalt, Lacetti, Lanos, Captiva, Cruze, Aveo 2004, 2005, 2010, 2012 and other model years allows you to timely identify the fault. Thanks to this, the car owner can prevent more serious damage. The errors themselves when diagnosing with a laptop or on a VDO display or other factory dashboard will be different. In the first case, the car owner receives the most accurate information about breakdowns, which allows them to correctly decipher and remove faults. Error combinations will be four-digit.

During self-diagnosis on the on-board computer State on the instrument panel of a VAZ 2123 or Chevrolet Tahoe, Orlando, Blazer, Lanos, Niva, Lacetti, Cruz, Captiva, Epica, Aveo in the T250 and T300 body, faults are displayed in two-digit form. Instead of combinations, messages may appear on the display to warn motorists.

Pressing the odometer button on the dashboard

How to do it yourself?

There are two ways to check for errors in a Chevrolet: self-diagnosis or using additional equipment or a computer. In order for the on-board computer to test for faults, you need to hold down the button on the odometer to reset the daily mileage and turn the key in the ignition. This will cause the needles on the speedometer and gauges to start moving along the scales. And when you press the button again, the ECU will display a message on the display about the version of the firmware being used. After the next press, combinations of problems, if any, will appear on the screen.

What codes may appear on a Chevrolet Niva after self-diagnosis:

• 1 - the microprocessor is not working correctly;
• 2 — a break was detected in the electrical circuit of the fuel level controller in the tank;
• 4 - increased voltage level in the vehicle’s on-board network, amounting to more than 16 volts, diagnostics of the battery and generator unit is required;
• 8 - the voltage in the Chevrolet electrical network is low, the same checking steps are performed;
• 12 - the control indicator is not functioning correctly;
• 13 - the control unit does not receive a signal from the lambda probe;
• 14 - the ECU received a signal about overheating of the coolant, this can lead to boiling of the engine;
• 15 - the operating temperature of the antifreeze in the cooling system is too low;
• 19 - the ECU received a signal indicating that the crankshaft is not operating correctly; we recommend testing the controller;
• 21-22 - the throttle valve is in the wrong position;
• 23-25 ​​- the intake air temperature does not correspond to the norm;
• 24 - the dashboard does not receive an impulse about the speed of the vehicle;
• 27-28 - the control unit reports violations in the level of exhaust gases;
• 33-34 - The ECU receives incorrect data on air flow;
• 35 - the power unit does not operate correctly at idle;
• 41 - an incorrect signal is received from the phase controller or camshaft sensor;
• 42 - The computer reports problems with the ignition;
• 43 - incorrect impulse from the knock sensor;
• 44-45 - incorrect composition of the combustible mixture;
• 49 - The ECU detects a loss of vacuum;
• 51 - ROM malfunction;
• 52 - The ECU has detected a RAM error;
• 53 - the control module does not receive an impulse from the exhaust gas regulator;
• 54 - the octane corrector controller does not respond;
• 55 - the load on the power unit is too high;
• 61 - the oxygen controller gives incorrect readings.

What you need to know about a sensor malfunction

First of all, it is important to understand the operating principle of the sensor located between the thermostat and the block head. This element has two contacts leading to the fan and control unit. Its main function is to help regulate the fuel mixture, depending on the engine temperature. Thanks to it, all the main characteristics of the VAZ-2114 engine are adjusted.

DTOZH is considered one of the most reliable and rarely fails. If it produces the wrong temperature, the consequences may be:

• increased fuel consumption;
• problems with starting the engine, especially in winter (the computer does not read the engine temperature correctly);
• uneven operation of the power unit, detonation and loss of power;
• change in engine operating temperature (normally it fluctuates between 80 and 90 degrees);
• antifreeze boiling in the expansion tank;
• change in exhaust color due to a different composition of exhaust gases.

If the sensor malfunctions, the computer cannot correctly read the engine temperature, so it incorrectly sends signals to start the fan and fuel injection.

Decoding codes

Now we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the decoding of the combinations. Why errors may occur and how to eliminate them can only be found out as a result of diagnostics.

The elm327 channel published a video showing the diagnostic procedure for a Chevrolet Niva using a special adapter and an Android-based mobile phone.

Common mistakes

First, let's look at deciphering frequently occurring problems that occur in the Chevrolet Aveo in the back of the T250, T300, Niva and other models.

Error	Decoding
p1396	Code p1396 is an error in the operation of the ABS system. If this code appears in an Orlando, Niva, Lacetti or other Chevrolet model, the car owner needs to test the performance of the unit itself, as well as the rough road controller. Often the cause of 1396 is a failed sensor, damage, oxidation or contamination of its contacts. You can try to solve the problem by dismantling and cleaning the connector
p0661	The car owner is informed about problems with the solenoid or damage to the electrical circuit. A detailed check needs to be done
p0404	The on-board computer received a message about violations in the functioning of the exhaust gas recirculation system. Often the reason is related to a breakdown of the controller, so it is necessary to diagnose and replace the sensor
p1628	Error code 1628 indicates a problem with the locking device. It is necessary to test the operation of the immobilizer. If you do not pay attention to diagnosing and checking this error, then over time the immobilizer may block the engine and, as a result, it will be impossible to start it. You can try to disable and activate the immobilizer or reprogram its chip
p1661	The Check Engine light does not work. You need to check the functionality of the indicator light in the dashboard. Often the problem can be solved if the light bulb is working by resetting the error
p1602	Error 1602 literally means a loss of voltage in the on-board network. The reasons may be different. If the car starts and the engine runs normally, the malfunction may be damage or poor contact of one of the plugs of the control unit, or poor soldering of its components. Perhaps this is a firmware glitch or some relay is not working. A qualified electrician can find the cause.
136	The meaning of this code may vary for different Chevrolet models. In Orlando cars, this error means a malfunction of the second lambda probe or damage to the wiring. In Cruze models, the code indicates the need to diagnose the parking radar. Perhaps the parking sensors are simply clogged

Replacing brushes or the generator itself

Current collection brushes wear out most often, so here is a description of how to do this job:

1. Remove the negative terminal from the battery and disconnect the wires leading from the generator casing.
2. Remove the protective cap from the terminals of the positive terminal of the wires. Unscrew the nut that secures the block to the generator block.
3. Disconnect the spring clips and remove the black plastic cover.
4. Unscrew the voltage regulator mountings with a Phillips screwdriver. Take it out along with the brushes.
5. Disconnect the wires from it. Remove the assembly together with the fastening bar, take off the belt.
6. Release the generator from the bracket by unscrewing all the mounting bolts.

The further plan of action depends on what you will change. If the brushes are very worn, they need to be replaced. If the current collectors are visually intact, then the reason may be in other parts of the generator. In most cases, car enthusiasts simply change it entirely.

Resetting errors on Chevrolet

If malfunctions are found in the operation of certain systems, then the first thing to do is to correct them. If after repair the codes remain in memory and do not disappear, then you can eliminate them yourself.

There are several options for resetting errors:

1. Clear codes by disconnecting the battery terminals. Open the hood and loosen the bolts on the clamps, then disconnect the alligator clips. Wait about one minute, then connect the crocodile clips into place.
2. Using the on-board computer. The device has a special function for this. To delete the code, go to the “errors” section in the main menu, then press the middle key on the panel. You will hear a beep and dashes will appear on the computer display. If they exist, then the errors have been successfully removed from memory.
3. Resetting can be done using the odometer button. You need to hold it down for five seconds. About 15 seconds will pass, after which the numbers will appear on the display. We wrote about errors during self-diagnosis at the beginning of the article, but if the number 0 appears on the display, then there are no problems with the operation of the sensors, engine and other systems in the car.

Check Engine

When the ignition is turned on, the indicator should light up, so the ECM checks the serviceability of the lamp and control circuit. After starting the engine, the indicator should go out if the controller memory does not contain the conditions for turning it on.

If:

• The Check Engine light is constantly on - in this case, the driver is obliged to make the vehicle available to service technicians as soon as possible.
• A flashing Check Engine Light indicates a problem that can cause serious damage to the ECM (for example, a misfire can damage the catalytic converter).

To protect against random, short-term errors that may be caused by loss of contact in electrical connectors or unstable engine operation, the warning light turns on after a certain period of time after detecting a malfunction in the ECM. During this period, the on-board diagnostic system checks for a malfunction.

After eliminating the causes of the malfunction, the alarm will turn off after a certain delay time, during which the malfunction does not appear, and provided that there are no other fault codes in the controller’s memory that require turning on the alarm.

When clearing (deleting) fault codes from the controller’s memory using diagnostic equipment, the indicator goes off.

• Chevrolet Niva error 8 how to fix

Video “How to check a Niva Chevrolet car before buying?”

The Two in Niva channel published a video that clearly demonstrated instructions for self-diagnosis of errors.

The Chevrolet Niva diagnostic connector helps you obtain information about how most units work, into which special equipment is connected via Bluetooth or a cable. Therefore, if you want to conduct independent diagnostics, it is important to know where it is.

The connector in the Niva is located under the steering wheel on the right side, and the pinout itself is under the dashboard on the driver’s side. To check the on-board computer, you need to use special equipment that transmits all the necessary information to the laptop. Data transfer is carried out using a COM port into which a K-LINE type connector is installed.

When connecting, errors may appear on the laptop screen. At this moment, there is no need to worry, since the appearance of such messages may be due to a lack of communication with the device itself. You should also check whether the standard anti-theft system is installed; if so, check the adapter itself. If there is a standard location, then it is connected to the diagnostic line between the ECU and the immobilizer. And if it is missing, a plug is installed in its place. To restore communication between the contacts, a jumper is installed, as shown in the picture below:

Depending on the year of manufacture of the model, the connectors may differ from each other.

Chip tuning

Some drivers do chip tuning of the Chevrolet Niva in order to increase engine power. The essence of this procedure is to remove the established restrictions by adjusting the optimal factory settings in the electronic control unit. This procedure helps to extract the additional performance inherent in the motor.

The whole process can be divided into several stages:

1. Reading the necessary data from the electronic control unit
2. Making the necessary adjustments
3. Updating and recording new data

The main advantage of this procedure is:

• Engine power increases
• Speed ​​limit removed
• You can change the fuel type
• All factory settings can be returned at any time

The disadvantages include:

• High cost of work
• The ECU may fail
• Increases fuel consumption, reduces system life
• Errors may appear

Each specialist has a different attitude towards chip tuning, some consider it useful, while others think that this procedure can negatively affect the performance of the car, while reducing its service life.

To summarize, we can conclude that you can identify error codes on a Chevrolet Niva either independently or using a special device. If malfunctions occur, they must be eliminated as soon as possible, otherwise this may lead to irreversible negative consequences in the operation of the entire system.

Self-diagnosis

If it is not possible to check with a special device, then this can be done using self-diagnosis, which will help to quickly identify all problems associated with the operation of the car. To do this, press the odometer button and turn on the ignition. The speedometer needle will begin to rise to the top; by pressing again, information about the firmware will appear on the screen, and by pressing again, all existing errors will appear.

Let's take a closer look at the Chevrolet Niva error codes with decoding:

During self-diagnosis, error 8 and error 14 often appear, the first informs about problems in the brake system, and the second is related to fuel consumption, quite often this is a system glitch, but in any case you need to replace the sensor responsible for these mechanisms, or reset the memory by resetting the battery terminals.

As practice shows, knowing how to perform an independent check is very useful, since this knowledge helps to quickly identify a malfunction and eliminate it in a timely manner.

Why is error 8 associated with brake system problems?

Some car enthusiasts misinterpret error message 8, believing that they need to check the brake system. This is due to the fact that on VAZ cars this fault number indicates insufficient brake fluid level.

The Chevrolet Niva's on-board computer uses different designations, so you should not interpret them in the same way as in the VAZ. If you doubt the condition of the brake system, you can check it during the repair process. First of all, pay attention to the brake fluid level, and then check the pads.

Sources used:

• https://vaz-russia.com/chevrolet-niva-vaz-2123/kody-oshibok-niva-shevrole.html
• https://xn--80aal0a.xn--80asehdb/do-my-self/repair/repair-lada-niva-chevrolet/5746-rasshifrovka-kodov-oshibok-chevrolet-niva-lada.html
• https://nivachevrole.ru/varia/error-codes/
• https://expertniva.ru/elektrooborudovanie/kodi-osibok.html
• https://ladaprofi.ru/shevrole-niva/kak-ispravit-oshibku-nomer-8-na-shevrole-niva.html

Check engine error

If a check light comes on on a Niva Chevrolet car, this warns that there are malfunctions associated with the operation of the engine. The light comes on at the moment when the engine begins to detect a failure or error and writes a specific code into its memory.

Let's look at the main reasons why this warning may appear:

• The air/fuel mixture is incorrect. This problem is eliminated by filling the tank with higher quality gasoline.
• Low engine oil level
• Engine overheated
• There are problems with the ignition system, which may be due to a faulty spark plug or ignition coil
• The power system is faulty. It is possible that fuel injection into one of the cylinders has stopped.
• Lambda probe faulty
• A separate sensor in the ECM system has failed

We can conclude that in some cases, when the engine starts and the check light is on, this may indicate that the engine is operating in emergency mode and the problem is not very critical. If the engine starts and stalls, then this is most likely a problem with the fuel supply or the crankshaft sensor has failed.

In any case, it is better not to use the car until you find out the exact reason.

The most popular Niva 21214 errors and methods for eliminating them.

Engine error codes (P0000)

Note!

Chevrolet Niva on-board computer errors found in this way reflect the most accurate state of affairs at the current time.

• VDO Panel Errors and Fault Codes

• 0102/103 - the pulse from the mass air flow sensor is too low or high, damage to the device or its wiring may occur;
• 0112-0113 – similar indicators from the device for measuring the actual temperature of the intake manifold;
• 0116 – the level of the DTOZh signal is outside the permissible limits, urgent diagnostics of the system is required;
• 0117/0118 – is responsible for the above element and indicates that the signal level is too low/high; it is also necessary to check the sensor itself;
• 0122/0213 – excessively weak or strong impulse from the TPS, cleaning the mechanical part of the device or replacing the sensor may help;
• 0130-0132 – incorrect data transmission from DC1 installed to the catalytic converter; the part may need to be replaced or cleaned;
• 0133 – is responsible for the above element and indicates a slow response of the device to driver commands;
• 0134/0135 – breakage of the power line/breakage of the heater DK1;
• 0136 – short circuit with contact to the negative wire of DK2;
• 0137/138 – critical drawdown/exceeding the permissible norm of the signal from the oxygen sensor installed after the exhaust gas converter;
• 0140/0141 – open circuit of the wiring or breakdown of the DC2 itself;
• 0171/0172 – malfunction of the fuel supply device; the mixture is excessively lean or rich; it is necessary to check the fuel lines for damage; the fuel pump and its relay should also be diagnosed;
• 0201-204 – damage to the injector driver control wiring for each engine cylinder in series;
• 0261/0264/0267/0270 – short circuit on the body for wiring the driver of each injector in series;
• 0262/0265/0268/0271 – similar, only with a touch to the vehicle’s on-board wiring, for each cylinder, respectively;
• 0300 – the electronic control unit has detected multiple misfires, the gasoline supply is turned off;
• 0301-0304 – similarly, misfires are observed for each working chamber, respectively, the controller cuts off the flow of fuel to the damaged module;
• 0327-0328 – the knock sensor is not working correctly, a weak or too high signal is detected;
• 0335 – DPKV is out of order or its wiring is damaged, you should immediately perform physical diagnostics of the sensor;
• 0336 – the same sensor does not work correctly;
• 0337/0338 – short circuit to the body/break in the DPKV wiring;
• 0340 - therefore, error p0340 Niva shows that there are problems in the circuit of the above sensor;
• 0342 – critical reduction in the permissible impulse from the DPKV;
• 0343 - error 0343 Niva warns that the actual impulse from the DPKV is above the permissible limit;
• 0422 – obstruction of the catalytic converter has been detected, the device needs to be replaced;
• 0441 – the actual value of the flow meter differs from the calculated values;
• 0443 – the canister purge valve is faulty or there is serious damage to the power cables;
• 0480/481 – failure or damage to the wiring of the fan relay No. 1/2 of the cooling system;
• 0500 – the speedometer sensor shows incorrect data;
• 0503 – DSA pulse is interrupted or the wiring is short-circuited;
• 0506/507 – the power plant XX regulator is blocked, a low or high speed level is detected;
• 0560 – the performance of on-board systems is limited due to a critical voltage drop, usually the cause is a deep discharge of the battery;
• 0562/563 – there are voltage surges in the on-board network, up or down from the reference value;
• 0601 – error in writing or reading information for a permanent recording device;
• 0603/604 – similar for RAM;
• 0615 – there is no power to the starter relay, you need to check the safety insert and wiring;
• 0616/617 – Short circuit on the on-board network or on the car body of the starter relay wiring;
• 1135 – interruption or incorrect operation of the control wiring DK1;
• 1140 – mass air flow sensor error, the measured value differs from the calculated value;
• 1141 – disruption of the operation of power lines DK2;
• 1386 – incorrect signal from the mixture detonation channel length sensor;
• 1410 – Short circuit of the canister purge valve lines with contact with other wires;
• 1425 – similar, only with contact on the car body;
• 1426 – complete break in the lines of the canister purge valve – no pulse;
• 1501/02 – there is a short circuit in the control and power lines of the main fuel pump touching the standard wiring or body, respectively;
• 1509 – critical overload of the power plant idle speed control relay;
• 1513/514 – short circuit of the above module with contact to the wires or car body;
• 1541 – control of the electric fuel pump is lost, there is a break in the cables;
• 1570 – APS does not respond, control elements or control lines may be damaged;
• 1602 – error 1602 Niva indicates that there is no power in the controller;
• 1606 – the rough road sensor is acting up;
• 1616/617 – too weak or strong impulse from DND;
• 1640 – error in writing or reading the EEPROM system;
• 1689 – false data in the error memory, the system needs to be reset;
• 2188 - error 2188 Niva warns the user that an excessively rich fuel mixture is supplied to the engine at idle speed (the engine choke).

Design Features

What can the instrument panel tell us? The Chevrolet Niva is designed in such a way that its panel unites all the control devices of the car. It includes:

• speedometer;
• odometer (counter of kilometers traveled);
• tachometer (crankshaft revolution counter);
• coolant and ambient temperature indicators;
• fuel level indicator;
• 12 control (signal) lamps.

In order for the driver to monitor instrument readings at night, the panel is illuminated when the side lights are turned on. How bright is the instrument panel backlight? "Chevrolet Niva" has the function of adjusting the level of illumination of the dashboard. It is provided by six special light bulbs.

Important: the shield has an electronic design and cannot be repaired if it fails! Spare parts in the form of individual panel units are not available for sale. The only exceptions are signal and lighting lamps. In other words, if at least one indicator fails, you will have to buy an assembled panel.

Tuning options

The choice of options for tuning is not particularly large:

1. Install a device from another car. In this case, you will need the services of a qualified electrician, since the connectors will have to be redone. You can also install a digital version of the tidy - it will be more than original.
2. As a tuning option, you can install LED bulbs instead of regular ones. Many car owners choose this option because it is less expensive and the easiest to implement.
3. Another tuning method is to install original instrument scales on the speedometer, tachometer and other sensors. Moreover, you can buy such scales either ready-made or make them yourself in accordance with your preferences.

Disassembling the panel

If the shield malfunctions, it will have to be disassembled in any case to determine the cause of the breakdown. How to remove the instrument panel? “Niva-Chevrolet” will not cause problems in this sense.

This is done as follows:

1. Use a slotted screwdriver to pry up and remove two plugs. The first is located to the right of the hazard warning button, and the second is in the far right corner of the panel trim.
2. We turn out the screws located under the plugs.
3. We pull out the right side of the dashboard trim and remove the connectors from the control buttons. Remember (take a photo) which connectors go to which buttons!
4. We disengage the left side of the trim, remove the block from the buttons for turning on the headlights and dimensions. We remove and remove the lining.
5. Unscrew the two screws securing the dashboard. Disconnect the connectors.
6. We remove the panel.