Starter Lada Granta: repair, replacement, diagnostics, selection

general information

A starter is an electric motor operating on permanent magnets, having an electromagnetic two-motor traction relay and a planetary gearbox.
Their cases are made of steel, six magnets are fixed to the case, and the case itself and the covers are tightened with several bolts. The starter armature shaft is put into rotation mode by two bearings, one of which, a ball bearing, is installed near the manifold, the second, a plain bearing, is installed next to the drive. Thanks to the gearbox, torque is transmitted to the starter drive shaft. The drive shaft is equipped with an overrunning clutch with a drive gear moving along the splines of the shaft. It is the clutch that ensures the transmission of torque from the starter to the motor, separating these elements after the engine starts. This condition ensures proper protection of the starter from possible damage that it may receive due to its high rotation speed.

The relay is designed to engage the drive gear with the teeth of the crankshaft flywheel mechanism, as well as to activate the starter power supply. Thus, by turning the key in the lock, the driver begins the process of supplying electric current to the starter from the battery. The starter is set in motion and turns the crankshaft, starting the engine and igniting the combustible mixture.

After starting the engine, the crankshaft speed begins to increase, however, the clutch protects the starter from damage. After the driver returns the key in the lock to the “ignition” position, the relay winding will de-energize and its armature will return to its original position, while the relay contacts will open and the drive gear will disengage from the flywheel teeth. At the same time, the power contacts supplying electric current to the starter motor windings will open.

In addition, the starter is one of the most powerful energy consumers on a car; when starting the engine, the electric current it consumes reaches 400 A or more. For this reason, all electrical connections between the starter and the battery must have reliable contact.

The elements that Grants are equipped with are similar to the starters used by VAZ on its other cars of previous generations. When the engine is in normal condition, two or three turns will be enough to start. Deviations from the norm will be indicated by any of the existing signs of unstable functioning. Possible malfunctions of the drive and starter relay will be revealed by inspection carried out after disassembling the part.

Signs and causes of trigger malfunction

Fortunately, the element in question is not a non-separable structure and, having identified the cause of the breakdown, you can get by at much lower costs than replacing the entire assembled mechanism. Let's look at the signs and their corresponding malfunctions:

• The solenoid relay clicks, but the motor rotates. In this case, it is necessary to check all power wire connections. From the battery to the solenoid relay and from the solenoid relay to the starter housing. If current is present, then the problem is most likely in the electric motor itself (usually a burnt out rotor or brushes).
• When you turn the key, the dashboard lights immediately go out. The engine does not rotate. Most likely there is a short circuit in the electric motor or relay. Stop trying to start the engine until the problem is resolved.
• The starter "snacks". This may be due to both the mechanical elements of the unit (bearings, gears) and engine problems.

Starter operating rules

According to AvtoVAZ standards, the time between failures is not regulated for starters, therefore, this indicator can be considered infinite. But they still have to be changed, and this is due to car owners violating operating rules. Car enthusiasts often complain about the quality of starters, pointing out that they are not able to last more than 50,000 km on domestically produced cars. But only a few of them know how to use this device correctly and correctly. Following a few simple recommendations will help you protect yourself from a whole list of starter malfunctions:

• When starting the engine, it is necessary to hold the PU for 10 to 15 seconds; restarting is carried out no earlier than half a minute later. Frequent and continuous operation of the PU leads to systematic overheating of the overrunning clutch, thereby provoking its premature wear. Remember - if there are three consecutive unsuccessful attempts to start the engine, the problem should be looked for in the wiring, fuel equipment or ignition system;
• After starting the engine, immediately turn off the starter, for which you will need to release the key in the lock;
• Many experienced car owners do not recommend using PU when temporarily driving a car (this is what novice drivers often do when the battery is discharged or there is damage to the power supply circuit).

Types of starters used on Grants

All cars produced in the first years of production of the model were equipped with a starter 21120-3708010-00, which was secured with three nuts. But gradually the manufacturer switched to producing cars with a cable transmission, after which the starter began to be secured with screws. The owner can find out about the type of starter installed on his car by looking at the box, for example:

• boxes 2190 correspond to parts 21120-3708010-00;
• on vehicles equipped with 2181 gearboxes, starters 21901-3708010-00 are installed;
• Jatco automatics correspond to starters 21902-3708010-00.

Car with gearbox or automatic transmission

It is necessary to disconnect the battery (10mm wrench) and move the car to the pit. Using a 10mm spanner, unscrew the two screws holding the middle shield (see figure). Then you need to unscrew nine self-tapping screws - parts 1, 4 and 5. An “8” key will fit here.

Shield on cars with manual transmission

Finally, remove not only the middle, but also the left shield by unscrewing two more screws.

If we are talking about a sedan with an automatic transmission, it is enough to remove one shield (the main one). It is held in place by eight self-tapping screws - 4 in front, 2 on the left and 2 on the right (see figure).

Shield on cars with automatic transmission

The self-tapping screws must be unscrewed with a 8mm spanner.

Dismantling

When access to the starter is open, the actions look trivial:

• Disconnect the control connector by pressing the latch tab;
  Plastic retainer varies in color
• Moving the rubber cap aside, use a 13mm wrench to unscrew the nut on the terminal;
  It’s better to move the cap up
• The power terminal must be removed.
  Then, using the same “13” key, you can unscrew the fastening screws: two from below and one from above. Three fastening elements

The top screw is unscrewed last, holding the starter housing. Then this body is tilted back and they try not to touch anything unnecessary.

the starter has been removed

Installation can be carried out by performing the steps in reverse order. We wish you success.

Instructions for changing the starter on a car with gearbox 2190

First, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery using a 10mm wrench. Then the sensor connector located at the air filter is disconnected and the filter box is removed with pliers from the three mounting points. After removing the box, it is recommended to put it aside; the assembly must be securely fixed using wire for this purpose.

Carrying out dismantling work

The starter module is held in place by studs, and nuts are screwed onto them, but dismantling should not begin by unscrewing them:

• The first thing you need to do is remove the rubber cap, then unscrew the copper nut with a 13mm wrench;

• The next step is to remove the power wire terminal, after which you should disconnect the connector intended for supplying control voltage;

• Next, use a 13mm wrench and unscrew the three nuts securing the starter. Particular attention should be paid to the bottom, most inaccessible nut;

• The part module is then carefully pushed back and removed from the studs. Installation work includes actions similar to dismantling, performed in the opposite sequence.

Instructions for changing the starter on a car with gearbox 2181 or automatic transmission

Initially, you will need to disconnect the battery using a 10mm wrench, then the car will be moved to the inspection hole. Using a size 10 spanner, unscrew the two screws holding the middle shield, after which all nine screws are unscrewed (to solve this problem, use a size 8 spanner).

Next, you will need to remove the middle and left panels, for which you need to unscrew two more screws. However, when changing the starter on sedans with automatic transmission, you can get by by removing only the main shield, which is held in place by eight screws, four of which are located in front, and two more on the left and right sides. They can also be unscrewed using a 8mm spanner.

Electrics, sensors, battery Lada Vesta

Products from the Dustershop77 range on the topic of the article:

Dismantling works

After opening access to the starter, you must perform the following steps:

• First, you should disconnect the control connector, for which the locking tab is lightly pressed;
• Then the rubber cap is moved aside and the nut is unscrewed using a 13mm wrench from the terminal;

• The power terminal is removed, after which the three mounting screws located at the top and bottom are unscrewed with a 13 key.

Note that you need to start with the two lower screws, and the top one should be unscrewed last, while the starter housing must be held, then the housing is carefully tilted back. Installation work is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling.

A little test

Before making a replacement, you need to make sure that it is the starter that is faulty, and not the fuse in the mounting block and the wiring. Also check the starter relay.

Let's look at all the steps in more detail. Let’s say that when you turn the key to the “II” mark, you hear a click and the starter shaft does not rotate. This means that the solenoid relay is working and voltage is supplied to the starter correctly. In this case, the starter itself must be replaced. If there is no click, try disconnecting the plastic connector and checking for voltage.

This connector needs to be disconnected

If there is no voltage at the connector terminal even when you try to start, it means the vehicle wiring is faulty and not the starter. To be sure, try closing the starter with a screwdriver; if it starts the car, then the starter and bendix are working.

Also check the voltage on the power wire (copper nut). It must always be present. Read more in the article: why the Lada Granta engine does not start.

Components from AvtoVAZ and possible foreign analogues

Initially, KZATE starters were supplied to AvtoVAZ, but since 2011, Valeo has become the main supplier of these parts. For this reason, the current list of components with analogues is as follows:

• Starter 21120-3708010-00 (KATEK, KZATE, ZiT) - they are similar to Fenox ST32101C3 starters;
• Starter 21901-3708010-00 (VALEO) – its analogue is VALEO TS12E901;
• Starter 21902-3708010-00 (VALEO) – similar to VALEO TS12E902.

Do not forget that none of the three options above are interchangeable with the others: the second and third differ in the number of teeth, and elements from KZATE and VALEO are not compatible due to fastenings.

Lada Granta, Kalina, Priora

Remove the protective cap (No. 3), unscrew the nut securing the wire to the starter solenoid relay (No. 4) and disconnect the wire from the relay (head “13”). Disconnect the block with wires (No. 2) from the starter solenoid relay.

For cars with a manual transmission with a traction drive: unscrew the 3 nuts securing the starter (No. 5) and remove it (head “13”).

For cars with automatic transmission and manual transmission with cable drive: unscrew three bolts (No. 5) and remove the starter (No. 3) (head “13” or Torx E14).