The car engine is switched to idle mode (idle speed) by command from the electronic control unit (ECU). This happens at the time of start-up or when it is necessary to warm up the engine. The engine is in this state when the transmission is turned off, when the car is stopped, for example, at a traffic light. The engine operation is controlled by a special idle speed sensor (IAC). Usually it does not cause any special problems, but its breakdown can cause a lot of trouble for drivers. That is why the performance of the DCS must be constantly monitored and, if defects appear, they must be promptly eliminated.
Idle speed sensor for VAZ 2114
Many car owners unwittingly became acquainted with the mysteries of the idle speed sensor on their VAZ 2114. The real name of the controller is the idle speed controller (IAC). This is a complex unit in the system of injection engines, which is commanded by electronics (among motorists, “brains”). In case of incidents with IAC, the engine begins to “act up”, causing discomfort and troubles to the driver. Next, we will tell you where the idle speed sensor of the VAZ 2114 is installed, what signs indicate its error, and how to change the IAC yourself.
REGULATOR XX VAZ 2114
The idle speed sensor in the electronic injector system is needed for dosed air supply at idle speed - this is necessary to prepare the required proportion of the fuel mixture depending on the number of revolutions and load on the engine. The sensor is also called a regulator, but they are the same device.
Where is the idle air control valve located? The idle speed sensor of the VAZ 2114 (VAZ 2115) is fixed with two screws on the throttle mechanism; it is made in the form of a barrel. Inside the barrel (case) there is an electromagnetic mechanism; outside the case there is a shut-off valve that moves and regulates the air supply bypassing the throttle valve.
DXH is located in the throttle assembly (DU)
For convenience, all movements of the rod are measured in steps - a total of 255 stroke steps.
The operating principle of the device is as follows:
- Before starting the internal combustion engine, the valve is retracted and does not block the bypass channel at all (120 steps);
- The engine starts, and under the control of the ECU, the rod extends to a position that ensures stable operation of the engine at idle speed (idling speed);
- As the internal combustion engine warms up, the rod extends and the bypass channel closes (approximately 20-50 steps). The air supply is proportional to the fuel injected into the cylinder;
- When the ignition is turned off, the valve first closes the channel (0 steps) and then returns to its original position (120 steps);
- When you restart, everything repeats again, but if the engine is warm, the rod is already in a different, more optimal position. Due to the idle speed sensor, the quality of the fuel mixture and economical consumption are maintained.
As the throttle valve moves, the rod also moves, so it is constantly in motion.
Device
Modern automakers use 3 types of idle speed sensor: solenoid, rotary and stepper. For VAZ 2114–2115 the latter type is used. IAC is a stepper mini-electric motor that opens/closes the air duct of the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, thereby regulating the speed (similar to a bolt on a carburetor).
The IAC design has a ring magnet, a lead screw (needle) and 2 windings. When voltage is applied to the magnet and windings, an electromagnetic field appears. As a result, the lead rotor begins to rotate, thereby driving the lead screw through the worm gear. Depending on the position of the rotor, the needle valve is able to control the opening/closing of the air duct of the intake manifold.
For reference. What is a step? This is the distance between the conical shut-off valve (IAC tip) and the intake manifold. It is measured by the number of full rotations of the rotor.
Principle of operation
The balanced relationship of the injection engine components is adjusted by the electronic unit (ECU). When you turn the ignition key on a VAZ 2114, the IAC needle closes the air hole on the manifold. After the engine starts, the ECU calculates the required number of steps and sets the regulator needle to the working position, slightly opening the air channel to lean the mixture.
Taking into account the engine temperature and the position of the needle, the ECU regulates the further operation of the internal combustion engine. On a cooled VAZ-2114 engine, the idle speed sensor will again close the air valve, thereby enriching the mixture and increasing the speed.
For reference! The number of steps is determined by the software (firmware). For example, on a hot engine with a “January 5.1” controller it is usually 110 shg. and at Bosch - 50 shg. Maximum stroke 250 shg.
FAKES
It is not always possible to buy a VAZ 2115 idle speed sensor of good quality. The fact is that there are various underground companies that manufacture underground products. Of course, you can try to return the product to the store, the main thing is not to lose the sales or cash receipt issued by the store. But in order not to fall for a counterfeit next time, you need to learn to distinguish a fake from an original product.
When purchasing, pay attention and look at:
- For packaging. It should have a quality control stamp, a good quality seal;
- The spring on the original valve is black with a small number of turns. Frequent turns of light-colored springs are a sign of counterfeit;
- The O-ring on the original body is red. Regulators with a black seal are usually fake;
- The date of manufacture is stamped on the back of the connector end. It should be knocked out neatly and straight;
- The rivets on the body of the original sensor are smooth and do not wobble;
- The number on the tag of the original part corresponds to the manufacturer's number; the numbers have already been listed here above.
IAC on VAZ 2114 - original and fake
Fault marker and cause
It is very difficult to calculate the breakdown of the IAC. The VAZ on-board computer is primitive and cannot always detect a failure in the system. The owners do diagnostics several times, but there are no errors on the scanner. At the same time, the car works poorly, and the “Check Engine” is stubbornly silent. The owners of the “four” had no choice but to use samples and replace spare parts to determine the cause. Thanks to them, the main symptoms of a malfunction of the idle speed sensor are now known:
- poor starting of the internal combustion engine, especially in winter;
- floating engine speed when hot, in the range of 850–1100;
- the engine freezes if you put the gear in neutral or release the gas;
- The firmware reduces the speed to 800–900 on a cold internal combustion engine (less than 40 °C), without waiting for it to fully warm up.
The main reason for DX failure is natural wear and tear. As a rule, wear appears in the lead screw and rotor. Due to backlash, the ECU cannot accurately adjust the needle pitch. Sometimes the winding burns out as a result of a short circuit. But the most common reason is contamination of the cone valve.
Which to choose
If symptoms or diagnostics confirm that the idle air regulator on your VAZ 2114 is defective, then all you have to do is go to the store for a new sensor. Independent auto industry experts and service workshop specialists recommend purchasing an original IAC. Its number is 2112-1148300-02 (sometimes ending: 01, 02, 04). If there is no factory part, then you can replace it with a worthy analogue.
Table 1. Price of idle speed sensor on VAZ 2114
Manufacturer | Number | Amount, rub. |
AvtoVAZ | 21120114830081 | 730 |
KRAFT | KT104900 | 510 |
MANOVER | MR21121148 | 450 |
In addition to the above, the products of the manufacturers “Omega” and “KZTA” have proven themselves well.
How to check IAC
There are a lot of counterfeits on the spare parts market. Popular parts are often counterfeited in poor quality. Even some car owners have complaints about Omega, although the majority of VAZ users praise this manufacturer’s IAC. Sometimes you come across outright dummies. Therefore, service workshop specialists are recommended to organize a check of the idle speed sensor before installation on the VAZ 2114.
Self-diagnosis will require a multimeter, which should be switched to an ohmmeter. The IAC has two windings, and there are four outputs on the block: A, B, C, D. First we test A and B (first winding), then C and D (second winding). For model 2112-1148300-02 the natural resistance is 51 (±2) Ohms, and for 2112-1148300-01 - 53 (±5) Ohms. If the parameters on the multimeter tend to infinity, then there is probably an open circuit in the winding circuit.
Attention! The needle on the new regulator should stick out from the body no more than 23 mm, that is, be in a half-closed position. If it protrudes strongly from the body of the regulator, then during installation the splines of the lead screw can be damaged. Car service specialists will help you return the needle to the lower position.
Functions
The IAC regulates the amount of air entering the engine when the throttle valve is closed. This suggests that the IAC performs the functions of automatically adjusting the specified engine speed when idling.
The regulator also takes part in the process of warming up the engine to optimal operating temperatures in winter. The operating temperature range of the IAC is quite wide - from -40 to +130 degrees Celsius.
The IAC, despite such important functions, is small in size and consists of three main elements:
- Stepper electric motor;
- Spring;
- A rod with a cone-shaped needle at the end.
The idle speed control is mounted on the throttle body with a pair of screws.
IAC location
Where to buy car accessories
Spare parts and other products for the car are easily available for purchase at auto stores in your city. But there is another option that has recently received significant improvements. You no longer need to wait a long time for a parcel from China: the AliExpress online store now offers the opportunity to ship from transshipment warehouses located in various countries. For example, when ordering, you can specify the “Delivery from the Russian Federation” option.
Follow the links and choose:
Idle air control on VAZ 2114: signs of IAC malfunction
If instability occurs in the idle speed, the first thing car owners are advised to do is check the condition of the idle speed sensor. Instability of the operation of the DXX or the XX regulator is manifested in the following:
- When driving, the car stalls when changing gears;
- The revolutions then drop sharply, then begin to increase again.
If you find one of these problems, the IAC will most likely have to be replaced. But first, let’s figure out what kind of device this is.
Signs of IAC malfunction and ways to eliminate them
If the engine begins to malfunction or previously unidentified symptoms are observed in its operation, then they may indicate malfunctions in the regulator, for example:
- idle speed is unstable;
- when changing gears or by itself, the engine begins to stall;
- there is no increase in speed when starting the car, which is typical for the primary mode
- warming up;
- When various additional equipment is turned on, the speed decreases.
Similar symptoms are also observed if:
- the bypass channel of the throttle assembly is clogged with dirt;
- there is damage to electrical wires (breaks, broken contact connections, etc.);
- The installed IAC variant does not match the ECU firmware type.
Before starting diagnostics of the regulator, it is recommended to make sure that the above defects are absent.
Malfunctions
The peculiarity of the idle speed sensor is that it is impossible to trace the occurrence of a malfunction due to the operation of the on-board computer. The system does not recognize a breakdown, so everything has to be done manually.
There are several characteristic signs that can tell you about problems with the XX sensor:
- The car often stalls when idling;
- A phenomenon called floating speed occurs;
- There are no increased speeds when starting a cold engine;
- If the gear is switched off, the engine may stall spontaneously.
There are also a few errors on the on-board computer, but you shouldn’t rely solely on them.
What does it mean
Low idle speed
Increased idle speed
Many people confuse the signs of IAC failure with the throttle position sensor. The symptoms are indeed very similar. But the point is that the on-board computer signals a breakdown of the position sensor, but regarding the IAC it is silent.
Diagnostic methods
Before proceeding with the replacement, we recommend that you really make sure that the cause of all problems with your VAZ 2114 is the faulty IAC. To do this, there are two main ways to check the status of the device.
Explore both to see which diagnostic option is best for you.
First way
- Get a tester if you haven't had one before.
- Disconnect the DXX from the block with wires.
- If you have a 1.6-liter engine, then be sure to disconnect the throttle assembly fasteners and move it from the receiver about 1 centimeter.
- Use a voltmeter to check if voltage is being supplied to the regulator. The minus is connected to ground, and the plus goes to the block - use the AD pins.
- With the ignition on, the tester should show at least 12 W.
- If there is no voltage, then there is a problem in the power circuit or electrical unit of the car.
- If there is voltage, but it is significantly less than 12W, then this indicates a low charge level of your battery. Be sure to recharge the battery.
- After checking the circuit for efficient operation, proceed to study the DXR itself. At this stage the ignition is turned off.
- In turn, connect the terminals to the tester to pairs A-B and CD. The normal resistance should be approximately 53 ohms.
- Change the pairs to AC and BD. When measuring them, the resistance should turn out to be infinitely large.
If the check shows that the readings do not meet the standards, then several actions can be taken:
- Clean the contacts, throttle body, needle needle and other sensor components using carburetor cleaner. It is not difficult to find, and it is cheaper than specialized cleaners;
- If possible, try to repair the IAC;
- If it is impossible to carry out repairs, replace the old sensor with a new regulator.
Second way
For this testing option, you will need a simple tester that you can easily make yourself. We offer corresponding video instructions
Now we proceed as follows.
- Unscrew the fastening screws of the regulator and remove it from its seat. The location of the DXX is already well known to you.
- Disconnect the regulator from the main block, and apply the finger of your right hand. And the index finger. You don't need to put a lot of effort into creating a set.
- The nuance of placing a finger lies in the features of the regulator itself, at the end of which there is a cone-shaped needle.
- If the engine stops working, then if the IAC is working properly, the needle comes out completely.
- Your finger will allow you to feel a slight jolt when you turn on the ignition.
- If this push is absent, then the device has failed.
The maximum distance from the protruding rod head to the flange is 23 millimeters. When buying a new IAC, be sure to take this fact into account.
A Question of Choice
When checking the sensor, we found out that the device was faulty and needed to be replaced. But what should we choose in its place?
In the case of OMEGA, pay attention to number 2112-114830. If you decide to choose KZTA, then the option that suits you has catalog number 2112-1148300-04.
The last two digits may be different, and this is a very important point. If your IAC number ends in 01, you should not change it to 03, otherwise you will simply waste your money. The device is replaced with a similar one or with a subsequent number - 01 is changed to 01 or 02, etc.
Replacement
To work you will need:
- New regulator suitable for your VAZ 2114;
- Rags;
- Crosshead screwdriver;
- 13mm wrench;
- Carburetor cleaner;
Having the necessary tools and materials available, you can get to work.
- Place the car on a level surface and turn on the handbrake.
- Raise the hood and secure it firmly to avoid unnecessary injury.
- Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. IAC is an electrical device, therefore this event is mandatory.
- Remove the protective casing from the power unit.
- Loosen the clamp slightly to disconnect the rubber tube from the air filter connection. This is necessary so that the tube does not interfere.
- Remove the clamp that holds the air filter pipe. The corrugation is disconnected and moved slightly to the side.
- The fastening screw of the cable going from the gas pedal to the throttle valve needs to be loosened slightly.
- Use a rag to remove all dirt near and on the throttle assembly itself.
- Treat the throttle assembly mounting nut, as well as the IAC mounting screws, using the almighty WD40. This will make dismantling easier.
- Remove the throttle assembly completely. To do this, unscrew two nuts using a 13 mm wrench.
- Remove the sensor connector from the terminals.
- If there is dirt at the contact points between the DHH and the throttle assembly, be sure to remove it with a rag.
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the two fasteners that connect the throttle assembly and our desired sensor.
- Remove the regulator from the mounting socket.
- Clean the entire throttle body with carburetor cleaner.
- Install the new regulator in the same position as the newly dismantled DXH was in.
- Use engine oil to treat the new rubber gasket, which should come with the IAC.
- Replace the two screws and make sure the adjuster is firmly seated in the throttle body.
- Return the remote control to its place and check how securely the nuts are secured.
- Connect the connector to the device terminals.
- Reinstall the cable, pipes and tubes. Tighten all clamps properly.
- Reinstall the engine protective cover.
After assembly, a very important stage remains - calibration of the new IAC. To do this, you need to connect the battery and turn on the ignition. 10 seconds is enough. During this time, the electronic control unit will perform calibration on its own.
That's it, the new regulator is ready for use. To avoid problems with replacement, watch the training video.
Repair
It is not always possible or even the desire to spend money on buying a new device. Regardless of the reasons, it is quite possible to try to solve the problem of a failed or poorly functioning idle speed sensor using a repair method.
- Try cleaning the old sensor.
- To do this, you should dismantle it and thoroughly clean all contacts using a cotton swab soaked in carburetor cleaner.
- Next, the rod, needle and spring are generously treated with cleaner.
- A toothbrush can easily clean areas smeared with carburetor cleaner.
- Rinse the device again and then return it to its place.
- Not infrequently, such events made it possible to achieve excellent results; idle speed began to work again as before.
But this is the simplest repair option, which is not always worth counting on. There is a more complex, but at the same time more effective option for self-repairing a failed idle air control:
- Remove the sensor, clean its external elements, as indicated in the previous repair method;
- Remove the three pins securing the sensor housing;
- Remove the regulator housing as carefully as possible. Really slow and careful not to damage the contacts;
- After disassembly, you may notice the presence of broken solder. In this situation, the wire is soldered in place, and the soldering area is treated with a special anti-corrosion varnish;
- If there are gaps in the body of the gap adjuster, they are eliminated using sealant. This will prevent air from being sucked in through the valve.
If, when disassembling the device, problems are discovered on the winding or the needle is worn out, repair will not help. You will have to change the IAC completely .
The issue of malfunctioning idle air control is quite common in the case of the VAZ 2114. This element cannot be called the weak point of the car, but no one wants to face such a breakdown. As, indeed, with any other malfunction. But where can you get away from them?!
Source
Checking the serviceability and restoring the functionality of the IAC
Check the functionality of the regulator as follows:
- Connect the battery to the vehicle's on-board network and, holding the IAC in your hands, put the power supply block in place.
- Turn on the ignition. In this case, the regulator rod should retract inward and then extend back to a certain distance. If the IAC acts this way, then it is operational. Otherwise, it must be replaced.
Sometimes the functionality of the regulator is restored after cleaning the spring, valve hole and needle.
Clean the IAC with a cleaner like WD-40. In this case, there is no need to disassemble the device - just treat the rod, needle and spring with a solvent. It also doesn’t hurt to spray the cleaner inside the XX channel, which will clear the valve hole of any contaminants. As soon as the cleaner dries, the functionality of the regulator is checked again and only after that a decision is made on the advisability of replacing it.
IMPORTANT! Before installing a newly purchased or repaired IAC, it is recommended:
Make sure the product matches the vehicle ECU firmware; check functionality; Lubricate the spring and rod with grease.
When choosing an IAC VAZ2109 injector, avoid purchasing counterfeit products. A fake is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- information on the packaging does not allow identifying the manufacturer;
- yellow color of the sticker on the product body;
- dark tip of the locking needle;
- thin sealing ring.
The figure below will help you distinguish the old-style sensor (on the right) from the new-style sensor (on the left):