Lada Kalina trunk won't open

More than 20 years ago, development of a car began, which later received the name Lada Kalina. Although prototypes of cars with various body styles were presented to the public back in 1999-2001, the first Kalinas for mass use rolled off the assembly line only 5 years later. Interestingly, Kalina was initially produced only as a sedan. Now this series is classified as the first generation of cars.

The second generation has 2 body styles: hatchback and station wagon. AvtoVAZ positions the Lada Kalina as a compact, maneuverable city car with a European level of showroom comfort. At the same time, it is emphasized that the car’s suspension height is almost comparable to SUVs. And, of course, Lada Kalina is famous for the fact that the current president of the country once drove along the federal highway.

Like any car, the Lada Kalina has its pros and cons in design, operation, and repair. However, now we are interested in a small but very important detail - the trunk lock of the Lada Kalina with station wagon and hatchback body types. We will talk about it in detail.

Features of opening the trunk of the Lada Kalina

Owners of the Lada Kalina car are almost unanimously surprised: with all the bias towards Europe, the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback in the basic configuration for some reason can only be opened with a key. For many, the situation immediately became quite common: the driver gets into the car, starts the engine, and then remembers that he needs to put something from the passenger compartment into the trunk. Further actions are similar to a joke.

You need to turn off the engine, remove the key from the ignition, get out of the car, and so on. If you imagine all this in an environment of time shortage, one can only feel sorry for the owner. In addition, if someone happened to approach the trunk of a car with something heavy in their hands, the procedure for opening it with a key turned into something difficult. Another problem could have arisen: in regions where real frosts occur in winter, the lock cylinder would at times freeze tightly.

What’s interesting is that any car owner sees a separate button on the Kalina key, which for this brand of car replaces the standard key fob. She's supposed to open the trunk. If you press and hold such a button for a couple of seconds, you can hear a click - this is a signal that everything is in order with the electrical package control unit.

Then another interesting detail became clear: the craftsmen who climbed under the trunk trim to understand the internal structure realized that there was still a place for the lock activator and even a standard electrical connector for wires. And then the same craftsmen began to solve the problem of how to modify Kalina to increase the comfort of use. The complete trunk lock drive is not available for sale as a single set, so the parts will have to be obtained separately.

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Comments 20

I also want to do this for myself, maybe one of these days I’ll do it

great post. A question from a teapot, so to speak. I don't know much about electrics. But still not enough to pull out the right one from the pile of wires. The question is exactly this. I have a viburnum with an alarm. Moreover, when the electrician installed it, he said that the trunk would be opened with the alarm key fob and with the standard key fob, and said to buy an additional regular four-pin relay. I installed the activator - but it’s not convenient to open it from the key fob - I want to embed a button into the interior. Maybe someone can tell me where and where to get what.

Here you can do everything elementary. The button is placed in the gap of the positive wire. It takes a long time to draw a picture, I’ll try to explain it with my fingers. Take a two-contact button that works to close. Connect one contact to 12V, the other to the plus of the activator. It is advisable to place a diode in the gap in the power wire that goes from the signaling to the activator. Everything will work.

Well, thank you. Almost understandable. I can most likely figure this out.

Hello! Please tell me if it's not difficult. I installed the activator, now the trunk can be opened with the factory key fob. When the car is started, the key fob won't open it. But it opens if you press the unlock button on all doors. Everything would be fine, but I close the doors with a button in the cabin when I drive or stand in remote places. Then I open it in the city, and naturally, the trunk opens with them, I have to get out and slam it. How to prevent the trunk from opening with this button. And also, I want to make a separate button to open the trunk from inside, where should I connect it?

Hello. Read the article carefully, it describes exactly your problem with the door opener button. You'll have to solder the circuit.

Thank you, I have already done the standard wiring. I set the activator to unlock, not to open. Now you only need to press the button on the trunk. In the blog there is

Here’s a question: I did it approximately according to the same scheme), but even after cutting down the second tooth I can’t open the door, I have to press the button on the doors, and maybe I need to change the stops or what?

I don’t quite understand, the button in the doors opens the tailgate, but not the remote control?

thank you, I figured it out) just not a big electrical glitch))

it turned out great) I also spent a long time doing everything, all I have to do is put the button on, but it doesn’t open with my key and for some reason the doors open along with the trunk, I don’t know why

Thank you! I don't quite understand about the doors. When you press the 3rd trunk release button, do the doors open?

Yes, such garbage, because of this I won’t use the remote control, I’ll have to make a button in the door, that’s enough

Hmmm...interesting garbage...I haven’t come across anything like this yet. It’s a pity that you don’t live in Donetsk, it would be possible to figure out what and how

He approached the matter seriously and prepared - for which I shake your hand! Pass! =)

Thank you for the kind words

I did this for myself a long time ago... I’m very pleased! It was a very spicy situation... They stopped me at the post and said: “Open the trunk.” I said: “No question.” And the fastener that connects the activator and the rod that opens the lock has come off (unreliable thing). And fucked up... I pressed the button - it doesn’t open, I pressed the button on the key fob - no effect... I think it’s all an ass))) I already wanted the rear seats fold it back, and I’m wondering what they’ll see there...))) I started to roll it back and then it dawned on me - I can open it with the key. I opened it. Showed it. He exhaled. Let's move on... So immediately either weld the eyelet onto the rod and secure it clearly (the rod can be easily removed), or something like that, BUT this fastener with three bolts is still crap...

By the way, does the solenoid relay work in two directions? If so, is it clearly fixed in the lower or upper position and what is the stroke length? Otherwise, I’m looking for a device that works in two directions with a clear fixation.

The retractor only seems to work in one direction. That's why it's engaging)) But regarding such incidents, I left the option to open with the key

The fact of the matter is that I’m so used to opening it remotely that I forgot about opening it with the key... ))))

Installation of the activator: preparatory work

Since there is space for a trunk lock activator in Kalina, it makes sense to use it. Absolutely any activator will do. Of course, for those who are interested in the quality and long service life of the entire device, it is better not to stop at extremely cheap options. Experienced car owners still advise choosing domestic Kalina electric lock drives, regardless of body type. They are somewhat more expensive than similar products made in China or Taiwan, but still more reliable. Main parameters of the activator:

12 volts;
two-pin;
lock-unlock functions.

In order for the system to open doors by pressing a button to work fully, one activator will not be enough. You will also need such a thing as a rotary washer. According to many car owners, the easiest way is to grind it yourself. You will need a steel plate and a machine. There are quite enough drawings with dimensions that will show what kind of rotary washer for the Kalina activator should be on various auto forums.

It is possible that after the washer is manufactured, it will have to be modified when installing the activator. The activator installation technique itself will require some tricks. For example, the first step is to remove the trunk trim. It is secured with pistons, which immediately became unusable for most car owners. Conclusion: pre-purchase of “hedgehogs” for subsequent installation of the trunk trim in place is mandatory.

Another nuance lies in the types of locks on the Lada Kalina. Firstly, locks on cars produced before 2010 and after differ in their design. Accordingly, the types of activators will differ slightly. This issue is resolved upon purchase. Secondly, most of those who independently installed the lock activator for Kalina station wagon either modified the lock itself or replaced it with another one. It remains to figure out why this is needed and how it is done.

Methods for installing the trunk lock activator

The first option is to saw off one “tongue” from Kalina’s lock. Particularly gifted craftsmen do this without any removal of the lock, right on the spot, using an angle grinder. You have to work very carefully. If you don’t have a grinder, the same steps can be done with a hacksaw. It just takes much longer, and one can only guess about the physical effort required for such a process. If you are not confident in the intricacies of your own work, it is better to remove the lock for modification. In this case, it will be easier to work with both a grinder and a hacksaw.

The second option is to replace the lock. Many car owners installed a trunk lock for their Lada Priora instead of the original one. This option is perfect for those Kalina owners who do not have the desire and/or ability to cut anything. All other steps for installing the Kalina station wagon trunk lock activator are extremely simple.

A rotary washer is installed on the plastic activator pusher, then the entire system is secured with a locking ring.
The complete activator is placed in a standard place.
The activator wires are connected to the corresponding connectors. Naturally, all electrical work is carried out only with the battery disconnected. The point is not what can “knock” an electric current: 12 volts of direct current for a person is just nonsense. But capricious electronics, if something suddenly “shorts”, may suffer. In the best case, problems with functionality will begin, in the worst case, something will completely fail.
The next stage is installing and adjusting the rods.
A check is in progress. First, the lock itself, regardless of whether the original one was modified or another one was installed (from Priora). All detected problems are corrected. The activator is being tested.

If everything worked perfectly, then it is quite possible to install the trunk trim in place, if only there were “hedgehogs”. Car owners are advised, since they had to remove the trunk trim, to also check which parts are making noise, knocking or vibrating. If such small problems are discovered, they can be solved by installing plugs from pieces of foam rubber of the required size. This will not only solve the problem with the lock, but also increase comfort when driving the car.

Types of car trunks, tips for choosing

Trunk

It is a rather ordinary structure, which consists of support posts and crossbars. In its own configuration it has special fastenings and boxes, due to which the transported cargo is fixed. Car trunk

can be installed not only from above, but also from behind. How to remove the rear door trim on a Lada Priora. But the 1st option can be found much more often than the 2nd.

Regarding the roof rack for the Lada Kalina

, then, despite its spaciousness, it occupies quite a huge area of the car. In addition, driving at high speeds will be accompanied by strong noise, and if the car is moving through the forest, then the structure in question will inevitably pass along all the lower branches. Compact models, naturally, do not have such shortcomings, although they contribute to lengthening the overhang, which can lead to overloading the rear of the car.

If the Lada Kalina car is equipped with a top model, then it would be useful to mount a luggage box, which looks like a streamlined plastic box. A detailed article on how to choose seat covers for a Renault Duster and how to install them yourself. If desired, this design can be installed on the rear doors. The introduction of luggage boxes for the Lada Kalina has a number of advantages.

A similar design has a shape that promotes good aerodynamics. And this, in turn, contributes to silent driving at high speeds.
If the car is driving through the forest, the smooth surface does not allow branches to cling to the trunk.

The volume of such a device allows you to replace a suitcase by putting all your hand luggage there.
Plastic is a material that is not afraid of moisture, which means that carrying luggage in rainy weather does not pose any threat to your belongings.
The box is protected in the form of a lock, which means that the cargo will always be safe and sound.
The appearance of the structure is quite presentable.

But the design in question also has its disadvantages. Firstly, it is large in size. If the driver does not have a garage, then it will take up a lot of space in the apartment. Secondly, if the box is not removed from the car, but is transported empty, then fuel consumption will increase significantly.

It should not be forgotten that the Lada Kalina

Can also carry larger luggage. For example, the same bicycles. True, they require special fastenings. Be sure to read this article before you start replacing the timing belt on a Lada Kalina car. Such transportation by transport is possible in the case when the additional trunk

installed on the door or tow bar of a
Lada Kalina
.

To transport relatively small loads, you can install

structure on top of the luggage compartment lid. If you install a rear type of trunk on a Lada sedan, then it is worth remembering that the standard lights should be clearly visible. Otherwise, you need to take care of additional ones.

Luggage compartment lock

You can, if desired, modify the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback in exactly the same way as was considered in the case of the Kalina station wagon. One of the main nuances, oddly enough, is not in the electrics or body design features, but in the fastening of the trunk trim. The point is that the Kalina hatchback is supported not only by pistons, but also by plastic corners.

That is why, when removing the trunk trim of a Kalina hatchback, you must pull the trim from the top: while the “hedgehogs” are easy to replace, the stationary plastic holders are only easy to break. And more about plastic. The bottom line is that the Kalina hatchback has a plastic trim on the trunk lid. According to the observations of many car owners, these are two problems at once. The first is that plastic is not entirely suitable for this part.

Constant efforts to open the fifth door, combined with a small number of stiffeners, gradually lead to the appearance of cracks in the plastic. Then everything follows domino rules. Perhaps the plastic will soon “fly”, and then you will have to think about repairs. Or, which is no easier, the plastic cover may remain in place, but will begin to “walk” along the metal part. And these are scratches on the coating and subsequent corrosion.

There are also aesthetes among Kalina hatchback owners who simply do not like the look of the trunk lid opening button. In general, all of the above reasons often lead hatchback owners to the same decision: an opening button on the fifth door is not needed. To solve all the problems at once, you can not only modify the Kalina trunk lock, but also remove the button from the fifth door, and, on the contrary, install a button in the car interior.

Door adjustment process

To eliminate defects in the operation of door elements, it is necessary to find out the cause of its occurrence. In some cases, treating moving parts of the mechanism with lubricants helps. The seals between the trim and the body are subject to wear and tear, and they also require replacement periodically. If manipulation of the replaced elements is not enough, technical intervention is required. Regulation is necessary for the following factors:

the gap in the extreme part of the structure causes the door on the Kalina car to not close tightly;
The problem is caused by a faulty door lock.

New Lada: The hood lock on the Lada Kalina does not open well. Violation of the geometry of the structure in the doorway is the most common cause of the defect. Gaps can appear in any part of the joint with the body. Most often this happens from above and below. The adjustment in these cases is similar, but has minor differences.

Installation of the locking device drive

Removing the fifth door opening button is the easiest thing. It is more difficult to seal the remaining hole. This can be done using a special putty. One of the tricks is to process the hole cavity so that the surface becomes as rough as possible. This will create optimal adhesion to the putty. Next comes sanding, priming and painting. The work can be done independently without special training and practical skills. After that, you don't have to worry about aesthetics.

Advantages and options for upgrading car locks

Any option for modifying your own car has its pros and cons. It was already discussed at the beginning why exactly it is worth modifying the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback and station wagon. Now about the possible options. Installing the trunk lock activator alone solves one problem - the issue of using the key. The downside is that when the ignition is on, pressing the trunk open button will not help Kalina hatchback and station wagon: the engine will definitely have to be turned off.

True, you no longer have to remove the key from the ignition. That is why the issue of installing a trunk release button for Kalina hatchback and station wagon remains relevant. This modification option has its drawback: you will have to run the electrical wire through almost the entire car. Most car owners are willing to put up with such inconveniences, since they are one-time use.

The Kalina hatchback trunk lock drive and the issue of modification are a matter exclusively for the car owner. It is possible that it is impossible to independently modify the trunk lock of the Kalina hatchback, and there is nowhere to turn. In some regions, purchasing a lock for a Lada Priora car can be difficult. According to many motorists, this disadvantage can somehow be put up with.

For particularly skillful car owners, options for controlling door opening/closing mechanisms, including the fifth door, are available. For example, the simplest option is one in which all the doors of the car are unlocked simultaneously. And the most complex option, which is not achievable for everyone, since it requires a somewhat non-standard approach, is that the driver, passenger and fifth doors are controlled separately.

Naturally, the options for modifying the Kalina hatchback and station wagon lock differ in cost, execution technique, and time required for a full range of work. The decision which option to choose is always up to the owner.

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We will open Lada Kalina in Moscow and Moscow Region

LOOKservice emergency service technicians will come to the rescue when you need to open a Lada Kalina or other car without damage. You can call a specialist in Moscow and the Moscow region around the clock who knows how to open the hood of a Kalina, the trunk and the door without a key. The company's services may be required in the following emergency cases:

The doors locked spontaneously, the keys remained in the cabin;
The battery is dead;
The lock cylinders are faulty or dirty;
Locks froze in the cold due to moisture that accumulated on the seals;
The key is lost or broken;
The alarm went off from the inside and the driver was locked inside the car;
The car stalled in a traffic jam, the central locking was blocked;
The key fob is discharged, the car does not open;
The lock in the glove compartment is broken;
The trunk does not open;
The key broke in half in the door keyhole;
The gas tank cap does not come off;
The lock of the tank filler cap is broken.

The most common Lada Kalina problems and ways to solve them

1. You can’t open the doors of Kalina

If you forgot your car keys at home or in the showroom, you can use string to get into the car without damage:

To do this, tie a lasso from a rope (strong thread or lace will also work).
Pass the rope through the seal into the interior, throw the lasso over the button, tighten it and pull it up.