🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Niva Vehicle Type: Compact SUV / Off-roader 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Affordable, rugged, compact off-road focused SUV Competitive Analysis Primary Competitors: Other Lada/AvtoVAZ models (e.g., Lada Niva Legend), Dacia Duster (in certain markets), older compact SUVs Key Features Key Selling Points: Exceptional off-road capability for its class, robust construction, relatively simple mechanics, low purchase price 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language: Russian Format: Likely digital (PDF or similar), print quality not specified 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Covers cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system. Engine Fuel System: Diagnosis and repair of fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator. Engine Ignition System: Covers spark plugs, ignition coils, wiring, and associated control modules. Cooling System: Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant replacement procedures. Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil filter housing, oil galleries, oil change procedures. Exhaust System: Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, hangers, and mounting components. Transmission And Drivetrain: Complete overhaul and repair of the 5-speed manual gearbox, transfer case, differentials, driveshafts, and universal joints. Suspension System: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, ball joints, steering knuckles. Steering System: Steering rack, tie rods, steering column, power steering pump (if equipped), fluid replacement and bleeding. Braking System: Front and rear brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, indicators), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, rust repair guidance. HVAC System: Heater core, ventilation system, blower motor, air conditioning system (if equipped), refrigerant handling. Procedures Included Preventative Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks, filter replacements, lubrication points. Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Step-by-step guides for diagnosing common problems, fault codes, and performance issues. Repair Procedures: Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, adjustment, and reinstallation. Component Rebuilds: Instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials. Wheel Alignment: Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment. Lubrication Schedule: Specific points and intervals for chassis lubrication. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive coverage from routine maintenance to major overhauls and troubleshooting, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Diagrams And Illustrations: Expect detailed exploded views, schematics, and repair illustrations common in workshop manuals. Torque Specifications: Inclusion of critical torque values for fasteners across all major systems. Diagnostic Codes: Likely includes a section on error codes or diagnostic procedures, especially for engine management if the vehicle is equipped with OBD-II or a similar system (though less common on earlier base models). 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Expected File Type: PDF is most common for digital manuals. Print Quality Text Clarity: Assumed to be clear and readable if a quality digital scan. Image Quality: Illustrations and diagrams are critical; quality depends on the source scan. May range from good to fair. Binding Type Binding Type If Printed: If a physical copy, likely comb or perfect bound, designed for shop use. Paper Type Paper Type If Printed: If printed, likely on durable paper suitable for workshop environments. Completeness Scope Of Manual: A full workshop service and repair manual, intended to cover all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair. Searchability Search Functionality: A well-formatted PDF should allow keyword searching for quick access to specific topics. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: VAZ-2123 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Petrol Displacement: 1.7 Liters (1690 cc) Performance Horsepower: 80-82 hp (approx. 59-60 kW) at ~4800-5000 RPM Torque: 127-129 Nm (94-95 lb-ft) at ~3000-3200 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended) Engine Management Ignition System: Electronic Ignition System Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled, pressurized system Lubrication System Oil Type Recommendation: API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (depending on climate) Engine Codes Common Variants: Primarily VAZ-2123 for domestic market. Later versions may have minor ECU or emissions related variations. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Features Drivetrain: Permanent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with lockable center differential and low-range transfer case Fluid Specifications Transfer Case Oil Type: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gearbox Oil Type: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Ratios Transfer Case Low Range Ratio: 2.13:1 (approx.) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4010 mm (157.9 in) Width: 1820 mm (71.7 in) Height: 1690 mm (66.5 in) Wheelbase: 2440 mm (96.1 in) Ground Clearance: 200 mm (7.9 in) Weights Curb Weight: 1400-1450 kg (3086-3197 lbs) (approx.) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 1850 kg (4079 lbs) (approx.) Cargo Trunk Volume: 320 Liters (11.3 cu ft) (with rear seats up) Max Cargo Volume: 1210 Liters (42.7 cu ft) (with rear seats folded) 🛡️ Safety...
Step-by-step guides for diagnosing common problems, fault codes, and performance issues.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, adjustment, and reinstallation.
Component Rebuilds:
Instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Lubrication Schedule:
Specific points and intervals for chassis lubrication.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive coverage from routine maintenance to major overhauls and troubleshooting, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Expect detailed exploded views, schematics, and repair illustrations common in workshop manuals.
Torque Specifications:
Inclusion of critical torque values for fasteners across all major systems.
Diagnostic Codes:
Likely includes a section on error codes or diagnostic procedures, especially for engine management if the vehicle is equipped with OBD-II or a similar system (though less common on earlier base models).
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Expected File Type:
PDF is most common for digital manuals.
Print Quality
Text Clarity:
Assumed to be clear and readable if a quality digital scan.
Image Quality:
Illustrations and diagrams are critical; quality depends on the source scan. May range from good to fair.
Binding Type
Binding Type If Printed:
If a physical copy, likely comb or perfect bound, designed for shop use.
Paper Type
Paper Type If Printed:
If printed, likely on durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
Completeness
Scope Of Manual:
A full workshop service and repair manual, intended to cover all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair.
Searchability
Search Functionality:
A well-formatted PDF should allow keyword searching for quick access to specific topics.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
VAZ-2123
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Petrol
Displacement:
1.7 Liters (1690 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
80-82 hp (approx. 59-60 kW) at ~4800-5000 RPM
Torque:
127-129 Nm (94-95 lb-ft) at ~3000-3200 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition System
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system
Lubrication System
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (depending on climate)
Engine Codes
Common Variants:
Primarily VAZ-2123 for domestic market. Later versions may have minor ECU or emissions related variations.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Features
Drivetrain:
Permanent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with lockable center differential and low-range transfer case
Fluid Specifications
Transfer Case Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90
Gear Ratios
Transfer Case Low Range Ratio:
2.13:1 (approx.)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4010 mm (157.9 in)
Width:
1820 mm (71.7 in)
Height:
1690 mm (66.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2440 mm (96.1 in)
Ground Clearance:
200 mm (7.9 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1400-1450 kg (3086-3197 lbs) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
1850 kg (4079 lbs) (approx.)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
320 Liters (11.3 cu ft) (with rear seats up)
Max Cargo Volume:
1210 Liters (42.7 cu ft) (with rear seats folded)
🛡️ Safety Features
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most later models. Passenger airbag optional or absent on earlier versions.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners (on most versions), 3-point rear seatbelts
Body Construction:
Integrated body-on-frame design principles for durability.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on some later models/trim levels.
Traction Control:
Typically not available.
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
Limited availability of standardized crash test data from major agencies like Euro NCAP or NHTSA for this specific model. Earlier models likely have lower safety standards compared to modern vehicles.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with CD player or USB connectivity on later models. Speaker configurations typically 2 or 4.
Navigation:
Generally not available on factory-fitted systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Typically not a standard feature, availability may vary by trim and market.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Rarely factory fitted; more common as an aftermarket upgrade.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 km (4,500 - 6,000 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles) or 1 year.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 24,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 40,000 - 50,000 km (24,000 - 30,000 miles) for gearbox and transfer case.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, meeting specific Russian GOST standards or equivalent (e.g., G11/G12).
Fluid Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US quarts) with filter change.
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US quarts).
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.1 Liters (2.2 US quarts).
Transfer Case Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.2 Liters (1.3 US quarts).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Clutch components, front suspension bushings, universal joints, exhaust system components, interior trim rattles.
Potential Electrical Gremlins:
Can be susceptible to minor electrical issues, especially in older units, related to wiring harnesses and connectors.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket can be prone to leaks over time.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, rear quarter panels, and tailgate can be susceptible to corrosion, especially in harsh climates.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Originally developed by VAZ (now AvtoVAZ), later branded as Chevrolet under a GM licensing agreement.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Lada Niva (VAZ-2121), the original compact SUV that set the benchmark for off-road capability.
Development Context:
Developed as an updated and modernized version of the original Lada Niva, aiming to improve comfort, safety, and engine performance.
Production
Original Developer:
AvtoVAZ (Russia)
Production Period:
Production started in 2002. The 'Chevrolet Niva' branding was used until approximately 2020 when production reverted to Lada Niva Travel.
Manufacturing Locations:
Tolyatti, Russia
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Acclaim:
While not a recipient of formal awards in the Western sense, the Niva platform (including its Chevrolet iteration) is highly regarded in off-road communities for its capability and affordability.
Ratings
Reliability Perception:
Perceived as robust and durable with proper maintenance, though maintenance may be more frequent than some Western counterparts. Can be challenging for those unfamiliar with simpler mechanical designs.