🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Lada Model: Niva Chassis Codes: VAZ-21213, VAZ-21214, VAZ-21214-20, VAZ-21215 Product Name: Lada Niva 1700 Repair Manual VAZ 21213 21214 21214-20 21215 👋 Introduction Market Position Niche: Compact, robust, off-road capable vehicle, particularly popular in Eastern Europe and emerging markets. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Early Niva competitors included vehicles like the Suzuki Samurai, Jeep CJ series, and early Land Rover Defender variants, although the Niva often offered a more affordable entry point. Key Features Vehicle Type: Off-road vehicle with a three-door, all-steel unitary body construction. Drivetrain: Standard 4WD system with center differential and locking capability, a hallmark of its off-road prowess. Body Style: Compact, short-wheelbase, three-door SUV/off-roader. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Routine maintenance and servicing Target Audience: Service outlet engineers, mechanics, garages, workshops Model Coverage: VAZ-21213, VAZ-21214, VAZ-21214-20, VAZ-21215 Page Count Estimated Pages: Not specified (typically 300-500 pages for comprehensive manuals of this type) Manual Type Type: Repair Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English (presumed, based on product description wording) Format Format: Digital (PDF) or Print (typical for aftermarket manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Variants: 1.7L Carburetor, 1.7L Central Fuel Injection, 1.7L Sequential Fuel Injection, 1.7L Turbo Diesel Engine Details: Detailed descriptions for VAZ-21213 base model units, service and repair procedures for other models in Section 9. Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (4WD systems are integral to Niva) Chassis: Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires Bodywork: Body and frame, doors, windows, interior trim Electrical System: Ignition, starting, charging, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams (likely) Additional Equipment: Information on additional and alternative equipment is located in Section 9 of the manual. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements Repair: Removal, refitting, dismantling, reassembly of vehicle units Diagnostics: Fault diagnosis, troubleshooting guides Adjustment: Adjustment of various vehicle units Component Overhaul: Detailed procedures for removal, refitting, dismantling, reassembly, and adjustment cover various vehicle units and their components. Technical Depth Depth: Detailed descriptions based on OEM parts, applicable to professional mechanics and service outlets. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (common, searchable, printable) Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution (expected for technical diagrams and instructions) Binding Type Binding Type: Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound (for print versions, facilitating lay-flat use in workshops) Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, possibly coated paper for workshop use (for print versions) Completeness Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive coverage of service operations based on OEM parts, providing practical guidance for repair and maintenance. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Displacement Petrol: 1.7 Liters (1700 cc) Engine Codes Petrol: VAZ-21213 (Carburetor), VAZ-21214 (CFI), VAZ-21214-20 (MPI/SPI) Fuel System 21213: Carburetor (e.g., Weber 32 DFE or similar Soviet-era carburetors) Fuel System 21214: Central Fuel Injection (CFI) - single-point injection Fuel System 21214-20: Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or earlier Sequential Fuel Injection (SPI) Engine Code Diesel: VAZ-21215 Engine Type Diesel: Turbo Diesel Performance Horsepower Petrol Approx: ~75-80 hp (carbureted/CFI), ~80-85 hp (MPI/SPI) depending on specific tune and emissions standards of the era. Torque Petrol Approx: ~125-130 Nm (carbureted/CFI), ~128-135 Nm (MPI/SPI) depending on specific tune. Horsepower Diesel Approx: ~75-85 hp (typical for small turbo diesel engines of the period) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended for later models), Diesel Fuel 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-Speed Manual Transmission (early models), 5-Speed Manual Transmission (later models common) Drivetrain Layout: Permanent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Features Transfer Case: 2-speed transfer case with lockable center differential (standard on all models). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2,050 mm (80.7 in) Length: Approx. 3,740 mm (147.2 in) Width: Approx. 1,690 mm (66.5 in) Height: Approx. 1,640 mm (64.6 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1,220 - 1,350 kg (2,690 - 2,976 lbs) depending on engine and equipment. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: Generally not rated by modern international bodies like Euro NCAP or NHTSA due to its original design era and market focus. Early models lacked significant modern safety features. Active Features Braking System: Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard). ABS was not a common feature on early models, but may have been introduced on later variants. Passive Features Seat Belts: Standard seat belts. Likely lap belts in rear on older models, 3-point belts in later versions. Body Construction: All-steel unitary construction, designed for robustness. Structural integrity may not meet modern crash safety standards. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Features: Very basic on most models. Typically an AM/FM radio and perhaps a cassette player. Later models might have basic CD players. No touchscreens or advanced connectivity. Driver Assistance Features: Minimal to non-existent on most variants. ABS might be found on later, higher-spec models. No traction control, stability control, or advanced ADAS features. Connectivity Features: None in the modern sense. Basic electrical systems for lights, ignition, and accessories. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 5,000 -...
Compact, robust, off-road capable vehicle, particularly popular in Eastern Europe and emerging markets.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Early Niva competitors included vehicles like the Suzuki Samurai, Jeep CJ series, and early Land Rover Defender variants, although the Niva often offered a more affordable entry point.
Key Features
Vehicle Type:
Off-road vehicle with a three-door, all-steel unitary body construction.
Drivetrain:
Standard 4WD system with center differential and locking capability, a hallmark of its off-road prowess.
2-speed transfer case with lockable center differential (standard on all models).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,050 mm (80.7 in)
Length:
Approx. 3,740 mm (147.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,640 mm (64.6 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,220 - 1,350 kg (2,690 - 2,976 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
Generally not rated by modern international bodies like Euro NCAP or NHTSA due to its original design era and market focus. Early models lacked significant modern safety features.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard). ABS was not a common feature on early models, but may have been introduced on later variants.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Standard seat belts. Likely lap belts in rear on older models, 3-point belts in later versions.
Body Construction:
All-steel unitary construction, designed for robustness. Structural integrity may not meet modern crash safety standards.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Features:
Very basic on most models. Typically an AM/FM radio and perhaps a cassette player. Later models might have basic CD players. No touchscreens or advanced connectivity.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Minimal to non-existent on most variants. ABS might be found on later, higher-spec models. No traction control, stability control, or advanced ADAS features.
Connectivity
Features:
None in the modern sense. Basic electrical systems for lights, ignition, and accessories.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or annually, depending on usage and oil type. Refer to manual for specific intervals.
Oil Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 10W-40 or 15W-40 for gasoline engines, depending on climate. Diesel may require specific oils like 15W-40 or 20W-50. Manual will specify precise API/ACEA ratings.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water). Specification will depend on OEM recommendation for the era.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual transmission fluid (MTF) or Gear Oil, typically API GL-4. Capacity around 3.5-4.0 liters. Transfer case and differentials will also have specific gear oil requirements.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Clutch, suspension bushings, universal joints (UJ) in driveshafts, exhaust system components, electrical gremlins (especially on older models), rust (body panels and frame).
Engine Maintenance:
Carburetor tuning and adjustment can be frequent; fuel injection systems require proper diagnostic tools for diagnosis. Turbo diesel engines require diligent maintenance of the turbocharger and fuel system.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
AvtoVAZ (later known as Lada).
Model Evolution
Original Introduction:
1977
Key Variants:
VAZ-2121 (original 1.6L), VAZ-21213 (1.7L Carburetor), VAZ-21214 (1.7L EFI), VAZ-21215 (1.7L Turbo Diesel). Extended wheelbase versions (5-door) also exist but are not covered by this manual.
Design Philosophy:
Designed as a modern, civilian off-roader, inspired by compact 4x4s of the era but featuring monocoque construction and independent front suspension for better on-road manners than body-on-frame SUVs.
Production
Production Location:
Togliatti, Russia
Continuous Production:
One of the longest-running single-generation vehicles in automotive history, with production continuing for over four decades.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Acclaim:
The Lada Niva is widely recognized and respected for its exceptional off-road capability relative to its price point and original design era. It has participated in and completed numerous challenging expeditions and rallies.