Niche:
Compact, robust, off-road capable vehicle, particularly popular in Eastern Europe and emerging markets.
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.
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.
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
Estimated Pages:
Not specified (typically 300-500 pages for comprehensive manuals of this type)
Type:
Repair Manual / Service Manual
Language:
English (presumed, based on product description wording)
Format:
Digital (PDF) or Print (typical for aftermarket manuals)
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.
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.
Depth:
Detailed descriptions based on OEM parts, applicable to professional mechanics and service outlets.
Digital Format:
PDF (common, searchable, printable)
Print Quality:
High-resolution (expected for technical diagrams and instructions)
Binding Type:
Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound (for print versions, facilitating lay-flat use in workshops)
Paper Type:
Durable, possibly coated paper for workshop use (for print versions)
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage of service operations based on OEM parts, providing practical guidance for repair and maintenance.
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
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 Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended for later models), Diesel Fuel
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Features:
None in the modern sense. Basic electrical systems for lights, ignition, and accessories.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manufacturer:
AvtoVAZ (later known as Lada).
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 Location:
Togliatti, Russia
Continuous Production:
One of the longest-running single-generation vehicles in automotive history, with production continuing for over four decades.
