Do-it-yourself installation and repair of a low panel on a VAZ 2109

Which low panel or high panel is more suitable for the VAZ 2109?

Despite the fact that the VAZ-2108/2109 is already more than thirty years old, these cars can easily be found on our roads. And you can’t call them bad – they’re completely normal cars. As long as these cars have existed, there has been controversy surrounding their dashboards.

The fact is that there is a “low” panel and a “high” one. The low panel was on the first 08/09, and later, a high panel appeared, which replaced the low one, from about 1997.

And each option has its supporters. Some people remove the low panel and install a high one, while others bought a nine after 1997 and are looking for a Soviet low panel to replace the high one with.

“It’s a matter of taste,” you say, and I agree with that. Really, whatever you like. But low and high panels have their own objective pros and cons.

Many people don't like the look of a low panel, but these people either leave the low one or install it instead of the high one. Why is that? I was not interested in this topic at all because I was a passenger on a nine with both a high panel and a low one... in my opinion, both rattle. But I wanted to figure out where such disputes come from.

Low panel

The main advantage of a low panel is that the stove heats much better with it, and this is true. In 08/09 with a low panel it is really warm, which certainly cannot be said about a high panel. The ventilation itself is clever and the airflow is correct.

The low panel is stronger and less creaky. This is recognized by the owners of both low and high panels. As I wrote above, I was a passenger on nines with both panels, and so, although both creak, the low one is much less. There's just nothing particularly creaky there.

With a low panel, the interior appears visually larger. And this is also true. The low panel has plenty of room to put something on it. And if you don’t like it, you can buy a panel overlay and make a higher one from a low one.

But the most important disadvantage is that the low panel does not have a tachometer. But firstly, it is quite possible to do without it, and secondly, no one bothers you to install a separate tachometer.

High panel

One of the objective advantages is the presence of a tachometer. Also, on the high panel there is illumination of the glove compartment and buttons. There are places for additional buttons. It also looks more modern. But the main thing is that many people simply like it.

The stove is cooler on a high panel. This is due to the ventilation design itself. Due to the fact that there are more parts on a high panel, it creaks more, but this can be solved by gluing it with soundproofing materials.

Well, in general, if you change the panel, you can install it from a VAZ-2114. It fits in size because it is the same 08/09. Relatively not creaky, with normal airflow and a modern look. True, it is more difficult to redo the wiring there.

Today, VAZ 2109 cars that can be found on domestic roads, no matter whether they have carburetors or injectors, are equipped with three types of electronic devices. It can be a low panel, a high panel or a Europanel. Let's consider the description of each type separately.

Instrument cluster “Low” panel

Low version of the control panel

Let's start with the low option. A detailed explanation of the scheme is given in the table.

Icon	Purpose
32	Indicates which turn signal is on. The indicator stops working after the steering wheel is turned.
33	A light lamp that turns on when the low beam is activated.
34	Lights up when the PTF - fog lights are turned on.
35	Lamp for turning on high beam headlights.
36	Notifies the driver that the rear window heating system is operating.
37	A signal alerting the motorist to the need to stop and repair a fault.
38	Speedometer.
39	A counter that records the daily mileage of a vehicle.
40	A sensor that notifies the driver about the temperature of the antifreeze in the cooling system.
41	A sensor that records the voltage level in the vehicle's on-board network.
42	An icon that lights up when the engine fluid pressure in the system is too low.
43	hazard warning lamp.
44	The diode lights up if the brake system is in emergency condition.
45	Icon for turning on the carburetor choke or choke.
46	Engaging the handbrake.
47	This element appears when the car battery is low charged.
48	Vehicle mileage counter.
49	An ecometer whose needle rises when you press the gas pedal.
50	A line that is not recommended to be crossed - the light starts to light when the gasoline level is critically low.
51	Sensor for measuring fuel level in the tank.

Instrument cluster “High” panel

Instrument cluster on high panel

Below is a high-type VAZ 2109 instrument panel with electronic backlight. Relevant for both injectors and carburetors. You will find a decoding of the circuit and combinations according to the instructions below.

Icon	Designation
42	Speedometer, which displays the speed of the car.
43	An odometer that records the mileage of a vehicle.
44	Sensor for measuring fuel level in the tank.
45	A signal alerting the motorist to the need to stop and repair a fault.
46	Test lamp.
47	A signal alerting the motorist to the need to stop and repair a fault.
48	Lamp warning the driver about a malfunction in the operation of the signal lights.
49	A sensor that notifies the driver of a lack of antifreeze in the cooling system.
50	An indicator indicating wear of the brake pads on the front wheels.
51	The light comes on to warn the motorist about the lack of fluid in the windshield and rear window washer reservoir.
52	Indicator of lack of engine fluid pressure in the crankcase.
53	The regulator measures the antifreeze temperature level in the cooling system and displays this data on an electronic panel with backlight.
54	This icon on the high combination of the dashboard is a tachometer, demonstrating the level of engine speed of the car.
55	Additional socket.
56	A button designed to reset the daily mileage.
57	A lamp that lights up when the car's headlights are turned on.
58	Daily mileage recording sensor.
59	A diode lamp that turns on when the side lights are activated.
60	A sensor that warns the driver about an open door.
61	A lamp warning the driver that he is driving without fastened seat belts.
62	A diode indicating that the left turn signal is on.
63	This element of the combination of an electronic panel with backlight indicates the charge level in the system.
64	A diode indicating that the right turn signal is on.
65	The lamp turns on when the engine fluid pressure in the system is insufficient.
66	The diode turns on if the fuel level in the tank is critical.
67	The choke switch lamp is found only in carburetor cars.
68	This element is activated when it is necessary to diagnose the car’s engine.
69	Handbrake light.

Instrument cluster "Europanel"

Variant of the control panel on the VAZ europanel

Now let's move on to considering the combination of an electronic instrument panel of the Europanel type with backlight. It should be immediately noted that the description of the components below is almost identical to the low-type electronic panel.

Icon	Purpose
42	Indicates which turn signal is on. The indicator stops working after the steering wheel is turned in the required direction.
43	The Europanel light lamp activates when the side lights are turned on.
44	Lights up when the rear PTF - fog lights are turned on.
45	Lamp for activating high beam lights.
46	This circuit element notifies the motorist about the operation of the rear window heating system.
47	A signal alerting the motorist to the need to stop and repair a fault.
48	Speedometer, which displays the speed of the vehicle while driving.
49	A counter that records the daily mileage of a vehicle.
50	This circuit component is designed to notify the car owner about the level of antifreeze temperature in the cooling system.
51	A circuit sensor that records the voltage level in the vehicle’s on-board network.
52	An icon that lights up when the engine fluid pressure in the system is too low.
53	Hazard warning light.
54	The diode lights up if the brake system is in an emergency condition and attention needs to be paid to its diagnostics.
55	Icon for turning on the choke of a carburetor engine.
56	Engaging the handbrake.
57	This element in the diagram lights up when the car’s battery charge is too low. To avoid problems starting the engine, it is better to recharge the battery.
58	Meter of the vehicle's total mileage in kilometers.
59	An ecometer whose needle rises when you press the gas pedal. The ecometer allows you to slightly save fuel on the vehicle.
60	A line on the diagram that is not recommended to be crossed. The diode lamp is activated when the level of gasoline in the tank is critically low. To avoid stopping on the road, you should add fuel.
61	Sensor for measuring fuel level in the tank.

How to remove a torpedo VAZ 2108

VAZ 2109. Removing the high dashboard

There are many reasons why you may need to remove the top panel of a VAZ 2109 car: replacing the panel itself, disassembling the interior heating system, various body repairs, including work related to painting the car. Before we can easily remove the panel, it is necessary to completely disassemble the various fasteners, fixtures, decorative covers, etc.

To get the job done, prepare your standard tools and start with:

First of all, it is necessary to remove the wheel itself, since it will greatly interfere with us. To remove it, see the related article How to remove the steering wheel.
Next, remove the carburetor suction (in the case of an injection engine we will not have it) and remove the plastic handle from the drive rod.

Remove the trim from the console by unscrewing the two mounting screws on the sides.

Remove the lighter and ashtray.

Remove the fan speed control.
Then use a screwdriver to remove the trim levers on the interior heater.

Disconnect the power cord from the oven fan switch and disconnect the two power wires from the control panel lights.

We continue to remove the decorative headlight control knobs and the power supply handle to illuminate the instrument panel.

Now we need to remove the hydraulic concealer and dimmer; to do this, disconnect the nuts securing them with the corresponding diameter of the mechanical head. Then push them inside the panel, then we'll take them out.

On the left and right, remove the air vents to heat the side windows and immediately use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the one screw that secures the top panel trim.

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How to remove the high instrument panel of a VAZ. 2108, 09, 099. Dmitry Yakovlev

Hi all ! In the video I film the replacement of the heater radiator instrument panel and then the size of the panel.

Lada 2108. "Analysis of the panel before tuning"

Edica Channel.

Remove the exterior light switch from the dashboard . To do this, carefully secure it with a flat-head screwdriver and pull it out as far as the wires allow. Disconnect the device using the wires from the switch, set it aside, and slide the device back onto the panel.

Remove the radio if you have one, then remove the standard radio connector and again if you have one.
Remove the center screw that secures the trim panel.

Now we need to take off imposing the dashboard . Before removing it, you need to release the latches located under the dashboard using two flat-head screwdrivers, which are inserted along the edges and lightly pressing on them, moving upward, lifts the panel. Then we'll remove it completely.

Now that the processing has been removed, you can easily remove power from the cigarette lighter and its backlight.
Disconnect the wires from the alarm and backlight power connector.

Next, remove the front speaker trim and glass switch and rear fog lights. If the speaker is installed, it is also necessary to take off .
Then we insert our hand into the speaker hole and remove the power wire from the fog light switch and the heated rear windshield.

Remove the instrument cluster by unscrewing the two screws that secure it to the panel. Then, stretching a little, unscrew the nut. Install and remove the flexible speedometer drive cable.

Disconnect the power wires from the combo and remove them from the side.

The same is done using the ignition switch, namely, turn off the unit using the power wire and disconnect the ignition relay ground wire from the connector.
There will be a control indicator wire right next to it to open the choke. There is no such wire on the injector.

Unscrew one bottom screw from the sides of the panel fastenings .
Disconnect the glove box power wires.

We unscrew the screws securing the heater panel and lower it down so that it does not interfere.
Then unscrew the screws to secure the guide rod of the interior heater.

And at the final stage of dismantling, unscrew the remaining screws panel fastenings . Remove the panel.

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Possible faults

What malfunctions are typical for the dashboards of VAZ cars? Check out the main list after watching a video about connecting the shield from a VAZ 2110 to a “nine” (the author of the video is Garage BFS).

The speedometer does not work. There may be several reasons for this - a broken cable, its incorrect installation or wear of the socket. You should try disconnecting the cable and reconnecting it.
The odometer, which records the mileage of the vehicle, does not work. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the device.
One or another indicator does not light up. Perhaps the sensor itself has failed or the light bulb has burned out.
The instrument panel backlight does not work. This is usually due to burnt out bulbs or bad contacts. There may also be problems in the electrical circuit, but this happens rarely.
The coolant or oil level sensor is giving incorrect information. For example, the driver is warned about a lack of engine fluid level or boiling refrigerant in the expansion tank, but in fact, with these parameters everything is normal. The problem is usually solved by replacing the sensors.

Installation and repair instructions

If you are faced with the problem of a failure of the dashboard of a VAZ 2109 vehicle, then the best option would be to replace the dashboard yourself. To properly replace, you will need instructions for dismantling and installing the shield, which are given below. To perform these steps, you only need screwdrivers - flat-head and Phillips-head. The instructions are given on the example of a low panel, but in general they are identical for other versions of instrument panels. Don't forget to disconnect the battery!

Unscrew the screws of the shield visor. Disconnect the speedometer cable. Disconnect the ecometer hose.

First of all, you need to de-energize the system; to do this, disconnect the terminals from the battery.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the plastic trim around the steering wheel. You don’t have to remove it, but it is advisable to do so for greater convenience.
You can also disconnect the steering column switches by simply unplugging the wiring harness.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the two small screws securing the dashboard visor and remove this element.
After these steps, you can compress the springs and remove the electronic panel from the center console.
The next step is to disconnect the speedometer cable. It is necessary to be very careful when dismantling so as not to damage the cable, especially if it is old. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced.
Next, turn off the white outlet and remove the econometer hose.
Then you should disconnect the cable for resetting the car’s daily mileage data from the speedometer.
The final step will be to disconnect the red connector and dismantle the shield itself. A new panel is replaced and installed, after which further assembly is carried out in the reverse order.

As you can see, the procedure for replacing the instrument panel is not particularly complicated - just do everything in accordance with the instructions and there will be no problems in the further operation of the device.

Finalizing the backlight

The best option for tuning this element of the interior would be to refine the instrument information scales, namely, replace the standard backlight with a diode one. Owners of newer VAZs are lucky - in them the light is located from inside the panel. The old “nines” were illuminated from the outside, which created a certain ascetic effect. And she didn’t look very sporty. Changing its location from external to internal is quite possible. To do this, you will need a light-transmitting pad, wires and electrical tape.

How is the backlight of the VAZ- 2109 instrument panel ? To begin with, we will need to remove the socket from the car, after first turning off the power to the car’s on-board network and unscrewing the fasteners of the linings. We will talk about this in detail in the section “How to remove instrument panel 2109 low and high.” In order for the light from the diodes to fall on the pad from the inside, it is necessary to make several cutouts on its surface. This can be done using a soldering iron or a hot knife.