The speed of a car has long been measured not mechanically, but electronically. This measurement is based on the principle of the Hall effect, using a special device.
The Chevrolet Niva is equipped with the same electronic device, which accurately reads the speed developed by the car. This device is necessary so that the driver can control the speed of movement.
Let us analyze in more detail the design of this sensor, its operating principle, and possible malfunctions. We will also consider how to replace it on a car.
Purpose of the device
Each car has a speedometer in its design, which displays the speed of movement of the vehicle. But the speedometer is only a display of useful information; the main function of indicating the speed of movement is performed by the sensor. If it malfunctions, further travel becomes a pain, especially on city highways, where it is necessary to maintain the speed of movement.
Therefore, the main function of the device is to read information about the movement of the vehicle. Indirect functions of the device include:
- possibility of rational fuel consumption;
- regulation of traffic according to road markings and signs;
- makes it possible to regulate speed in order to avoid fines.
It is possible to drive a car without this part, but it is quite difficult.
There are two types of speed sensors:
- Mechanical or optoelectronic. It works by transmitting the number of revolutions of the box shaft using a cable.
- Electronic or cableless. Actually, that’s what we’ll be talking about.
It is imperative to purchase the product only for your car model.
Operating principle of the sensor
An electronic device for reading vehicle speed is installed on a Chevrolet Niva SUV. The sensor works on the principle that was founded by the American physicist Edwin Hall.
The essence of the effect (and operating principle) is the reading of electromagnetic pulses by a sensor, which are sent to the controller for subsequent processing.
One kilometer of the vehicle's travel distance is equal to 6004 electronic pulses from the sensor. When the car moves faster, the frequency of pulse transmission increases.
The controller, in turn, measures the intervals between each pulse and displays them on the speedometer in a form understandable to humans.
Device placement and design
On a Niva Chevrolet car, the sensor is installed on the gearbox. Due to the rotation of the box shaft, electromagnetic pulses are generated inside the device.
Photos for product placement
Structurally, the sensor consists of a steel or plastic housing, internal elements and conductors. It is attached to the gearbox directly to the shaft.
Inside there is a ferromagnetic core that rotates when the car moves and creates electrical impulses. Pulses are sent through a conductor to the controller, which is located on the speedometer.
A photo of the speed sensor is presented below.
The product is a fragile material, so you should be careful when carrying out repair work.
Device malfunctions
During the operation of a Niva Chevrolet, interruptions or breakdowns of the speed sensor often occur. There is no need to rush to purchase a new sensor and replace it. First of all, you need to find the cause of the problem and then make a decision. So, the causes of malfunctions can be:
- Open circuit;
- Oxidation of contacts;
- Violation of the integrity of conductor insulation;
- Damage to the integrity of the device or wear of internal mechanisms.
To determine the malfunction, it is necessary to carry out testing actions!
Checking the speed sensor for faults
There are two ways to check the sensor for faults, which we will consider separately.
First way. To carry out the test you will need a multimeter.
- The sensor is removed (the removal and replacement process will be described below).
- The positive probe of the device is connected to the pulse contact of the sensor.
- The negative probe of the device is connected to the ground of the car.
- A tube is placed on the sensor shaft to allow rotation.
- The multimeter is set to measure low DC voltage.
- We begin to rotate the mechanism shaft. When rotating, the device will display the value of the induced voltage, and as the speed increases, the indicator will increase.
If such a process is observed, then the speed sensor is serviceable, and the cause should be looked for elsewhere.
Second way. Does not require dismantling.
- The front part of the car is raised with a jack so that one wheel is suspended.
- A multimeter is connected to the sensor terminals.
- The wheel rotates and the appearance of pulses is detected. If voltage is induced, then the device is in working order.
Replacing the speed sensor on a Chevrolet Niva
The device is replaced only if the exact cause of its failure is determined. So, first of all, you need to find where the product is attached and remove it. To do this, perform the following sequence of actions:
- The Shevik is driven into the inspection hole and de-energized from the battery power.
- We descend into the inspection pit to carry out the work, taking with us a standard set of tools.
- We find the sensor on the back cover of the transfer case and, if necessary, clean it of dirt.
- The terminal block with the supply wires is disconnected. To do this, you need to squeeze out the plastic clamp, as shown in the photo.
- A wrench is used to unscrew the device and remove it. The photo below shows the process of removing it.
If the product does not unscrew, then it is strictly forbidden to pull it. It is necessary to lubricate the threaded connection with WD-40 liquid and wait until the corrosion wears off.
The sensor is being replaced with a new one. Its installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
After assembly, its functionality is checked.
After the replacement has been made, it is necessary to carry out the process of resetting the ECU error. Otherwise, the “Check Engine” will continue to light up on the instrument panel.
For your information! When purchasing a device, pay attention to the manufacturer, because most of them are produced in China.
The quality of such materials is low, and the service life is directly proportional to the operating time of the car. The photo shows a domestic sensor with varnished contacts.
Chinese production considers this action unnecessary, which is due to the low service life of the product.
The considered part on the car performs a function without which it is impossible to control the speed of movement of the transport mechanism. The first sign of product failure is the speedometer needle moving or its oscillating movements. This is an indication that the speed sensor will soon need to be replaced. Good luck finding faults and fixing them!
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Location of the Chevrolet Niva speed sensor
The standard Chevrolet Niva speed sensor is a separate module designed to transmit a signal from the gearbox output shaft to the speedometer. The device is simple - the functionality of the system is limited to only one option.
The main advantage of the electronic system is increased accuracy. Such a speedometer has a minimal error, which increases traffic safety and eliminates the appearance of controversial fines for speeding.
This performance means that over a range of 1000 meters, the sensor generates more than 6000 pulses, which allows it to maintain extreme accuracy.
On the Chevy Niva, the sensitive sensor is made entirely of plastic; the contact chip is also quite sensitive.
Therefore, care will need to be taken during repairs.
Where is the speed sensor located on a Chevrolet Niva
The DS sits directly on the gearbox housing. It is noteworthy that the location of the device on machines of 2008 and 2021 has not changed. The stability of the structure indicates the correct placement of the device. The module is covered by body panels and the gearbox housing, which makes it inaccessible to obstacles and sharp elements that could damage the sensor.
Location of the Chevrolet Niva speed sensor
Currently, the production of automobiles has completely abandoned the use of speed measurement sensors consisting of mechanical parts.
Modern devices are based on the use of electromagnetic sensors that work due to the effect discovered by the physicist Hall and which received the same name.
Such a device allows you to obtain more accurate data about the speed of the car and transmit it to the driver so that they can timely assess the situation.
Basic functions of the device
To control the speed of movement, a special device is installed on the dashboard - a speedometer. But it only displays the information received, and the speed sensor is responsible for collecting data. If it fails, it will create many dangerous situations on the road, since it will become difficult to control the speed limit in the city and on the highway.
But besides this, thanks to the integration of the electronic control unit into the system, the speed sensor allows you to perform the following functions:
- fuel consumption control
- displaying information on the instrument panel
- in cars with an automatic transmission it is included in the complex responsible for engine control
In case of failure, you are allowed to continue the journey, but this will become difficult.
Historically, there were two types of sensors. Initially, mechanical or optoelectronic were used. They read the number of shaft revolutions, transmitting it to the instrument panel using a cable. Then electronic cableless systems came to replace them.
Basic principles of system operation
The Hall effect is the principle of reading electromagnetic pulses. There are magnetic marks on the car shaft, the impulse from which is read by the sensor.
A certain number of shaft rotations corresponding to the kilometers traveled is programmed into the control unit, equal to 6004.
As the speed increases, the interval between pulses decreases, the information is processed and displayed on the instrument panel.
Circuit breakers
First of all, if any circuit fails, you need to inspect the fuse box. It is located in the cabin on the left side of the steering column. Safety devices are divided into 4 groups. Another one is located directly on the body on the left, under the instrument panel. Each one is marked. So:
- electric stove fan;
- wiper, washer and heating system installed on the rear window;
- windshield washer pump;
- switch located under the steering wheel;
- signaling;
- back light;
- front windshield wipers;
- turn signal switch.
In addition, pointers are powered through it:
- coolant temperature;
- fuel level;
- turning;
- parking brake;
- differential locks;
- pressure drop in the oil line;
- remaining gasoline;
- battery charge.
- high beam left and right headlights;
- indication of its inclusion.
F5 and F6 – low beam (right and left, respectively).
Malfunctions and replacement of the Chevrolet Niva speed sensor
Vehicle speed has long been one of the indicators that is measured electronically. For this purpose, special devices operating on the Hall principle are used. This is exactly the equipment that Chevrolet Niva cars are equipped with. The device is necessary for the driver to gain full control of the car while driving.
The speed sensor in a Niva Chevrolet car is designed not only to indicate the speed of the car, but also for other actions that you most likely had no idea about.
The speed sensor is involved in the formation of the fuel mixture necessary to maintain higher speeds when driving a car with neutral gear engaged. If you are coasting your car, you can replace that the idle speed is slightly higher than when the car is stationary.
Another function (not for the Chevrolet Niva) is the provision of vehicle speed readings for the electric power steering. As the speed of the car increases, the force of rotation of the steering wheel increases, this is necessary for clearer and more accurate maneuvering of the car.
In older versions of cars, the DC was replaced by a cable, but now this process has become electronic. The article below describes in detail the location, signs of sensor malfunction, testing methods and replacement.
Photo from Drive2
Speed sensor location
The DS sits directly on the gearbox housing. It is noteworthy that the location of the device on machines of 2008 and 2021 has not changed. The stability of the structure indicates the correct placement of the device. The module is covered by body panels and the gearbox housing, which makes it inaccessible to obstacles and sharp elements that could damage the sensor.
Replacing the cigarette lighter in a Chevrolet Niva and its fuse
The sensor itself is a small plastic device that is attached to the shaft area. Inside the case there is a core that transmits impulses to a special controller responsible for displaying information on the instrument panel.
When carrying out work, it should be taken into account that the device can be quite fragile, so installation should be carried out with care.
There are a number of possible reasons for module failure. The most popular of them are described below:
- Mechanical damage. A similar problem occurs among users who operate the vehicle in off-road conditions. Protruding road surface elements, branches and stones can damage the plastic housing or break wires.
- Moisture ingress. Over time, the insulation of wires and blocks can dry out. The winding cracks and allows water to enter the system, which can cause a short circuit.
- System failure. During power surges, the on-board computer may malfunction. Errors within the module prevent data from being read from the device correctly.
Installing a snorkel on a Chevrolet Niva
Signs of trouble
Simply observing the car's behavior will help you understand that the speedometer sensor is not working. Typically the symptoms of a breakdown are factors.
- The speedometer needle jumps, jerks or does not respond. This is due to the complete failure of the device and the need for its immediate replacement.
- Increased fuel consumption. Part of the system is interfaced with the ECU, therefore, the remaining sensors will also act up.
- The speedometer is reporting incorrect data. If a motorist sees that the actual speed of the car differs significantly from the measured one, this is a sign of a device failure.
- 4. Separately, instability of idle speed should be considered. The device is also responsible for the operation of the motor at idle.
Checking the functionality of the sensor
You can check the condition of the sensor using a multimeter in one of two ways. The first time, you will need to turn it off and then remove the device from its location in order to test it.
With the second option, it will be enough to jack up the car, connect a multimeter to the sensor and spin one of the wheels. If electromagnetic pulses are detected, one can judge whether the product is working properly.
Instructions for replacing the speed sensor
A broken speed sensor on a Niva Chevrolet car, like on any other, must be removed and replaced with a similar working model. When purchasing, it is extremely important to select a device that is compatible with a specific vehicle model.
- We remove the negative mark from the battery to protect against errors in the computer and short circuits during operation.
- Next, you should examine the bottom of the car to determine where the necessary mechanism is located. Once you find it, the sensor needs to be cleaned of dirt and the terminal with the power wires disconnected. By pressing on the latches, we pull the connector away from the sensor.
- Use a 22mm wrench to unscrew the sensor. If the housing cannot be manipulated, its threaded connection should be lubricated with WD-40, which will facilitate the movement of the housing head.
- Assembly is carried out in reverse order.
Replacing a speed sensor should only be done if you are completely confident in the functionality of the new unit.
