Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians servicing the Holden Commodore VE
Market Segment:
Full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan and wagon
Brand Position:
Holden flagship model, Australian-engineered and built
Build Quality:
Renowned robust build quality on GM's global Zeta platform
Ride and Handling:
Comfortable ride with rear-wheel-drive dynamics
Powertrain Range:
Powerful V6 and V8 engine options
Versatility:
Blend of performance and practicality across sedan and wagon variants
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive with V6 and V8 power
Variants:
Wide range of sedan and wagon variants including Omega, SV6, SS, Calais and Caprice
Recognition:
Earned numerous accolades during its production run
Manual Type:
Factory service, repair and workshop manual
Intended Users:
Owners, mechanics and technicians
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Compatibility:
Printable and viewable on PC, tablet and smartphone
Coverage Areas:
Powertrain, chassis, body, electrical and HVAC systems
Content Type:
Scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, step-by-step repairs, wiring diagrams, technical specifications
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, reassembly and rebuild procedures
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel system, throttle body and emissions control servicing
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump and coolant circuits
Transmission and Driveline:
Automatic and manual transmission service plus differential and driveshaft
Suspension and Steering:
Front and rear suspension, dampers, bushings and steering rack
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, discs, drums, pads, ABS and parking brake
Electrical System:
Starting, charging, lighting, body control modules and accessories
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnosis and repair
Body and Interior:
Panels, doors, trim, seating, glass and bumpers
Restraints:
Airbag and seatbelt system information
Scheduled Maintenance:
Full service interval tables and maintenance procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts and fault code (DTC) diagnostics
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step repair, disassembly and reassembly procedures
Special Tools:
Required special tool listings where applicable
Torque Specifications:
Fastener torque values throughout procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive electrical wiring diagrams
Technical Specifications:
In-depth factory specifications for all major systems
Diagnostic Depth:
In-depth diagnostics for mechanical and electrical faults
Part References:
Component identification and exploded views for locating parts
Fluid Capacities:
Factory fluid types and fill capacities
Wear Items:
Replacement data for common wear components
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Base V6:
3.6L Alloytec V6 (Series I), upgraded 3.0L and 3.6L SIDI V6 (Series II)
Performance V6:
3.6L High Output Alloytec V6 in SV6 models
V8:
6.0L Gen IV V8 in SS, Calais V and Caprice models
Flagship V8:
6.2L LS3 V8 in HSV variants within the covered years
V6 Output:
Approximately 175-210 kW depending on variant and year
V8 Output:
Approximately 270-317 kW depending on variant and year
Drive Layout:
Rear-wheel drive
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SIDI direct injection on Series II V6)
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded recommended for V8 and SIDI variants
Emissions:
Catalytic converter with OBD-II compliant engine management
Standard Automatic:
4-speed automatic (early V6), 6-speed automatic on later and V8 models
Manual Option:
6-speed manual available on SV6 and SS performance variants
Drive Type:
Rear-wheel drive
Automatic Features:
Sequential sport shift mode on performance variants
Final Drive:
Limited-slip differential available on V8 and performance models
Service:
Fluid change intervals and procedures covered in the manual
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,909 mm
Body Length:
Approximately 4,890 - 4,900 mm (sedan)
Body Styles:
Sedan and SportWagon; wagon longer than sedan
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,650 - 1,850 kg depending on variant and engine
Weight Distribution:
Near 50:50 front-to-rear balance on the Zeta platform
ANCAP Rating:
5-star ANCAP safety rating for the VE Commodore
Testing:
Independently crash-tested for the Australian market
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard on most variants
Traction Control:
Traction control system on V6 and V8 models
Airbags:
Front, side and curtain airbags depending on variant
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner and load-limiter front seatbelts
Structure:
High-strength Zeta platform body structure
Audio System:
CD/MP3 audio head unit with steering wheel controls; premium systems on Calais and Caprice
Display:
Driver information center with trip computer
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity and USB input on later Series II models
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors standard on upper variants
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control across the range
Advanced Aids:
Camera-based systems not fitted; reversing camera on select late models
Standard Interval:
Service every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever occurs first
Severe Conditions:
Shortened intervals for frequent short trips, towing or dusty conditions
Manual Coverage:
Full factory scheduled maintenance tables included in the manual
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting GM specification
Coolant:
GM-approved long-life ethylene glycol coolant
Automatic Transmission:
Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid (6-speed units)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Differential:
GL-5 gear oil; limited-slip additive where fitted
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Timing Chain:
Alloytec V6 timing chain stretch on higher-mileage engines
Oil Consumption:
Oil consumption and lifter noise in some Alloytec engines
Suspension Bushings:
Accelerated wear of front control arm bushings
Air Conditioning:
Compressor and condenser wear items
Manufacturer:
Holden, General Motors' Australian marque
Heritage:
Commodore was Holden's flagship passenger model for decades
Platform Origin:
First model built on GM's global rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform
VE Series I:
Launched 2006 as a clean-sheet redesign of the Commodore
Series II Update:
2010 facelift brought SIDI direct-injection V6 engines and revised styling
Succession:
VE was followed by the VF Commodore in 2013
Assembly Plant:
Elizabeth, South Australia
Engine Production:
V6 engines built at Holden's Port Melbourne plant
Car of the Year:
Holden Commodore named Wheels Car of the Year for the VE generation in 2006
Sales Success:
Australia's best-selling car for multiple years during the VE era
Fleet Recognition:
Widely adopted by police and fleet operators across Australia and New Zealand
Overall Reception:
Earned numerous accolades during its 2006-2013 production run
