Segment:
Luxury/Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics specializing in Holden luxury vehicles of the era
Competitors:
Ford LTD, Mitsubishi Magna (higher trims), some imported luxury sedans of the era
Focus:
Comfort, luxury, V8 performance, refined ride
Value Proposition:
Authoritative source for maintaining and repairing the V8 powertrain and luxury features of the VN-VP Statesman/Caprice.
Primary Focus:
Workshop / Service / Repair
Scope:
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 500-700 pages (typical for this era of workshop manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Likely printed format; digital (PDF) versions may exist but original is printed.
Powertrain:
Engine (V8), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual where applicable to V8 models)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, locks, seats
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault diagnosis for mechanical and electrical systems
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Adjustments:
Ignition timing, carburetor adjustments (if applicable), steering alignment
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures with torque specifications, diagrams, and schematics
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on specialized tools and diagnostic procedures for the era
Digital Quality:
N/A (assuming printed original, digital would depend on scan quality)
Print Standard:
Professional printing with clear text and diagrams
Binding:
Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for durability in a workshop environment
Paper Quality:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop use
Engine Code:
Likely '253' (4.2L V8) or '304' (5.0L V8) for this period
Displacement Litres:
4.2L or 5.0L (depending on specific model variant within the V8 designation)
Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 166-185 hp (for 4.2L) or 200-225 hp (for 5.0L), depending on tune and year
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 220-240 lb-ft (4.2L) or 260-290 lb-ft (5.0L), depending on tune and year
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (ULP)
ECU Type:
GM-H ECM (Engine Control Module) specific to VN-VP era
Type:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., TH700-R4 / 4L60) was common for V8 Statesman/Caprice
Type:
Manual transmission (e.g., 5-speed) might have been available on some V8 variants, though less common for these luxury models.
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy at cruising speeds
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Era Assessment:
No formal ANCAP ratings for this period; assessed against contemporary Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
Braking System:
Power assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or discs on some higher spec/later models). ABS may be optional on later models.
Traction Control:
Generally not available on this generation.
Seatbelts:
Lap/sash seatbelts front and rear
Airbags:
Driver's airbag optional or standard on Caprice models; passenger airbag not typical for this generation.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage construction common to Holden's large sedans.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio cassette player, often with graphic equalizer and premium speaker options
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems were available, depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models.
Era Standard:
Limited by modern standards; primarily analog systems.
Oil Change Km:
Typically 7,500 km or 6 months
Air Filter Km:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months
Spark Plugs Km:
Varies by plug type, often 30,000-60,000 km for standard plugs
Transmission Fluid Km:
Typically 40,000-60,000 km for automatic transmission fluid and filter change
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for viscosity)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Prestone AF2000 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially early 304 V8s), oil leaks from rocker covers and sump, distributor drive gear wear, cooling system component failures (radiator, hoses, water pump)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear, solenoid issues (TH700-R4/4L60)
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushes, power steering pump leaks, steering rack wear
Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation, headlight switch failure, central locking issues, instrument cluster failure
Body Interior:
Door lock actuator failure, worn seat fabric, sun-faded paint, dash cracks (less common than earlier models)
Maker:
Holden (Australian division of General Motors)
Predecessor:
Holden VL Calais, Berlina, Statesman
Introduction Vn:
VN series launched in 1988, representing a significant modernization with a focus on European styling influence and new platforms.
Introduction Vp:
VP series launched in 1991, featuring minor styling updates and feature enhancements.
Statesman Caprice Positioning:
These models represented the pinnacle of Holden's luxury offerings, providing greater interior space and appointments than the Commodore range.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia
Production Span:
VN: 1988-1991, VP: 1991-1993
