The Calais VS series, produced between 1995 and 1997, represents the flagship luxury sedan of its era. Building upon the foundation of the Commodore (VN/VP/VR) platform, the Calais distinguished itself as a large luxury and performance sedan, offering a premium experience with enhanced interior appointments such as leather upholstery and woodgrain accents. It was engineered to compete with both domestic rivals like the Fairlane and international luxury marques. Available with a choice of a naturally aspirated 3.8L ECOTEC V6 or the more potent 3.8L Supercharged ECOTEC V6 (L67), the Calais provided refined power delivery and was often equipped with features like automatic climate control and cruise control, solidifying its position as a comfortable and capable grand tourer.
This comprehensive Service and Repair Manual provides detailed procedures for maintaining and repairing the Calais VS series, catering to both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Spanning over 500 pages, the manual covers all major vehicle systems, including the powertrain (engine, transmission, driveline, fuel, and exhaust), chassis (suspension, steering, brakes), electrical systems (battery, charging, ignition, lighting, instrumentation, and control modules), and body components (panels, doors, windows, HVAC). It offers in-depth guidance on scheduled maintenance, diagnostic troubleshooting, component removal and installation, and even detailed overhaul instructions, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle.
Model Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997
Platform Code:
VT Commodore precursor, based on Holden Commodore (VN/VP/VR)
Segment:
Large Luxury Sedan / Performance Sedan
Prestige:
Positioned as Holden's flagship luxury sedan, offering enhanced comfort and features over standard Commodore models
Competitors:
Ford Fairlane/LTD, BMW 5 Series (E34/E39), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124/W210), potentially higher-spec Japanese sedans like Toyota Avalon
Interior Appointments:
Premium leather upholstery, woodgrain interior accents, enhanced sound deadening, higher-quality materials
Performance Enhancements:
Often featured more powerful engine options and sportier suspension tuning compared to standard Commodore models
Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures for Holden Calais VS series
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, fuel system, exhaust system
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM)
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnosis
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
Component Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds
Depth:
From basic fluid checks and replacements to complex engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on diagnostic connectors and procedures, including OBD-I/II relevant aspects for the era
Printability:
Full Printable
Zoom Capability:
YES (Zoom IN/OUT)
Binding:
Digital (Downloadable)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip (or equivalent unzipping software)
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Code 1:
L67 (Supercharged 3800 V6)
Engine Name 1:
3.8L Supercharged ECOTEC V6
Displacement 1:
3791 cc (3.8 L)
Configuration 1:
V6, 90-degree bank angle, overhead valves (OHV)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 225 hp (168 kW) @ 4800 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque 1:
Approx. 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 3200 rpm (SAE Net)
Engine Code 2:
3800 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Name 2:
3.8L ECOTEC V6
Displacement 2:
3791 cc (3.8 L)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 200 hp (149 kW) @ 4800 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque 2:
Approx. 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) @ 3200 rpm (SAE Net)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Compression Ratio L67:
8.5:1
Compression Ratio Na:
9.4:1
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Manual (available on some variants, less common on Calais)
Transmission Control:
Electronic control for automatic transmission (ECT)
Length:
Approx. 4950 mm (194.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1780 mm (70.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2730 mm (107.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1600-1700 kg (3527-3748 lbs), varies by specification
Ancap Rating:
Not tested under current ANCAP standards for this era. Based on older GM platforms.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on certain models
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TC) available on some variants
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player with optional CD player, often with premium sound system options
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control available on higher specifications
Cruise Control:
Standard on Calais models
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory fitted for this era
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Transmission Service:
Every 60,000-80,000 km for automatic transmission fluid and filter replacement
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 80,000-100,000 km for iridium/platinum plugs
Engine Oil Type L67:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (synthetic recommended for supercharged engines)
Engine Oil Type Na:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Coolant:
GM Gen II Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT-based, often green or orange)
Head Gasket Leaks:
Can occur, particularly on earlier naturally aspirated V6 engines due to heat and sealing issues.
Supercharger Coupler:
On L67 engines, the supercharger drive coupler can wear and require replacement.
Idle Control Valve:
Can become dirty or faulty, leading to rough idling or stalling.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional leaks or noise from the power steering pump can occur with age.
Window Regulators:
Electric window mechanisms can fail due to wear on the regulators or motors.
Manufacturer:
Holden, Australian subsidiary of General Motors
Predecessor:
Holden Calais VR Series
Successor:
Holden Calais WH Statesman / VT Series Commodore (Calais trim applied to VT)
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (Dandenong, Victoria)
Production Period:
1995-1997
Australian Car Of The Year:
While the VS Commodore platform (which the Calais is based on) was highly regarded, specific 'Calais VS' awards are unlikely; the Commodore range often received positive reviews and accolades.
Consumer Reviews Era:
Generally positive for comfort, power (especially L67), and Australian-specific design for local conditions.
