Vehicle Class:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a comfortable, powerful, and well-equipped Australian-made luxury vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Ford Fairmont/Fairlane, Mitsubishi Magna/380, Toyota Avalon.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced features for its time, refined ride quality.
Performance Options:
V8 engine options providing strong performance characteristics.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance information, saving time and money.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, and repair of all engine variants.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensor diagnostics, ECU operation.
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, differential, driveshafts, and associated components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and alignment.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, and linkages.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, and master cylinder.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, and accessories.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, trim, seats, and interior components.
Chassis And Frame:
Structural components and chassis integrity.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II fault code interpretation and troubleshooting procedures.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for all intervals.
Routine Inspections:
Visual and functional checks for various vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Component Replacement:
Specific guidance on replacing all major and minor components.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Complete teardown and reassembly instructions for complex systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Audience:
Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Engine 1:
3.8L Ecotec V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine 2:
5.0L Gen III V8 (Naturally Aspirated)
V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 150-170 kW (depending on exact tune)
V6 Torque:
Approx. 305-335 Nm (depending on exact tune)
V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 225 kW
V8 Torque:
Approx. 440 Nm
Induction Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (91 RON or higher)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (4L60-E for V6 and V8)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (specific variants may have different options, but 4L60-E was prevalent)
Electronic Control:
Electronically controlled for optimal shift quality and fuel efficiency.
Tow Mode:
Some models may feature a selectable tow/haul mode.
Ancap Rating:
Not rated during the initial production period of VT Series I, but later VT models achieved improved ratings.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available on some higher-spec models or as an option.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags as standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Head Unit:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player and CD player (optional).
Speakers:
Multiple speaker configurations depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on Calais models.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were an option on later VT models, not standard on Series I.
Usb Ports:
N/A (Not equipped with factory USB ports)
Bluetooth:
N/A (Not equipped with factory Bluetooth)
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific V6/V8 and oil type recommendations).
Air Filter:
Every 20,000 km or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
V6: 100,000 km; V8: 160,000 km (refer to manual for specific plug types).
Transmission Fluid:
Every 40,000 km or 24 months (inspect more frequently).
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG/SH (refer to manual for specific viscosity and API rating based on climate).
Coolant:
GM Holden Long Life Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, OAT)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent ATF Dexron III/VI).
Lsd Clunk:
Some V8 models with limited-slip differentials could develop a 'clunking' noise under acceleration/deceleration.
Window Regulator Failure:
Rear window regulators can be a common failure point.
Vibration Issues:
Driveshaft imbalance or worn universal joints could lead to vibrations, especially at higher speeds.
Holden Legacy:
Holden has a long and storied history in Australia as a prominent automotive manufacturer.
Vt Series Introduction:
The VT Commodore platform was a significant departure, sharing its underpinnings with the Opel Omega.
Calais Positioning:
The Calais represented the pinnacle of luxury within the Commodore range.
Production Period:
VT Series I produced from 1997 to 1999.
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia.
