Welcome to the comprehensive workshop service and repair manual for the Holden Commodore VK Calais, covering production years 1984 through 1986. The VK Commodore represented a significant evolution for Holden's popular sedan, known for its distinctive styling and Australian-made engineering. The Calais trim, in particular, offered a blend of performance and comfort, making it a respected vehicle in its era. This manual is designed to provide detailed information for owners and technicians alike, ensuring the continued reliability and performance of this iconic Australian automobile.
This manual serves as an indispensable resource for understanding, maintaining, and repairing your Holden Commodore VK Calais. It encompasses a wide array of topics, including detailed general information, service procedures, suspension and driveline systems, braking and steering, engine mechanicals, cooling, starting, ignition, emission controls, engine controls, transmission, exhaust, fuel, HVAC, instrumentation, battery and charging systems, audio, lighting, and the overall electrical system, as well as body interior and exterior components. With step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic information, technical specifications, and detailed diagrams, this manual empowers you to confidently undertake everything from routine maintenance to complex rebuilds and restorations.
Production Years Covered:
1984-1986
Target Audience:
Holden Commodore VK Calais owners, enthusiasts, mechanics, and restorers
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to maintain, repair, and restore the vehicle, empowering DIY repairs.
Comparison To Paper:
Same content as paper manuals, with digital convenience (instant download, print-on-demand).
Detail Level:
Highly detailed with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and specifications.
Confidence Building:
Aims to provide 100% confidence for users to perform repairs and services.
Organizational Aid:
Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Combined troubleshooting and electrical service procedures with wiring diagrams.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Estimated Page Count:
While not explicitly stated, comprehensive workshop manuals from this era typically range from 300 to over 800 pages.
General Information:
Included
Service Information:
Included
Engine Mechanical:
Included
Starting System:
Included
Ignition System:
Included
Emission Controls:
Included
Engine Controls:
Included
Instrumentation And Warning Systems:
Included
Battery And Charging System:
Included
Lighting System:
Included
Electrical System:
Included
Body Interior And Exterior:
Included
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, step-by-step
Maintenance:
Comprehensive
Troubleshooting:
Included, with diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive from general maintenance to full rebuilds
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets
Wiring Schematics:
Included for electrical system troubleshooting
Specifications:
Included for all major topics
Searchability:
Implied by PDF format (may vary based on OCR quality)
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use
Quality:
Assumed high due to detail level and factory origins
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Options Covered:
Likely covers all factory engine options for the VK series, including straight-six and V8 variants (e.g., 3.3L, 4.9L, 5.0L).
Horsepower Torque:
Specific figures would be detailed within the manual based on engine variant.
Fuel System Types:
Carburetor and potentially early fuel injection systems (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic) depending on engine.
Transmission Types Covered:
Likely includes manual (e.g., M21, M22) and automatic (e.g., Trimatic, THM700) transmissions.
Optional Transmissions:
Covered as applicable to specific VK models.
Transmission Specifications:
Gear ratios, fluid types, and capacity are expected to be detailed.
Wheelbase:
VK Commodore wheelbase: approximately 2,868 mm (113 in).
Length:
VK Commodore length: approximately 4,840 mm (190.6 in).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine and options, typically ranging from 1300-1500 kg.
Safety Ratings:
No formal crash test ratings from modern bodies like ANCAP are available for this era.
Passive Safety:
Seatbelts (likely lap-sash front, lap rear), reinforced cabin structure.
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio, possibly cassette player. Luxury Calais trim might have upgraded speaker systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
None from a modern perspective; basic safety features like seatbelts and mirrors.
Connectivity Features:
N/A
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on usage and oil type. Manual will specify.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, filters, etc., usually every 20,000-40,000 km. Manual will provide specifics.
Engine Oil Type:
Likely SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 for straight-six, and 10W-40 or 15W-50 for V8s. Manual will specify API service classification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically with a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will confirm.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II for automatics, GL-5 gear oil for manuals. Manual will specify exact type and quantity.
Common Issues:
Rust (wheel arches, sills, plenum), electrical gremlins (especially wiring looms), carburetor issues, potential cooling system leaks, worn suspension bushings, and aging interior components.
Holden Heritage:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing popular vehicles.
Vk Commodore Evolution:
The VK was a significant update to the Commodore line, featuring revised styling, improved aerodynamics, and new powertrain options. It was the final iteration of the original VB-VK platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia
Model Recognition:
The VK Commodore, particularly the Calais, was highly regarded in its time for its styling and comfort, often seen as Holden's answer to European luxury sedans.
