Segment:
Large Family Car / Executive Car
Key Competitors:
Ford Falcon (AU), Toyota Avalon, Mitsubishi Magna, Nissan Maxima.
Design Philosophy:
Designed as a successor to the successful Holden VN/VP/VR/VS series, the VT introduced a significant upgrade in chassis dynamics, interior refinement, and styling, aligning with global GM platform standards.
Target Audience:
Families, fleet buyers, and those seeking a comfortable, powerful, and capable Australian-made sedan.
Mechanical Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication & Cooling Systems, Fuel & Emission Control Systems, Accelerator Control, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft & Differential Carrier, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brake System, Steering System, Exhaust Systems.
Electrical Systems:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Instrument Panel, Combination Meter, Audio & Visual System.
Body And Comfort:
Body and Trim, Heater, Air Conditioner, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts), Sun Roof System, Power Window Control System, Power Door Lock Control System, Wiper And Washer System.
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter function, EVAP system, EGR (where applicable), oxygen sensors.
Restraint System Details:
Detailed procedures for airbag system diagnostics, replacement, seatbelt mechanism service.
Air Conditioning Details:
Refrigerant handling, component testing (compressor, condenser, evaporator), leak detection, system charging.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component repair, electrical system diagnostics and repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostics for common and uncommon issues.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, component tolerances.
Body And Trim Procedures:
Interior trim removal and installation, door panel service, bumper replacement, glass replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams. Suitable for professional technicians.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete, detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including component locations and connector pinouts.
Diagnostic Tools:
References common diagnostic tools of the era and their usage, including OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) for engine management systems.
Engine Options:
3.8L Ecotec V6 (Naturally Aspirated), 5.0L (304ci) Holden V8 (Naturally Aspirated), 5.7L Gen III LS1 V8 (Naturally Aspirated - introduced later in the VT series).
3.8L V6 (L36):
Approx. 147 kW (197 hp) @ 4800 rpm, 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm
5.0L V8 (Holden):
Approx. 168 kW (225 hp) @ 4400 rpm, 375 Nm (277 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm
5.7L Ls1 V8:
Approx. 225 kW (302 hp) @ 5600 rpm, 447 Nm (329 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) for V6 and V8 variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (91 RON minimum recommended, higher for V8s)
Common Engine Codes:
L36 (3.8L V6), L67 (Supercharged 3.8L V6 - not covered in base VT but relevant to generation), LF6 (5.0L V8), LS1 (5.7L V8).
Ancap Rating:
Not officially rated under ANCAP's current methodology at the time of its release. However, based on contemporary standards, it was considered a strong performer.
Braking:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (ABS optional/standard on higher trims).
Steering System:
Power assisted rack and pinion. Steering ratio varies by model and suspension setup.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models. Side airbags optional on higher trims.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed for energy absorption.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific manual for precise intervals).
Major Service Points:
Timing belt (if applicable, though most VT engines used chains), spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, differential fluid.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG/SH/SJ compliant (refer to manual for specific V6/V8 recommendations and viscosity grades under different temperature ranges).
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (for 4L60-E/4L65-E automatic transmissions). Manual transmission fluid specifications vary by gearbox type.
Coolant:
GM specification (often a blue or green ethylene glycol based coolant). Capacity approx. 9-10 litres.
Power Steering Fluid:
GM specification power steering fluid (typically Dexron III or equivalent).
Common Problems:
V6 Ecotec: Blown head gaskets, intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on early L36), rear main seal leaks. V8: Rocker cover gasket leaks, cooling system issues, occasional lifter noise. General: Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), minor electrical gremlins, rust in certain areas (e.g., rear wheel arches).
Holden Legacy:
The Commodore is Holden's flagship model, a nameplate synonymous with Australian automotive manufacturing and performance for decades.
Vt Introduction:
The VT Commodore marked a significant departure from previous generations, adopting a more European-influenced design and leveraging global GM engineering, specifically the GM 'V' platform. This generation was a critical success for Holden.
Vt Variants:
Acclaim, S, SS, Executive, Berlina, Calais. Also formed the basis for HSV models (GTS, Senator, Grange).
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (Fishermans Bend, Victoria; Elizabeth, South Australia).
