🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Holden

Model:

Commodore VX Series

Generation:

VX

Model Codes:

Assumed to cover all VX variants including Acclaim, S, SS, Lumina, Equipe, and Berlina based on product description

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Large family sedan and utility vehicle (utes and wagons)

Key Competitors:

Ford Falcon (AU/BA), Mitsubishi Magna (TH/TJ), Toyota Camry (XV20/XV30), Nissan Maxima (A32/A33)

Platform:

GM's V-body platform (third generation), sharing significant architecture with the Opel Senator and Chevrolet Lumina (South Africa)

Body Styles:

Sedan, Station Wagon, Utility (Ute - limited variants potentially covered)

Design Philosophy:

Evolution of the VT Commodore, with updated styling, interior refinements, and mechanical enhancements. Focus on comfort, space, and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

V6 (EcoTec L36 3.8L, L67 Supercharged 3.8L) and V8 (Gen III LS1 5.7L)

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed automatic (4L60-E) and 5-speed manual (Getrag 260, T-56) transmissions

Chassis Coverage:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (independent multi-link 'Watts Linkage'), steering, brakes (front discs, rear discs, ABS), and driveline components

Electrical System Coverage:

Battery, starting, charging, ignition, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, power accessories, and diagnostic systems

Estimated Page Count:

Likely between 1500-3000 pages, typical for a comprehensive factory service manual covering multiple powertrains and body styles.

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant PDF download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, throttle body, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP)

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, ignition timing

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors)

Transmission Mechanical:

Transmission removal, installation, internal component service, torque converter, clutch operation (manual)

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints, differential, axle shafts

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders), brake pads, rotors, ABS system components, bleeding procedures

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel removal

Suspension:

Front suspension components (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), rear suspension components (shocks, trailing arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications

Body Electrical:

Interior and exterior lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, central locking, remote keyless entry (RKE)

Climate Control:

HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant service, blower motor, heater core, air conditioning compressor

Safety Systems:

Airbag system components, SRS warning light diagnosis, seat belt mechanisms

Periodic Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, fault code retrieval and interpretation, sensor testing

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all major systems

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

Printable without restriction

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

V6 Engine Option 1:

3.8L EcoTec L36 V6 (Naturally Aspirated)

V6 Engine Option 2:

3.8L Supercharged L67 V6

V8 Engine Option:

5.7L Gen III LS1 V8

L36 V6 Power:

150 kW (201 hp) @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

L36 V6 Torque:

305 Nm (225 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

L67 V6 Power:

171 kW (229 hp) @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

L67 V6 Torque:

380 Nm (280 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Ls1 V8 Power:

225 kW (302 hp) @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Ls1 V8 Torque:

445 Nm (328 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Injection Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for L36, sequential fuel injection (SFI) for L67 and LS1

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (91 RON minimum recommended for L36, 95 RON for L67 and LS1)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic (4L60-E) and 5-speed manual (Getrag 260 for V6, T-56 for V8)

Transmission Features:

Adaptive shift control for automatics, overdrive gears for fuel efficiency

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2788 mm (109.8 inches)

Length Sedan:

4892 mm (192.6 inches)

Width:

1787 mm (70.4 inches)

Height:

1435 mm (56.5 inches) (Sedan)

Curb Weight V6 Auto:

Approximately 1560-1650 kg (3440-3638 lbs) depending on trim and body style.

Curb Weight V8 Manual:

Approximately 1650-1750 kg (3638-3858 lbs) depending on trim and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ancap Rating:

Assumed to be 4-star based on contemporary models and VT Commodore testing, though specific VX ANCAP data may vary.

Active Safety:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) on some higher-spec models.

Passive Safety:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard), side airbags (optional on some trims), seatbelt pretensioners, collapsible steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted premium audio systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, Clarion) with CD player, radio, and cassette options. Higher trims featured amplified systems with multiple speakers.

Navigation:

Optional factory satellite navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, integrated into the steering wheel or column stalks.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on most models, allowing remote locking/unlocking and boot release.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or semi-synthetic oil). Consult manual for specific oil type recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

30,000 km or 24 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

V6: 60,000 km (standard plugs), 100,000 km (platinum plugs); V8: 100,000 km (platinum plugs)

Coolant Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically every 2-4 years or specific mileage depending on coolant type (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible).

Engine Oil Spec V6:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Spec V8:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for exact viscosity).

Transmission Fluid At:

Dexron-III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid

Transmission Fluid Mt V6:

Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5, consult manual)

Transmission Fluid Mt V8:

Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., Dexron-VI or equivalent specified for T-56)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check for specific GM specifications.

Common Problems V6:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (early models), ignition coil failures, minor oil leaks from gaskets, transmission solenoid issues (in some automatics).

Common Problems V8:

Water pump leaks, rear main seal leaks, piston slap (on early LS1 engines), intake manifold gasket leaks.

Common Problems General:

Minor electrical gremlins, worn suspension bushings over time, climate control system issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Holden Legacy:

Holden is Australia's iconic automotive manufacturer, with a long history of producing popular and robust vehicles for the Australian market, often based on General Motors platforms.

Vx Introduction:

Launched in late 2000 as a significant update to the highly successful VT Commodore. It was the fifth generation of the Commodore.

Vx Updates:

Featured revised exterior styling (new front and rear fascias, headlights, taillights), updated interior, and mechanical refinements. The SS model received the Gen III LS1 V8 as standard.

Production Years:

2000 - 2002

Manufacturing Location:

Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year Awards:

While the VX itself might not have specific 'Car of the Year' awards for its launch year, the Commodore platform consistently received accolades for value, comfort, and performance in the Australian market. The VT Commodore (predecessor) was awarded Wheels Magazine's Car of the Year in 1997.