Market Segment:
Large family sedan and wagon, popular in the Australian market.
Key Competitors:
Ford Falcon (FG), Toyota Camry (larger variants), Subaru Liberty.
Vehicle Strengths:
Strong rear-wheel-drive platform, powerful engine options (especially V8), spacious interior, comfortable ride, good handling for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Holden VE Commodore, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Covered Trims:
Omega, SV6, SS, SSV, Berlina, Calais
Covered Body Styles:
Sedan, Wagon
Covered Engines:
6-Cylinder (various configurations), V8 (various configurations)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1500+ pages for comprehensive coverage)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
File Format:
PDF Download
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (automatic and manual), differential, drive shafts, axles
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, EBD)
Electrical Systems:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting, instrumentation, audio systems, power windows, central locking, battery and charging system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, wiring diagrams, component testing
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Scan tool usage, fault tracing, sensor testing, circuit analysis
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Options Covered:
3.6L V6 (High Feature V6 variants, e.g., LY7, LLT), 6.0L V8 (LS series, e.g., LS2, L76, L98), potentially others depending on specific model year and market.
V6 Power Range Hp:
Approximately 255 hp to 295 hp (190 kW to 220 kW), depending on specific V6 engine code and tuning.
V8 Power Range Hp:
Approximately 362 hp to 412 hp (270 kW to 307 kW), depending on specific V8 engine code (e.g., LS2, L98).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Common V6 Engine Codes:
LY7 (3.6L Alloytec V6), LLT (3.6L SIDI V6)
Common V8 Engine Codes:
LS2 (6.0L V8), L76 (6.0L V8 with Active Fuel Management), L98 (6.0L V8 without AFM)
Standard Transmission Type:
Rear-wheel-drive configuration, with options typically including 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Optional Transmission Type:
Specific automatic transmission models (e.g., 6L80E for V8 models) and manual transmission options (e.g., T56 for V8 models) vary by trim and model year.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, adaptive shift logic, Sport mode, and often manual shifting modes (e.g., Holden 'Active Select').
Wheelbase Mm:
Approximately 2939 mm (Sedan/Wagon)
Length Mm:
Approximately 4891 mm (Sedan), 4943 mm (Wagon)
Width Mm:
Approximately 1845 mm
Height Mm:
Approximately 1476 mm (Sedan), 1528 mm (Wagon)
Luggage Capacity Litres Sedan:
Approximately 496 litres (Sedan)
Luggage Capacity Litres Wagon:
Approximately 535 litres (with rear seats up), 1391 litres (with rear seats folded, Wagon)
Tare Weight Kg:
Varies significantly by model and engine, typically ranging from 1650 kg to 1850 kg.
Ancap Rating:
Typically rated 4 or 5 stars depending on the specific model year and safety features fitted.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, pretensioner seatbelts, crumple zones.
Infotainment Systems:
Holden's 'iQ' infotainment system (depending on trim and year), featuring color touchscreens, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and audio controls. Later models may have updated systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Assist (front and rear sensors), cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights (on higher trims).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB input, auxiliary audio input.
General Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for specific engine recommendations.
Major Service Items:
Includes spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid service at specified intervals (e.g., 60,000 km or 4 years).
Engine Oil Specification V6:
Typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic engine oil meeting GM's Dexos or older GM-LL-A-025 specifications. Consult manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Specification V8:
Typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 synthetic engine oil meeting GM's Dexos or older GM-LL-B-025 specifications. Consult manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
GM specification automatic transmission fluid (e.g., Dexron VI).
Coolant Specification:
GM-approved orange or pink extended-life coolant (OAT - Organic Acid Technology).
Common V6 Issues:
Timing chain stretch/rattle (particularly on earlier LY7 engines), oil leaks from sump or rocker covers, intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common V8 Issues:
Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter issues leading to 'lifter tick' (on relevant engines), piston slap on cold start, potential for coolant leaks from knock sensors or gaskets.
General Issues:
Water pump leaks, power steering fluid leaks, door lock actuator failures, window regulator failures.
Holden Legacy:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing vehicles for the Australian market, often based on GM platforms but with significant local engineering and adaptation.
Ve Commodore Significance:
The VE Commodore represented a significant shift, being the first Commodore developed entirely in Australia on a new, globally engineered platform (GM Zeta). It was a departure from earlier models, with a focus on improved dynamics, safety, and refinement. It was also exported to North America as the Pontiac G8 and later to the US as the Chevrolet SS.
Production Period:
2006-2013 (VE generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia.
