Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself owners and professional mechanics seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance guidance.
Content Value:
Provides detailed information to repair, maintain, rebuild, refurbish, or restore the vehicle, enabling cost-effective fixes and preventative maintenance.
Knowledge Gain:
Facilitates a deeper understanding of the vehicle's operation and helps prevent future issues.
Market Segment:
Competed with other large family sedans and utes of its era, such as Ford Falcon, Toyota Camry (larger variants), and various European and Japanese imports in its class.
Primary Models Covered:
Holden Commodore VT, VX, VY; Holden Ute VU
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Wagon, Ute
Engine Variants:
Covers various V6 (e.g., 3.8L, 3.8L Supercharged for Grange/GTS) and V8 (e.g., 5.7L LS1) engine options available within the VT-VU range.
Transmission Variants:
Includes details for common automatic transmissions (e.g., 4L60-E, 5L80-E) and manual transmissions (e.g., Getrag 5-speed, T56 6-speed) fitted to these models.
Trim Levels:
Likely encompasses common trim levels such as Executive, Acclaim, S, SS, Calais, Berlina, and utility variants (S, SS Ute).
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (exact count not specified, but described as 'complete' and 'hundreds of photos and illustrations')
Type:
Service Repair Manual
File Format:
PDF Download
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System
Electrical:
Electrical System
Emissions:
Emission Control Systems
General:
General Information, Services Information
Body And Frame:
Includes information on body panel repairs, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, and structural components.
Suspension Steering:
Detailed coverage of front and rear suspension components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings), steering rack, power steering system, and wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Comprehensive brake system servicing, including disc brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, brake line inspection, and bleeding procedures.
Interior Systems:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system service and repair, interior trim removal and installation, and electrical accessories within the cabin.
Maintenance:
Periodic Maintenance, Routine Servicing
Repair:
Repair Procedures, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration
Troubleshooting:
Problem Diagnosis and Fixes
Engine Repair:
Includes cylinder head removal/installation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, camshaft timing, and engine diagnostics.
Fuel System Repair:
Injector cleaning/replacement, fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel filter service, and fuel pressure checks.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for starting and charging systems, lighting, instrument panel, power windows, central locking, and ECU diagnostics.
Cooling System Service:
Radiator removal/installation, water pump replacement, thermostat replacement, and coolant flushing.
Transmission Repair:
Detailed steps for automatic transmission service, including torque converter replacement, valve body diagnosis, and manual transmission clutch replacement and adjustment.
Chassis Repair:
Wheel bearing replacement, steering component replacement, suspension arm and bushing replacement, and driveline component service.
Depth:
Detailed, Step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly, suitable for DIY and experienced mechanics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Implied coverage of diagnostic procedures which would include the use of scan tools for engine and transmission control modules (ECMs/TCMs) and related sensors.
Engine Options:
Likely includes Holden's Ecotec V6 (e.g., 3800 Series II/III) and potentially the Gen III V8 (LS1) for higher performance variants. Specific engine codes and displacements are detailed within the manual.
Horsepower Torque:
Detailed specifications for various engine configurations (V6 and V8) are available in the manual, covering output figures pertinent to the VT-VU generation.
Fuel Delivery:
Covers fuel injection systems, fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, and related components for each engine variant.
Cooling Components:
Details on radiators, water pumps, thermostat, coolant types, hoses, and fan systems.
Transmission Types:
Covers both automatic (e.g., 4-speed 4L60-E, 5-speed 5L80-E) and manual transmissions (e.g., Getrag 5-speed, T56 6-speed manual) depending on model and variant.
Transmission Service:
Includes procedures for fluid changes, filter replacement, clutch service (for manual), and general repair and diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 km or 6 months, but specific recommendations for synthetic oils and engine variants will be in the manual.
Major Service Items:
Includes recommended intervals for spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and timing belt/chain checks (depending on engine).
Engine Oil Type:
Specific viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40) and API service classifications for different engines and operating conditions are detailed.
Coolant Type:
Details on recommended coolant types (e.g., Dex-Cool or specific Australian formulations) and mixture ratios.
Common Faults Vt Vx Vy Vu:
The manual would likely address common wear items such as intake manifold gaskets (V6), radiator leaks, rear main seal leaks (V8), power steering pump issues, and AC compressor failures, along with diagnostic procedures.
Holden Legacy:
The Commodore represents a cornerstone of Holden's Australian automotive manufacturing history, evolving from earlier large sedan platforms.
Vt Vx Vy Vu Era:
This generation (VT, VX, VY, VU) introduced significant styling updates and platform enhancements over its production run, culminating in the popular VY/VZ models before the VE generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (primarily Elizabeth, South Australia)
V6 Engine Details:
Commonly featured the 3.8L (3800cc) Ecotec V6, available in various states of tune across VT, VX, and VY models, often producing around 150-170kW.
V8 Engine Details:
Included the 5.7L (350ci) Gen III LS1 V8 in performance variants (e.g., SS, Calais), producing approximately 225-255kW.
Front Suspension:
Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arm.
Rear Suspension:
Independent multi-link rear suspension (Independent Rear Suspension - IRS) became increasingly standard or optional depending on the model and year.
Brake Type:
Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs across most models, with larger discs and enhanced braking systems on performance variants.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Commonly 5 x 120 mm PCD.
