Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Competitors:
Ford Falcon, Toyota Camry (higher trims), Mitsubishi Magna (previous generations). The Calais represented the pinnacle of Holden's large sedan offerings, often competing with imported luxury brands in terms of features and comfort, while maintaining Australian engineering.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, powerful engine options, comfortable ride, premium appointments, strong performance from V8 variants, rear-wheel-drive platform.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables informed DIY maintenance and repairs, reduces reliance on costly dealership services, provides detailed technical knowledge for efficient troubleshooting and repair.
Engine Variants:
3.0L V6 SIDI (LFW), 3.6L V6 LP Gas (LWR), 3.6L V6 SIDI (LFX), 6.0L V8 GEN-IV L77, 6.2L V8 Supercharged LSA, 6.2L V8 LS3
Transmission Variants:
6-Speed Automatic (6L45, 6L50, 6L80, 6L90), 6-Speed Manual (AISIN AY6, TREMEC TR6060)
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Primary Language:
English
Digital Format:
PDF Download
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical systems, fuel systems, ignition systems, cooling systems, lubrication, exhaust systems, engine management (SIDI, VVT), supercharger systems (LSA), automatic transmissions (6L45, 6L50, 6L80, 6L90), manual transmissions (AY6, TR6060), clutch systems.
Chassis:
Brake systems (ABS, hydraulic, disc, parking), steering systems (power steering, column), suspension systems (front, rear, electronic control), wheel and tire systems, wheel alignment.
Electrical And Electronics:
Engine starting and charging systems, lighting, wipers and washers, vehicle access, horns, mirrors, data communications, power outlets, infotainment, navigation, displays and gauges, secondary customer controls, theft deterrent, immobilizer, object detection, pedestrian protection, remote functions, supplementary inflatable restraints (airbags), seat and seat belts.
Body And Trim:
Body hardware, exterior trim, interior trim, instrument panel, console trim, floor coverings, headlinings, bolted exterior panels, bumper systems, collision repair, frame and underbody, paint and coatings, plastic panels, windows, sunroof.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams for troubleshooting.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuild procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics, including detailed specifications, diagrams, and torque values.
Default Engine:
3.0L V6 SIDI DOHC VVT (LFW)
3.0L V6 Lfw Horsepower:
235 PS (173 kW)
3.0L V6 Lfw Torque:
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
3.6L V6 Lfx Horsepower:
274 PS (201 kW)
3.6L V6 Lfx Torque:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft)
6.0L V8 L77 Horsepower:
367 PS (270 kW)
6.0L V8 L77 Torque:
530 Nm (391 lb-ft)
6.2L V8 Ls3 Horsepower:
417 PS (307 kW)
6.2L V8 Ls3 Torque:
570 Nm (420 lb-ft)
6.2L V8 Lsa Horsepower:
582 PS (430 kW)
6.2L V8 Lsa Torque:
740 Nm (546 lb-ft)
Injection Type:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) / Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI for SIDI variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Premium Unleaded recommended for performance variants), LPG (for LWR engine)
Vvt:
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on all engines
Sidi:
Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) on 3.0L and 3.6L LFX engines
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Automatic (6L45/6L50 typically with V6, 6L80/6L90 with V8)
Optional Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (AISIN AY6 / TREMEC TR6060)
Automatic Features:
Active Select (Driver Shift Control), adaptive shifting logic.
Manual Features:
Performance-oriented gear ratios, robust construction.
Ancap Rating:
5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating (for VF Series)
Driver Assistance:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags (side impact protection).
Structure:
High-strength steel body structure, crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Holden MyLink infotainment system with touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora/Stitcher integration (depending on model year and options).
Premium Audio Option:
Available premium audio systems (e.g., BOSE).
Advanced Features:
Reverse camera, parking sensors, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert (availability varies by trim and options).
Connectivity Options:
USB ports, auxiliary input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval Km:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (may vary based on driving conditions).
Major Service Points:
Spark plug replacement (e.g., 120,000 km), transmission fluid change (e.g., 100,000 km, consult manual), coolant flush (e.g., 160,000 km).
Engine Oil Spec:
GM dexos1 GEN2 SAE 5W-30 (or equivalent meeting GM specification).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
GM DEXRON-VI (or equivalent meeting GM specification).
Coolant Type:
GM Super Coolant (Orange) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils and spark plugs (especially on V6 engines), water pump seals, HVAC blend door actuators, power steering pump leaks (less common on electric power steering variants if applicable), front suspension bushings.
Electronic Quirks:
Infotainment system glitches, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors, camshaft/crankshaft position sensors).
Holden Legacy:
Holden, an Australian icon, has a long history of producing large, capable sedans for the Australian market, dating back to models like the Kingswood and Statesman.
Vf Calais Positioning:
The VF Calais represented the flagship luxury variant of the Holden Commodore (which underpinned the Calais), building on the VE platform with significant updates to technology, refinement, and safety. It aimed to provide a premium Australian-made driving experience.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (Elizabeth, South Australia)
Production End Impact:
The VF Series marked one of the final generations of locally manufactured Holden vehicles before the closure of Australian manufacturing plants.
