Segment:
Large family sedan, sedan-based utility vehicles (Utes), and performance variants
Manufacturer Reputation:
Holden, a significant Australian automotive manufacturer with a strong heritage in performance and family vehicles
Key Competitors Australia:
Ford Falcon, Toyota Camry (smaller segment but competing for family car market), Mitsubishi Magna/380
Vehicle Platform:
GM Zeta global platform, shared with Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet SS
Design Philosophy:
Rear-wheel drive, robust construction, offering a range of powertrains from efficient V6 to powerful V8, known for good handling and ride comfort
Target User:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and experienced mechanics seeking authoritative repair information
Benefits:
Cost-effective vehicle maintenance, in-depth understanding of vehicle systems, ability to perform complex repairs
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Rear-wheel drive (RWD) systems, drive shafts, differentials, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, steering linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, disc brake components (calipers, rotors, pads), ABS system, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/box, tie rods
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of electrical system, wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, audio systems
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant handling
Chassis:
Frame and chassis components, welding, alignment
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and differential overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
Component testing, electrical system diagnostics, scan tool data interpretation
Installation:
Installation procedures for various aftermarket and replacement parts (where applicable for repair)
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures
V6 Engine Options:
3.6L LLT/LFX V6 (variable valve timing, direct injection in later models)
V8 Engine Options:
6.0L L76/L98 V8 (Active Fuel Management in some L76), 6.2L LS3 V8 (SS models)
V6 Horsepower Range:
Approx. 260-300 hp (depending on specific V6 variant and year)
V8 Horsepower Range:
Approx. 355-415 hp (depending on V8 variant and year)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPFI) or Direct Injection (DI) for later V6 models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (91 RON minimum, premium unleaded recommended for V8 models)
ECM Type:
GM ECU/ECM (Engine Control Unit/Module)
Manual Options:
6-speed manual transmission (e.g., Tremec TR-6060 for performance models)
Automatic Options:
4-speed automatic (early models, less common), 6-speed automatic (e.g., 6L80, 6L90)
Drive Type:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard for most variants, optional All-wheel drive (AWD) on specific models (e.g., some Statesman/Caprice variants, AWD Sportwagon)
Body Styles:
Sedan, Ute (One Tonner, Maloo), Sportwagon (Estate)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2939 mm (115.7 in)
Length:
Approx. 4949-5061 mm (194.8-199.3 in) depending on body style
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1600-1900 kg (3500-4200 lbs) depending on powertrain and body style
Ancap Rating:
Achieved 5-star ANCAP safety ratings for sedan models in various configurations
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist (BA)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags available (depending on trim and option packages)
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned seatbelts
Head Unit:
Factory-installed audio systems with CD player, radio, and auxiliary input. Higher trims offered touchscreens, Bluetooth, and navigation systems.
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors
Reversing Camera:
Optional reversing camera on later models and higher trims
Bluetooth:
Available on higher trims and later models for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to specific model year and engine for exact recommendation)
Major Service Interval:
Spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, brake fluid service at significant mileages (e.g., 60,000-100,000 km)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SN/SM/SL synthetic oil (check specific engine requirements)
Coolant:
GM-specific silicate-free engine coolant (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible, typically orange or pink)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron VI (6-speed automatics), consult manual for older 4-speed models
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GM specified manual transmission fluid (specific viscosity and type varies)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid
V6 Timing Chain Wear:
Early LY7 3.6L V6 engines can experience timing chain tensioner and guide wear, leading to rattling noises
V6 Oil Leaks:
Oil cooler leaks (sandwich plate) and intake manifold gaskets can be common on V6 engines
V8 Afm Issues:
Active Fuel Management (AFM) system lifter issues can occur, resulting in lifter tick
Suspension Wear:
Ball joint and control arm wear, especially on higher mileage vehicles, can lead to clunks or uneven tire wear
Electrical Gremlins:
Various minor electrical faults can occur over time, often related to body control modules or sensor failures, well-covered by this manual's wiring diagrams
Holden Legacy:
Holden has a long history in Australia dating back to the 19th century, known for producing iconic Australian cars like the Monaro and earlier Commodore models
Commodore Lineage:
The VE Commodore is the sixth generation of the Commodore nameplate, marking a significant platform shift with the Zeta global architecture
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Major Facelifts:
Series II (introduced in 2010) with updated styling, engines, and features; Series III (introduced in 2013) with further refinements
