Target Audience:
Owners of Holden Commodore VK series vehicles seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, automotive enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional workshops.
Manual Advantage:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information, mirroring the documentation used by authorized Holden technicians, offering detailed procedures and diagrams essential for accurate repairs.
Illustrative Content:
Features detailed exploded views and step-by-step procedures with pictures and diagrams for clarity.
Content Scope:
Covers repairs, maintenance, and servicing for all applicable models, engines, and transmissions within the VK Commodore range.
Engine Variants Covered:
3.3L 6-Cylinder (EST), 3.3L 6-Cylinder (EFI), 5.0L V8-Cylinder
Transmission Variants Covered:
4-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Manual, 3-Speed Automatic
Body Styles Covered Detail:
Sedan 4-door (6-window configuration specified), Station Wagon.
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific edition, but described as comprehensive, suggesting hundreds of pages typical for a workshop manual.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Cooling, Engine Fuel System (Carburetor and EFI), Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Engine Tune System
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch System, Manual Transmission (4 & 5-Speed), Automatic Transmission (3-Speed), Rear Axle, Propeller Shaft, Universal Joints
Chassis Systems:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brake System, Wheels & Tires
Body And Interior Systems:
Body Repair System, Radiator Grille, Bumper Bars, Heating & Ventilation, Air Conditioning
Electrical Systems:
Engine Electrical, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Battery & Cables, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Gauges, Wiper-Washer-Horn, Radio & Tape Player, Wiring Harness & Fuses, Wiring Diagrams
Fuel Tank And Lines:
Coverage includes fuel tank removal, installation, fuel lines, and associated components.
Exhaust System:
Details on exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter (if fitted).
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, component checks
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation across all covered systems
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault finding, diagnostic charts, electrical circuit analysis
Specifications And Tolerances:
Tightening torques, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting faults.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams.
Engine Options:
3.3L (202 cubic inch) Inline 6-Cylinder (Carbureted - EST and Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI), 5.0L (308 cubic inch) V8-Cylinder
Estimated Power Output 3.3L:
Approx. 100-115 kW (depending on configuration)
Estimated Power Output 5.0L V8:
Approx. 126-135 kW (depending on configuration)
Fuel Delivery 3.3L Est:
Rochester 2-barrel carburetor
Fuel Delivery 3.3L Efi:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system
Fuel Delivery 5.0L V8:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (standard)
Inline 6 Codes:
RB30 (common designation for 3.0/3.3L engines).
V8 Codes:
RB308 (common designation for 5.0L V8 engines).
Standard Transmission:
Availability varied by trim and engine, but 4-speed manual was common.
Optional Transmissions:
5-speed manual transmission, 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Turbo-Hydramatic 350 or 400 for V8s).
Transmission Coverage:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2820 mm (111.0 in)
Length:
Approx. 4813 mm (189.5 in) for Sedan
Width:
Approx. 1715 mm (67.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1395 mm (54.9 in) for Sedan
Kerb Weight:
Varies significantly by model and engine, typically ranging from 1300 kg to 1500 kg.
Safety Equipment:
Focus on mechanical and electrical safety systems as per the era; no formal crash test ratings comparable to modern standards are readily available for this specific model year range.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (power assisted). Potential for optional front ventilated discs on higher trims or V8 models.
Restraints:
Seat belts (lap-sash front, lap rear) were standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months, whichever came first. Consult specific manual for exact intervals.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, ignition timing, and carburetor/EFI adjustments typically recommended every 15,000-25,000 km.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF/SG classification, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 recommended, depending on climate. V8 engines may have slightly different recommendations.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio), typically for a -37°C freeze protection.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-II or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-II or equivalent power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor wear, fuel pump issues (especially with unleaded fuel conversion), ignition system components (points, condenser, coil), suspension bushings, exhaust system corrosion, rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills).
Efi System Considerations:
EFI system components can require specialized diagnostic tools; sensors and injectors may degrade over time.
Holden Legacy:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing popular passenger vehicles and performance cars.
Commodore Lineage:
The VK Commodore was part of the second generation of Holden's rear-wheel-drive Commodore line, known for its strong Australian identity and association with the 'Blue' engines.
Vk Commodore Updates:
The VK was a significant facelift of the VC and VH Commodores, introducing revised styling, updated engines (including the introduction of the fuel-injected 3.3L six), and improved features.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia
