Segment:
Large family sedan, a dominant player in the Australian automotive market.
Key Competitors:
Ford Falcon AU, Toyota Avalon
Platform:
Based on the GM 'V platform', shared with Cadillac DeVille and Oldsmobile Aurora of the same era, though significantly adapted for Australian conditions.
Design Philosophy:
Offered a blend of comfort, space, and performance, with a focus on Australian driving conditions.
Covered Models:
All Holden Commodore VT Series I models/engines/trim/transmission types
Geographic Coverage:
Australia and New Zealand markets
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Fuel System, Throttle Body, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Brakes (front and rear), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, Power Accessories, Audio System
Body And Trim:
Body Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Glass
Comfort And Climate:
Air Conditioning System, Heater System, Seats, Restraints (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Periodic Maintenance Schedules, Fluid Level Checks, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups, Lubrication
Repair:
Component Overhaul, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Service, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnostics and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fault finding procedures for all major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Clearances, Fluid capacities, Electrical specifications, Component data
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete disassembly and reassembly, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Compatibility:
Requires Adobe PDF Reader or compatible PDF viewer
Printability:
Printable without restriction
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Completeness:
Complete and intact, no missing or corrupt parts/pages guaranteed.
Engine Options:
3.8L Ecotec L36 V6, 3.8L Supercharged Ecotec L67 V6, 5.0L (304ci) Holden V8 (LV2), 5.7L LS1 V8 (Gen III)
V6 3.8L L36:
Approx. 147 kW (197 hp) @ 4800 rpm, 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm
V6 3.8L L67 Supercharged:
Approx. 171 kW (230 hp) @ 4800 rpm, 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
V8 5.0L Lv2:
Approx. 168 kW (225 hp) @ 4400 rpm, 375 Nm (277 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm
V8 5.7L Ls1:
Approx. 225 kW (302 hp) @ 5600 rpm, 445 Nm (328 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (91 RON minimum, premium recommended for L67/LS1)
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (4L60-E for V6 and LS1 V8, 4L65-E for L67 V6), 4-speed manual (less common)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260 derived, available on some V6 models)
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shift control, 'Power' and 'Economy' modes
Length:
Approx. 4920 mm (193.7 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1792 mm (70.6 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1425 mm (56.1 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2788 mm (109.8 inches)
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 1550-1700 kg (depending on engine and options)
Ancap Rating:
Pre-ANCAP (pre-2000) or early ANCAP ratings indicate moderate to good occupant protection for its era.
Braking:
Front ventilated disc brakes, Rear solid disc brakes (ABS optional/standard on higher trims)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models, particularly with V6 Supercharged and LS1 V8.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory fitted cassette/CD players with radio, speaker systems varied by trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims.
Interior Features:
Power windows, power mirrors, central locking, air conditioning (standard or optional by trim).
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to specific engine and oil type).
Major Service:
At 40,000 km and 80,000 km intervals (includes spark plugs, filters, etc., varies by engine).
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature. (Consult manual for precise specs).
Coolant:
Dex-Cool (GM 6043M) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent) for automatic transmissions.
V6 Ecotec:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on earlier models), potential for cracked cylinder heads on early non-supercharged V6s, harmonic balancer issues.
Ls1 V8:
Potential for piston slap (especially on cold starts), oil cooler line leaks, harmonic balancer issues.
General:
Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), cooling system component failures (radiator, water pump), electrical gremlins if not maintained.
Holden Legacy:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive brand with a long history of producing vehicles tailored to Australian conditions and tastes, often based on GM platforms.
Vt Commodore Introduction:
Launched in 1997 as the VT series, it represented a significant departure in terms of styling and platform from its predecessor (VR/VS). The VT Series I covers models from 1997 to 1999.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its 'V' platform with several North American GM sedans, but received extensive local tuning and unique body panels for the Australian market.
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Production Years:
VT Series I: 1997-1999. The VT platform continued through Series II until 2002.
