The Holden Commodore VX, produced from 2000 to 2002, represents a significant iteration of Holden's popular large car platform, built upon GM's VS-II/VT-II architecture. This rear-wheel-drive vehicle was designed for the Australian market, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and refinement, and competed primarily with other Australian-made vehicles and imported executive sedans. Available in sedan, wagon, and ute body styles, the VX Commodore was equipped with either the ECOTEC 3.8L V6 engine or the powerful 5.7L Gen III LS1 V8, paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Its engineering emphasized updated styling and improved chassis dynamics, continuing Holden's legacy of producing robust and capable vehicles.
This comprehensive factory service manual provides detailed information essential for the maintenance and repair of your Holden Commodore VX. It covers a wide array of systems, including powertrain, chassis, electrical, and body components, with in-depth procedures for everything from routine scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, to complex repairs and overhauls of engines, transmissions, and braking systems. The manual also includes valuable troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, and precise technical specifications, including torque values and fluid recommendations. This resource is an indispensable tool for owners, mechanics, and technicians seeking to ensure the optimal performance, reliability, and longevity of their VX Commodore.
Production Years Covered:
2000-2002
Platform Code:
GM VS-II/VT-II based
Positioning:
The Holden Commodore VX represented a significant evolution of Holden's popular large car, aiming to provide a blend of performance, comfort, and refinement for the Australian market.
Competitors:
Primarily competed against other Australian-made or large sedans such as the Ford Falcon, and imported executive sedans.
Design Philosophy:
Continuation of the Commodore's rear-wheel-drive architecture, with updated styling and improved chassis dynamics over its predecessors.
Manual Advantage:
Provides owners and technicians with the authoritative factory information required for accurate maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership servicing.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive maintenance and repair procedures
Additional Coverage:
Troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, technical specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Likely over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), transmission (automatic and manual), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, driveline, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, lighting, ignition, charging system, starting system, body electronics, infotainment system
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, climate control system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections), fluid checks and replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Engine repair and overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system overhaul
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical systems, fault code interpretation
Depth:
Extensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and diagnostics
Precision:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, component tolerances, and testing procedures
Format Details:
PDF, allowing zoom functionality for detailed inspection of diagrams and text
Compatibility:
Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital download)
Engine Options:
3.8L V6 (ECOTEC), 5.7L V8 (Gen III LS1)
3.8L V6 Power:
Approx. 150-175 kW (199-235 hp)
5.7L V8 Power:
Approx. 225-245 kW (302-328 hp)
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)
V6 Block Material:
Cast Iron
V8 Block Material:
Aluminum
V6 Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4L60-E)
V8 Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4L60-E)
V6 Optional Transmission:
5-speed manual
V8 Optional Transmission:
6-speed manual (Tremec T-56)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up
Manual Transmission Features:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Body Styles:
Sedan, Wagon, Ute
Wheelbase Sedan:
Approx. 2790 mm
Wheelbase Wagon Ute:
Approx. 2817 mm
Tare Weight Range:
Approx. 1500-1700 kg depending on body style and engine
Australian Ancap Rating:
Likely 4-star for sedan variants (at the time of release, compared to contemporary vehicles)
ABS:
Standard on most variants, optional on some entry-level models
Traction Control:
Available on higher-spec models and V8 variants
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard, optional side airbags on some models
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory-fitted AM/FM radio with CD player, cassette player (on some models), and speaker systems (upgrades available)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most variants
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions often used for aux/USB connectivity
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity)
Air Filter Replacement:
Check at 30,000 km, replace as needed or at 60,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement:
V6: Approx. 100,000 km; V8: Approx. 160,000 km (refer to manual for exact types)
Engine Oil V6:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific grades)
Engine Oil V8:
API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for specific grades)
Coolant:
GM DEX-COOL or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
GM DEXRON-III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type and capacity)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
V6 Common Issue 1:
Ecotec V6 intake manifold gasket leaks (often addressed by updated gaskets)
V8 Common Issue 1:
LS1 V8 oil leaks (e.g., rear main seal, valve cover gaskets) and potential piston slap when cold
General Issue 1:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure leading to fan speed issues
General Issue 2:
Power steering pump noise or leaks
Holden Legacy:
Holden has a long history of manufacturing iconic Australian vehicles, with the Commodore being its flagship model for decades.
Vx Generation Context:
The VX Commodore was the third generation to use the VT platform's underpinnings, introducing revised styling and handling improvements. It bridged the gap between the VT and the all-new VY generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Industry Awards:
While specific awards for the VX generation are not widely publicized, it contributed to the Commodore's ongoing success as Australia's best-selling car for many years.
