Vehicle Segment:
Luxury/Executive Sedan
Key Competitors:
Ford Fairmont/Fairlane, Nissan Pintara, Toyota Camry (Australia)
Vehicle Positioning:
Holden's premium large sedan, offering comfort, refinement, and performance.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with detailed, accurate information.
Service And Repair Procedures:
Comprehensive
Estimated Pages:
High (typical for factory service manuals of this era, often 1000+ pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Digital Features:
Printable, Zoom In/Out, Searchable Text (depending on PDF creation)
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine:
Included (various configurations, see engine_specs)
Transmission:
Included (automatic and manual, see transmission section)
Fuel System:
Included (carbureted and fuel injection systems)
Ignition System:
Included
Brakes:
Included (disc, drum, ABS if equipped)
Suspension:
Included (front McPherson strut, rear trailing arm/watt's link)
Steering:
Included (power steering)
Electrical System:
Included (wiring diagrams, lighting, charging, starting)
Body And Chassis:
Included (panels, doors, interior trim, glass)
HVAC:
Included (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Safety Systems:
Included (seatbelts, interior safety features)
Maintenance:
Included (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks)
Troubleshooting:
Included (diagnostic flowcharts, symptom analysis)
Repair:
Included (component replacement, adjustments, rebuilding)
Disassembly And Assembly:
Included (step-by-step instructions with diagrams)
Technical Specifications:
Included (torque values, clearances, fluid capacities)
Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major overhauls)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced (includes diagnostic procedures and fault codes)
Diagrams And Illustrations
Quality:
High Quality, Detailed, Exploded Views
Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Engine Code:
LB4 (3.8L V6)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Horsepower Kw:
Approx. 125 kW (168 hp) @ 4600 rpm (for 3.8L V6)
Torque Nm:
Approx. 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm (for 3.8L V6)
Optional Engine:
5.0L V8 (Group A homologation special and some standard models)
V8 Displacement Liter:
5.0
V8 Engine Code:
L30 (5.0L V8)
Technology:
Throttle Body Injection (early 3.8L) or Multi-Port Fuel Injection (later V6s and V8s).
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4L60E or similar GM THM700R4 variant)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (rare on Calais, more common on other VN models)
Automatic Control:
Electronic or Hydraulic control depending on specific variant
Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Crash Test Data:
Limited publicly available data for this specific era and model. Generally considered robust for its time.
ABS:
Optional on some variants (anti-lock braking system)
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard late in the VN series, but not on all 1988-1991 models.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, with height-adjustable front restraints.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX not standard; utilizes seatbelt systems for child restraint attachment.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio cassette player with optional premium sound systems.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges, trip computer on higher trims, climate control (manual or automatic).
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models.
Phone Integration:
Not available in the modern sense; aftermarket solutions possible.
Oil And Filter Change:
Recommended every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 60,000-100,000 km (depending on driving conditions).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 km or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check specific engine variant in manual).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
GM-specific power steering fluid or Dexron II/III
Common Wear Items:
Cracked dashboards (UV damage), aging rubber hoses and seals, potential for gasket leaks (e.g., rocker cover, intake manifold), thermostat housing leaks, starter motor brushes.
Electrical Quirks:
Early models may have issues with fuel pump relays, instrument cluster illumination, and window regulators. Wiring loom degradation over time.
Engine Specific:
The 3.8L V6 (LB4) can be prone to coolant leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. Head gasket issues are less common but possible with age and mileage.
Holden History:
Holden is an Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing iconic vehicles, often based on GM platforms.
Vn Generation Introduction:
The VN Commodore (including Calais) marked a significant departure from its predecessors, adopting the GM 'V' platform, sharing underpinnings with the Opel Senator.
Calais Positioning:
The Calais was the top-spec luxury variant of the VN Commodore, offering enhanced features and comfort.
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (Fishermans Bend, Victoria)
