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Introduction
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Market Position
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Positioning:
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The Holden VE Commodore and its rebadged Pontiac counterparts (G8, G6) represented a significant step forward in Australian and global rear-wheel-drive vehicle design, aiming for performance, comfort, and a premium feel.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Holden VE: Ford Falcon FG. Pontiac G8: Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro. Pontiac G6: Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry.
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Key Features
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Vehicle Platform:
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Built on the robust GM Zeta global rear-wheel-drive platform, shared with the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro (5th Gen).
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Design Philosophy:
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Modern styling, refined interiors, strong performance V8 options, and advanced chassis dynamics.
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Manual Value Proposition
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Value:
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This manual is essential for owners and technicians seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair their VE Commodore, Pontiac G8, or G6, offering detailed procedures and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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Manual Details
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Coverage Areas
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Vehicle Models Covered:
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Holden VE Commodore (Omega, Berlina, SV6, SV8, SS, Calais), Pontiac G6, Pontiac G8
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Engine Variants Covered:
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3.8L V6, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8 (LS3)
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Transmission Variants Covered:
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5-Speed Automatic, 6-Speed Automatic, Tremec Manual
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Page Count
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Estimated Page Count:
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Extensive (typical for a full service manual, likely 2000+ pages)
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Manual Type
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Type:
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Comprehensive Repair Manual
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Language
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Language:
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English
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Format
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Format:
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PDF Download
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine Mechanical (3.8L V6, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8 LS3), Engine Controls and Fuel, Engine Cooling, Engine Electrical, Engine Exhaust, Transmission (5-Speed Auto, 6-Speed Auto, Tremec Manual), Propeller Shaft, Rear Axles, Wheel Drive Shafts
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Chassis:
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Brakes, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering, Power Steering, Horn
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Body And Interior:
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Body Panel, Bumper and Facias, Cluster, Exterior Trim, Instrument Panel, Interior Trim Panel, Component Locator, Vehicle Access
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Electrical And Accessories:
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Lightning (Lighting), Entertainment, Restraints-Seatbelts
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Safety Systems:
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Restraints (seatbelts, airbags), ABS, ESC, Traction Control.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspection procedures
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Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
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System fault finding, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common issues and solutions
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Repair And Rebuild:
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Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, body panel repair
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Electrical System Diagnosis:
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Wiring diagrams, component testing, sensor diagnosis
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Component Replacement:
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Detailed steps for replacing major and minor components
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Body And Trim Repair:
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Detailed instructions for removal, installation, and repair of body panels, bumpers, fascias, exterior trim, and interior trim panels.
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Lighting System Repair:
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Headlight and taillight replacement, bulb identification, wiring for lighting circuits.
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Instrument Cluster And Electronics:
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Diagnosis and repair of instrument cluster faults, component locator for various electrical modules.
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Wheel Alignment Specifications:
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Comprehensive wheel alignment specifications for front and rear axles.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics, component disassembly, and reassembly for all specified systems.
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Wiring Diagrams:
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Includes detailed electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all major systems.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine 3.8L V6 Lf3 Specifications:
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Displacement: 3.8L (3791cc). Configuration: V6, naturally aspirated. Bore x Stroke: 96.0mm x 86.0mm. Compression Ratio: Typically 9.4:1. Power: Approx. 175-180 kW (235-241 hp). Torque: Approx. 330-340 Nm (243-251 lb-ft).
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Engine 6.0L V8 Ls2 Ls3 Specifications:
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Displacement: 6.0L (5967cc) / 6.2L (6162cc) for LS3. Configuration: V8, naturally aspirated. Bore x Stroke: 101.6mm x 92.0mm (LS2) / 103.25mm x 92.0mm (LS3). Compression Ratio: Typically 10.7:1 (LS2) / 10.7:1 (LS3). Power: Approx. 260-270 kW (349-362 hp) for LS2, 317 kW (425 hp) for LS3. Torque: Approx. 510-530 Nm (376-391 lb-ft) for LS2, 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) for LS3.
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Performance
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Fuel Type:
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Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended for V8s, 91 RON acceptable for V6).
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Fuel System
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Induction System:
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Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for V6. Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Fuel-Saving Cylinder Deactivation system present on some V8 models.
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Maintenance Items
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Spark Plug Type V8 Ls3:
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ACDelco 19307524 (or equivalent like NGK TR55GP)
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Engine Oil Capacity V8:
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6.0L V8: 6.9 Litres (7.3 US Quarts) with filter. 6.2L V8: 6.1 Litres (6.4 US Quarts) with filter.
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Engine Oil Specification V8:
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GM Dexos1 Gen2 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil.
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Air Filter Part Number V8:
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ACDelco A3142C (or equivalent)
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Transmission
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Standard
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Manual Transmission:
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Tremec TR-6060 6-Speed Manual (typically on performance V8 models like SS and G8 GT).
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Optional
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Automatic Transmission 5 Speed:
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GM 5L40-E 5-Speed Automatic (common on V6 models).
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Automatic Transmission 6 Speed:
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GM 6L80 / 6L90 6-Speed Automatic (common on V8 models).
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Features
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Transmission Oil Spec 6L80:
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GM Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
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Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
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GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-80.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically 15,000 km (9,375 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require shorter intervals (e.g., 7,500 km).
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Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
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Automatic: 60,000 km (37,500 miles) or 4 years. Manual: Typically 100,000 km (62,500 miles) or 5 years, consult manual for specifics.
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Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
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Recommended every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km, regardless of mileage.
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Fluid Specifications
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Coolant Type:
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GM Dex-Cool Orange Long Life Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based).
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
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Known Issues
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Common Issues V6:
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Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks (e.g., timing cover, rocker covers), ignition coil failures, water pump leaks.
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Common Issues V8:
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Lifter tick (especially early models), AFM lifter failure, oil cooler line leaks (on some models), exhaust manifold leaks.
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Common Issues Suspension Steering:
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Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and power steering pump issues or leaks.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Holden Legacy:
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Holden has a long and storied history in Australia, synonymous with large, rear-wheel-drive sedans and performance vehicles. The Commodore has been a cornerstone of their lineup for decades.
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Model Evolution
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Ve Commodore Development:
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The VE Commodore, launched in 2006, was a clean-sheet design developed under the Global RWD (GRWD) Zeta platform. It was a departure from previous Holden platforms and aimed for global appeal.
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Production
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Production Period:
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VE Commodore: 2006–2013. Pontiac G8: 2008–2009 (North America). Pontiac G6: 2004–2010 (though VE/G8 platform is different).
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Manufacturing Location:
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Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Holden VE Commodore). Canada (Pontiac G8 for North American market).
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