Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Ford Fairlane, Nissan Maxima (in some markets), Toyota Avalon (in some markets)
Distinctive Attributes:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, Australian-designed and manufactured luxury. Often featured powerful V6 and V8 engines.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Throttle Body, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Emission Control
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (Automatic), Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Differentials)
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brakes System, Wheels and Tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Trim, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance Procedures:
Periodic Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Inspections
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-based Diagnosis, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical System Diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Service, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Special Procedures:
Wheel Alignment, Air Conditioning Servicing, Emission Control System Adjustments
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete disassembly and reassembly, including detailed troubleshooting and diagnostics.
Engine Options:
Likely 3.8L and 5.0L V8 Holden Ecotec V6 and HSV V8 variants. (Specifics vary by exact WH sub-model and market)
Engine Type V6:
V6 (Ecotec, likely pushrod design)
Engine Type V8:
V8 (likely Holden Gen III LS1 V8 for later models or older V8 options)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Coolant Type:
Typically silicate-inhibited ethylene glycol coolant (refer to manual for specific GM/Holden specification, e.g., Dex-Cool compatible or specific Holden part number)
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity and GM/Holden specification, e.g., GM-LL-A-025)
Emission Standard:
Australian Design Rules (ADR) compliant for its model year.
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (e.g., GM 4L60-E or similar)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Typically not offered on Statesman models in the WH generation.
Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI or equivalent (refer to manual for specific Holden specification)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2990 mm (117.7 inches)
Length:
Approximately 5000 mm (196.9 inches)
Width:
Approximately 1840 mm (72.4 inches)
Height:
Approximately 1430 mm (56.3 inches)
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and options, typically around 1700-1850 kg (3750-4080 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate.
Towing Capacity:
Typically rated for towing (refer to manual for specific capacity).
Ancap Rating:
ANCAP ratings were not consistently published for vehicles of this era in the same way as modern standards. Refer to specific tests if available.
Brake System:
Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) likely standard or optional.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) likely available on higher trims or as an option.
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger. Side airbags likely available on higher trims or as an option.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner seatbelts for front occupants.
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette/CD player with multiple speakers. Upgradeable for modern connectivity.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (depending on trim level).
Cruise Control:
Standard feature on most WH Statesman models.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were an option on later models, but not widely prevalent.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary or USB inputs. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact schedule).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 37,000 miles) or 2-3 years (refer to manual for exact schedule and filter replacement).
Coolant Replacement:
Typically every 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 37,000 miles) or 2-3 years (refer to manual for specific coolant type and interval).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for specific Holden specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (refer to manual).
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, exhaust system components, ignition coils (on some V6 engines), water pump leaks, transmission cooler line leaks.
Electrical Quirks:
Window regulators, central locking actuators, instrument cluster issues (e.g., pixel degradation on some models).
Engine Specific Issues:
Ecotec V6: Potential for intake manifold gasket leaks, head gasket issues under extreme conditions. Gen III V8: Oil consumption can be a characteristic if not properly maintained.
Manufacturer:
Holden, a historically Australian automotive manufacturer, known for performance and larger sedans.
Predecessor:
VT Statesman
Successor:
BZ Statesman (based on Holden Commodore)
Production Years:
1999-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (Elizabeth, South Australia)
Automotive Journalism Awards:
Holden vehicles of this era often received positive reviews from Australian automotive publications for their comfort, refinement, and V8 performance variants.
Industry Accolades:
The Holden Commodore/Statesman platform was a consistent sales leader in Australia, indicating strong market acceptance.
