Positioning:
The Holden Commodore VT Series II represented a significant evolution in Holden's long-standing rear-wheel-drive sedan lineage, aiming to compete in the executive and family sedan market with a blend of performance, comfort, and Australian engineering.
Competitors:
Ford Falcon AU Series, Toyota Avalon MCX10R, Mitsubishi Magna TR/TS.
Design Updates:
VT Series II introduced revised styling, improved ergonomics, and enhanced safety features over its predecessor.
Value Proposition:
This comprehensive factory service manual empowers owners and technicians with the exact factory procedures and specifications for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the Holden Commodore VT Series II, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Quality Description:
This is a professional technical manual, complete and intact, identical to what is used by authorized Holden service centers.
Engine:
Complete Overhaul, Diagnosis, Maintenance
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection, Pump, Injectors, Throttle Body
Cooling Lubrication:
Radiator, Water Pump, Oil Pump, Oil Pan, Lubrication Passages
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS Included), Drivetrain
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, ECU, Lighting, Starting, Charging, Accessories
Emission Control:
EGR System, EVAP System, Oxygen Sensors
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim Components, Seating Systems, Glass.
Climate Control:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Diagnosis and Repair.
Dashboard And Instruments:
Instrument Cluster, Gauges, Warning Lights, Switches.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements
Repair:
Component Replacement, Reassembly, Rebuilds
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete Step-by-Step Instructions for all major components
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing specific parts like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, brake calipers, etc.
Diagnostic Charts:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Factory specified measurements for engine components, brakes, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed schematics for all electrical circuits.
Engine Options:
3.8L V6 (EcoTec L36), 5.0L V8 (Gen III LS1)
3.8L V6 Power:
Approx. 150-171 kW (185-208 hp)
3.8L V6 Torque:
Approx. 305-335 Nm (225-247 lb-ft)
5.0L V8 Power:
Approx. 225 kW (302 hp)
5.0L V8 Torque:
Approx. 445 Nm (328 lb-ft)
3.8L Supercharged V6 Power:
Approx. 171 kW (230 hp)
3.8L Supercharged V6 Torque:
Approx. 375 Nm (277 lb-ft)
Injection Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool (Extended Life Coolant) or equivalent silicate-free coolant.
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., SAE 5W-30, 10W-30)
ECU Type:
Delco Electronics or similar ECU (specific part numbers vary).
Supercharged V6 Option:
3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67) was available in higher performance models like the SS and Calais.
V6 Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)
V8 Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)
Manual Transmission:
Available on select V6 models (e.g., Getrag 5-speed).
Auto Modes:
Includes 'Sport' mode for enhanced performance shifting.
Manual Gearbox Type:
Common manual transmission for V6 models was the Getrag G58 (5-speed).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent.
Ancap Rating Vt:
3 Stars (for original VT, VTII likely similar without specific testing for that revision).
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette/CD players, with speaker configurations varying by trim level. Manual covers electrical connections and troubleshooting.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels. Manual details operation and diagnostic procedures.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on certain models, with programming procedures outlined in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact interval.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 60,000-80,000 km (37,000-50,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 litres (4.8 US qt) for V6, 5.0 litres (5.3 US qt) for V8 (check manual for exact capacity with filter).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 4-5 litres (4.2-5.3 US qt) for dry fill, higher for torque converter refill (refer to manual).
V6 Coil Packs:
Common failure point for the 3.8L V6, leading to misfires. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Transmission Cooling:
Ensure adequate transmission cooling, especially for towing or high-performance use. Manual provides procedures for inspection and flushing.
Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can occur over time due to Australian road conditions. Manual provides wear limits and replacement procedures.
Holden Legacy:
Holden has a long and storied history in Australian automotive manufacturing, with the Commodore being its flagship rear-wheel-drive passenger car platform for decades.
Vt Series Overview:
The VT Commodore was based on GM's V-body platform, shared with the US-market Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, and Oldsmobile Intrigue. The VT Series II brought styling tweaks, safety enhancements, and powertrain refinements.
Series Ii Enhancements:
VT Series II brought updated dashboard design, improved seating, new wheel options, and revisions to the Gen III V8 for increased refinement.
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia