🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Holden

Model:

Commodore / Lexcen

Chassis Codes:

VR, VS

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance information.

Competitive Landscape:

Competed against other large Australian sedans and wagons such as the Ford Falcon and imported luxury sedans.

Value Proposition:

Provides an inexpensive way to keep vehicles working properly through detailed instructions and diagrams, saving on professional repair costs.

Detail Level:

Detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, photos, and step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly.

Completeness:

100% complete and intact, with no missing or corrupt pages/sections.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

Holden Commodore VR Series, Holden Commodore VS Series (Executive, Berlina, Calais, Utility, Statesman, Caprice), Lexcen VR & VS Series

Production Years Covered:

1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (estimated based on comprehensive coverage of multiple models and systems)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

V6 Engine Maintenance and Rebuild, V8 Engine Maintenance and Overhaul, Starter System, Alternator System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Fuel System

Drivetrain:

Clutch, Automatic Transmission (Maintenance, Major Repairs and Rebuild), 5 Speed Manual Transmission (Maintenance, Major Repairs and Rebuild), Tail/Driveshaft, Rear Axle (Major Repairs and Rebuild, Limited Slip Differential)

Chassis And Suspension:

Steering (Minor Maintenance, Major Repairs and Rebuild), Front Suspension (Minor Maintenance, Major Maintenance), Rear Suspension (Minor Maintenance, Conventional Differential, Independent Rear Suspension)

Brakes And Wheels:

Brake Systems (Routine Maintenance, Major Repairs, Vacuum Brake Booster, Disc Brakes, Hand Brake), Wheels and Tyers

Electrical And Electronics:

Lights, Switches & Battery Systems, Instruments, Radio & Tapeplayer, & Switches, Electrical Wiring & Fuses etc. (Wiring Diagrams)

Body And Interior:

Body (General Information, Floor Pan / Chassis, Dash / Instrument Panel, Front and Rear Door Assemblies, Boot Lid, Station Wagon & Utility Tailgate, Fixed Window Glass, Front & Rear Seats - Seat Belts, Interior Trim, Paint & Exterior Badges, Front Grille, Front Fenders & Bonnet, Bumper Bars), Exhaust System, Windscreenwipers & Washers

Climate Control:

Heating and Air Conditioning (Heating, Air Conditioning)

Emission Control:

Covers emission control systems, including diagnosis and potential component replacement to meet relevant environmental standards of the time.

General Maintenance:

Battery Inspection, Maintenance Chart, Emission Control, Tune-up Procedures

Engine Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Major Service Operations, Engine Overhaul, Problem Diagnosis

Transmission Repair:

Automatic Transmission Rebuilds, Manual Transmission Rebuilds, Differential Repair

Suspension Steering Brake Repair:

Steering System Rebuilds, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Major Repairs, Disc Brake Service

Electrical Diagnosis And Repair:

Wiring Harness Troubleshooting, Component Testing, Fuse and Relay Identification, Lighting System Repair

Body And Trim Repair:

Panel Replacement, Interior Trim Installation, Glass Replacement, Bumper Repair

Wiring Schematics:

Detailed and comprehensive wiring diagrams covering all electrical systems, essential for accurate troubleshooting and repair.

Ignition System Tune Up:

Detailed procedures for V6 and V8 ignition system tune-ups, including distributor, spark plug, and ignition lead servicing.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and wiring schematics.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes specific diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for various systems, such as ignition problems, fuel system issues, and electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Additional Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip for extraction.

Printability:

Fully Printable

Zoom Capability:

Zoom In/Out Functionality

Binding:

Digital Download (no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac

Bookmarks:

Bookmarked

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

V6 Variants:

Likely 3.8L (L36/ECOTEC) and potentially 3.0L (L81) depending on specific model year and trim within VR/VS series. Manual details V6 tune-up, maintenance, and rebuild.

V8 Variants:

Likely 5.0L ( keluarga Holden V8, '5.0 Litre' ) and potentially 5.7L LS1 in later VS models. Manual details V8 tune-up, maintenance, and overhaul.

Typical Horsepower Range:

V6: Approximately 170-190 hp; V8: Approximately 220-250 hp (exact figures vary by engine and year).

Description:

Fuel Injection (multi-port fuel injection is standard for these eras), fuel pump, fuel filter, and associated fuel lines. Manual covers fuel system maintenance and repair.

Engine Codes V8:

Commonly referred to as the 'Holden 304' or '5.0L' V8. Later VS models could feature the LT1-derived 5.7L LS1 V8. Manual covers both.

🔧 Transmission

Automatic:

Holden's 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4L30-E for V6, 4L60-E for V8 in some variants). Manual covers maintenance, major repairs, and rebuilds.

Manual:

5-speed manual transmission. Manual covers maintenance, major repairs, and rebuilds.

Limited Slip Differential:

Available on certain models/trims, particularly performance-oriented ones. Manual covers major repairs and rebuilds for the rear axle and LSD.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan, Station Wagon, Utility (Ute).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, but typical for vehicles of this class, likely ranging from 1800kg to 2200kg GVM for sedans/wagons. Manual provides specific weight data for each model.

Tare Weight:

Varies by body style and equipment, typically ranging from 1400kg to 1700kg. Manual will provide specific tare weights for each variant.

🛡️ Safety Features

Australian Ancap Ratings:

ANCAP ratings were not standardized or widely published for vehicles of this era in the same way as today. However, the Commodore platform was known for its robust structure.

Braking Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes depending on model. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option on many VR/VS models. Manual details brake system maintenance and repair.

Restraint Systems:

Seat belts (front and rear), driver and passenger airbags (optional on many models, standard on higher trims later in VS series). Manual covers seat belt systems.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory fitted radios with AM/FM tuner, cassette players, and optional CD players. Manual covers radio and speaker system removal/installation and common electrical faults.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an option on many models and is covered in detail within the brake systems section.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on many models. Manual covers operation, diagnosis, and repair of the cruise control system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 km or 6 months, though specific intervals will be detailed in the manual based on driving conditions.

Major Service Interval:

Spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement (if applicable to specific engine variant), coolant flush, etc., typically around 60,000-100,000 km or as per the manual's maintenance chart.

Engine Oil Type:

Varies by engine. Typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for V6, and potentially 5W-30 or 10W-40 for V8s. Manual will specify exact API service classification and viscosity.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a green or orange type, depending on original fill. Manual will specify exact type and mixture ratio.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent) is commonly specified for these GM-sourced transmissions. Manual will confirm exact specification and capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify the required type.

Power Steering Fluid:

Typically Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid is used in Holden power steering systems of this era. Manual will confirm.

Differential Fluid:

GL-5 gear oil, with specific viscosity grades (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90) depending on ambient temperature. Limited Slip Differential variants may require specific friction modifiers. Manual will detail.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension bushes, ball joints, sway bar links (due to Australian road conditions), ignition coil packs/leads (V6), water pump, radiator (common to older vehicles), tailshaft center bearing.

V6 Engine Specific:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (older V6), some oil leaks around seals, potential for spark plug blow-out in certain early models (less common in VR/VS). Transmission cooler line leaks.

V8 Engine Specific:

Head gasket issues (less common with alloy heads), oil leaks, exhaust manifold gasket leaks. Manual will provide diagnostic procedures for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Holden Legacy:

Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing large sedans and performance vehicles, with the Commodore being its flagship model for decades.

Commodore Vr Generation:

The VR Commodore (1993-1995) was a significant update, featuring revised styling, a more modern interior, and improved safety features over its predecessor (VP). Introduced a new generation of engines and transmissions.

Commodore Vs Generation:

The VS Commodore (1995-1997) was a facelift of the VR, with further styling refinements, updated features, and the introduction of more advanced engine technology, including the first Australian-produced V8s with sequential fuel injection and alloy heads (in some variants).

Manufacturing Location:

Australia (primarily Elizabeth, South Australia).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Australian Car Of The Year:

While the VR/VS series themselves may not have won a specific 'Car of the Year' award, the Commodore platform consistently received accolades and was a dominant force in the Australian automotive market throughout its production.