This manual covers the Commodore VE Series, produced between 2006 and 2011. This generation, built on the GM Zeta Platform (VE), represents a significant milestone as the first entirely designed and engineered in Australia. Available in various sub-models including the Omega, Berlina, SV6, SV8, SS, and Calais, as well as the Pontiac G8 and G6 variants for the North American market, the Commodore is renowned for its robust engineering, Australian heritage, and dynamic driving capabilities. It was manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and offered in Sedan, Sportwagon, and Ute body styles.
This comprehensive Workshop Service and Repair Manual, exceeding 3600 pages, provides detailed information for professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. It covers all essential systems, including engine management, powertrain, chassis and suspension, braking, electrical, body, and safety systems. The manual includes step-by-step procedures for routine maintenance, diagnostic troubleshooting, component replacement, engine overhauls, and transmission servicing. With its high-definition diagrams and well-structured content, this manual is an indispensable resource for maintaining and repairing your Commodore VE Series, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Model:
Commodore VE Series
Sub Models Covered:
Omega, Berlina, SV6, SV8, SS, Calais, Pontiac G6, Pontiac G8
Platform:
GM Zeta Platform (VE)
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts seeking to perform repairs and maintenance.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level information at a fraction of the cost, enabling significant savings on repairs and maintenance.
Digital Advantage:
Permanent storage on hard disk, instant access, no delivery wait times.
Content Structure:
Well-structured with bookmarks for easy navigation between chapters.
Accessibility:
No extra software required beyond standard PDF reader and file extraction tools.
Geographic Coverage:
Primarily Australia and North America (for Pontiac variants)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnosis and repair of engine control systems, fuel injection, ignition, emissions, and cooling.
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage for engine removal/installation, crankshaft, transmission overhaul, clutch operation, and drivetrain components.
Chassis And Suspension:
In-depth repair procedures for front and rear suspension systems, steering, and wheel alignment.
Braking System:
Detailed service information for hydraulic systems, ABS, EBD, and component replacement.
Electrical System:
Extensive wiring diagrams, charging system diagnostics, starter motor, lighting, meters, and switches.
Body And Trim:
Procedures for body panel repair, interior trim removal, and reinstallation of body components.
Safety Systems:
Coverage of restraint systems, including seatbelt mechanisms.
Routine Maintenance:
Detailed schedules for oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and general inspections.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to identifying and resolving common and complex vehicle issues, including a dedicated troubleshooting section.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine teardown, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Transmission Service:
Instructions for servicing both automatic and manual transmissions, including fluid changes and repairs.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full mechanical rebuilds.
File Type:
ZIP (requiring extraction)
Viewing Requirement:
Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)
Diagram Quality:
High Definition
Readability:
Readable on any device with a PDF reader, ready to print.
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Available Engines:
3.6L V6, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8 (LS3)
V6 Performance Note:
Specific horsepower and torque figures vary by specific engine code (e.g., LY7, LLT) and tune.
V8 6.0L Performance Note:
Typically refers to the LS2 engine, known for strong torque output.
V8 6.2L Performance Note:
Refers to the LS3 engine, an upgrade offering increased horsepower and torque over the LS2.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline)
Injection System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Available Transmissions:
5-Speed Automatic, 6-Speed Automatic, Tremec Manual
Manual Transmission Detail:
Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission, commonly found in performance V8 models.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Advanced electronic control, with specific features like Active Select (manual mode) depending on the variant.
Body Styles:
Sedan, Sportwagon, Ute (Coupe Utility)
Wheelbase Note:
VE Commodore featured a significantly longer wheelbase than previous generations, contributing to improved ride and interior space.
Curb Weight Range Note:
Varies significantly based on engine, transmission, and body style, ranging from approximately 1700 kg for base models to over 1900 kg for V8 variants.
Ancap Rating Note:
The VE Commodore generally achieved high ANCAP safety ratings for its era, with specific scores varying by year and standard equipment.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Passive Safety Features:
Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain), pre-tensioned seatbelts, reinforced safety cell.
Infotainment Systems:
Varied depending on trim level, including basic CD players with auxiliary input, up to premium audio systems with color screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation (on higher trims).
Driver Assistance Features:
Parking sensors (rear, sometimes front), cruise control, trip computer.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (on equipped models), USB input (on later models).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, though consult manual for specific engine type and operating conditions.
Major Service Intervals:
Scheduled for various checks and replacements (e.g., spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid) at higher mileage intervals like 60,000 km, 120,000 km, etc.
Engine Oil Specification Note:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade and API/ACEA specification required for each engine (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30).
Coolant Specification Note:
Requires specific type of extended-life coolant (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible or equivalent) to prevent corrosion and maintain performance.
Transmission Fluid Note:
Specific Dexron-VI or equivalent for automatic transmissions; manual transmissions require specific gear oil grades.
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plugs (especially on V6 engines), front suspension components (bushings, ball joints), power steering hoses, water pump.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues with interior lights, power windows, or dashboard warning lights can occur due to wiring harness faults or module issues.
Engine Performance Notes:
Some V6 engines can experience timing chain wear or oil consumption issues if maintenance is neglected.
Holden Legacy:
The Commodore is an iconic Australian car with a long and storied history of performance and practicality.
Ve Generation Significance:
The VE marked a significant departure, being the first Holden designed and engineered entirely in Australia with a global platform (GM Zeta).
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Pontiac Variants:
The VE platform was also rebadged and sold in North America as the Pontiac G6 (smaller sedan/coupe based on a related platform) and Pontiac G8 (based directly on the VE Commodore sedan).
Automotive Journalism Awards Note:
The VE Commodore and its Australian-designed platform received critical acclaim and numerous awards from automotive publications in Australia for its driving dynamics and refinement.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and relevant safety standards for the period of manufacture.