Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Holden Commodore/Lexcen owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicles.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level repair information in an accessible digital format, enabling users to perform complex diagnostics and repairs, saving on labor costs.
Content Highlight:
Factory-accurate, step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics.
Ease Of Use:
Digital format allows for easy navigation, printing of specific pages, and zooming into images/diagrams.
Authenticity:
Identical to the manuals used by dealership technicians.
Model Years Covered:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Specific Models Covered:
Commodore VR Series, Commodore VS Series, Lexcen VR Series, Lexcen VS Series
Trim Levels Covered:
Executive, Berlina, Calais, Utility, Statesman, Caprice
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as 'complete' and covering 'every single detail')
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Powertrain:
Engine Tune-Up and Maintenance, V6 Engine Maintenance and Rebuild, V8 Engine Maintenance and Overhaul, Starter System, Alternator System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Fuel System, Clutch, Automatic Transmission, 5-Speed Manual Transmission, Tail/Driveshaft, Rear Axle, Limited Slip Differential
Chassis And Suspension:
Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension (Conventional Differential, Independent Rear Suspension), Brake Systems (Vacuum Brake Booster, Disc Brakes, Hand Brake), Wheels and Tyres
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
Electrical And Accessories:
Heating and Air Conditioning, Instruments, Radio & Tapeplayer, & Switches, Lights, Switches & Battery Systems, Electrical Wiring & Fuses etc. (including Wiring Diagrams)
Emission Control:
Emission Control Systems (V6 and V8)
Maintenance:
Routine Maintenance, Major Service Operations, Maintenance Chart, Battery Inspection, Fluid Level Checks, Filter Replacements
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Problem Diagnosis (Engine Specific), Fault Finding for all systems
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Rebuilds (V6 & V8), Transmission Major Repairs and Rebuild (Automatic & Manual), Rear Axle Major Repairs and Rebuild, Steering Major Repairs and Rebuild, Suspension Major Repairs and Maintenance, Brake System Major Repairs, Body Panel Replacement, Component Overhauls
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level - Equivalent to dealership technician manuals. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and detailed component overhauls.
V6 Engine Variants:
3.8L (3791cc) Ecotec (LEO), 3.8L (3791cc) Supercharged Ecotec (L36 - for Calais/Statesman)
V8 Engine Variants:
5.0L (4987cc) Gen III V8 (LS1 - likely for later VS models/performance variants), 4.9L (4987cc) V8 (likely 'Holden V8' for earlier VR models)
Typical V6 Power:
Approx. 147-150 kW (200-204 hp) for naturally aspirated Ecotec
Typical V8 Power:
Approx. 167 kW (224 hp) for 5.0L V8, 215 kW (288 hp) for Supercharged V6
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 91 RON minimum)
Spark Plug Specifications:
Specific part numbers and gap settings detailed in manual for V6 and V8 variants.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5-5.0 Litres (Varies by engine, manual specifies exact capacity and type)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 9-10 Litres (Varies by model, manual specifies exact capacity and type)
Type V6 Models:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., 4L60-E)
Type V8 Models:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., 4L60-E), 5-speed Manual (e.g., Getrag 260/5)
Type V6 Models:
5-speed Manual (e.g., Getrag 260/5)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) managed, with diagnostic capabilities detailed in the manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent, manual specifies exact type and capacity)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil (manual specifies viscosity and type)
Body Styles:
Sedan, Station Wagon, Utility
Wheelbase Commodore:
Approx. 2730 mm (107.5 inches)
Wheelbase Statesman Caprice:
Approx. 2900 mm (114.2 inches)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1500 - 1750 kg (Varies significantly by model and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Specified per model variant in the manual.
Ancap Rating:
Not formally rated under modern ANCAP standards for these years. Equivalent ratings from earlier periods would be referenced if available.
Braking System:
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes (ABS optional/standard on higher trims)
Traction Control:
Optional on some VS models
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on higher trims (VR/VS series).
Seatbelts:
All seating positions equipped with seatbelts; front seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Audio Systems:
Factory fitted radio cassette players, optional CD players. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature. Basic trip computer on some higher trim levels.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available as an option or standard on certain models.
Cruise Control:
Available on many models, controlled via steering column stalk.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (Refer to manual for specific engine and oil type recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 20,000-30,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type; typically 40,000-80,000 km for standard plugs, higher for platinum/iridium.
Transmission Service:
Automatic: Every 40,000-60,000 km. Manual: Gearbox oil inspection/change at longer intervals (refer to manual).
Engine Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies exact type and part number.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Manual specifies correct type and change interval).
V6 Engine Common:
Ecotec engine's 'comedy chain' (timing chain stretch/noise on early Ecotecs), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks (sump, rocker cover).
V8 Engine Common:
LS1 engine: head gasket issues, intake manifold gaskets. Earlier Holden V8s: potential for valve guide wear, oil leaks.
Transmission Common:
Automatic transmissions can develop shifting issues or torque converter problems with high mileage. Manual gearboxes can have clutch wear.
Suspension Common:
Worn suspension bushings (control arms, sway bars), ball joints, and shock absorbers leading to knocking sounds or poor handling.
Electrical Common:
Window regulator failures, central locking issues, dashboard warning light faults, alternator/starter motor wear.
Holden Legacy:
Holden is Australia's iconic automotive manufacturer, known for producing robust and popular vehicles like the Commodore.
Commodore Legacy:
The Commodore has been Australia's best-selling car for many years, evolving through numerous generations. The VR/VS series represented a significant update from the previous VP series.
Lexcen Role:
The Lexcen was a rebadged version of the Commodore, sold by Holden under the 'Lexcen' nameplate during a period of strategic alliance, offering a similar but distinct market presence.
Production Period:
VR Series: 1993-1995, VS Series: 1995-1997
Manufacturing Location:
Australia
Market Dominance:
The Commodore consistently ranked as Australia's best-selling car during its production run, indicating strong market acceptance and customer loyalty.
Performance Variants:
While not directly covered by this manual's base description, performance variants like the SS and HSV versions (based on the Commodore platform) often received accolades for their driving dynamics.
Manufacturing Standards:
Produced under Holden's manufacturing standards, adhering to GM's global engineering practices.
