Segment:
Full-size/large family car, executive sedan, performance sedan/coupe, performance wagon, performance ute. Competed against Ford Falcon, Toyota Camry (lower trims), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Caprice/Lumina), BMW 5 Series (Caprice/Lumina), and performance-oriented European sedans.
Key Competitors:
Ford Falcon (FG series), Toyota Camry, Chrysler 300C, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6.
Vehicle Strengths:
Rear-wheel drive dynamics, powerful V6 and V8 engine options, spacious interiors, strong performance credentials (especially HSV), good value proposition in its segment, Australian manufacturing heritage.
Vehicle Variants Covered:
Sedan, Ute, Sportwagon (aka Tourer/Estate), Caprice (long wheelbase), Lumina (export models), HSV Gen-F variants (e.g., ClubSport, R8, Maloo, Senator, Grange)
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Type:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (6L80, 6L90, 8L45, 8L90), Manual transmission (M10, M15, M24, M30), Driveshafts, differentials, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), steering system (electric power steering), braking system (ABS, EBD, ESC, disc brakes), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), chassis control module (CCM), lighting, power windows/locks, audio systems, climate control, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, glass, bumpers, body repair, rust prevention
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, wiring diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Options:
3.6L V6 (SIDI LFX/LF3), 6.0L V8 (L77), 6.2L V8 (LS3 - HSV), 6.2L Supercharged V8 (LSA - HSV GTS)
V6 Sidi Power:
210 kW (282 hp) @ 6700 rpm (LF3 slightly higher)
V6 Sidi Torque:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 2800 rpm (LF3 slightly higher)
V8 L77 Power:
260 kW (349 hp) @ 5400 rpm (later models 270 kW)
V8 L77 Torque:
530 Nm (391 lb-ft) @ 4400 rpm (later models 535 Nm)
V8 Ls3 Power:
325 kW (436 hp) @ 6000 rpm (ClubSport R8, Senator Signature)
V8 Ls3 Torque:
570 Nm (420 lb-ft) @ 4600 rpm
V8 Lsa Power:
430 kW (577 hp) @ 6500 rpm (GTS)
V8 Lsa Torque:
740 Nm (546 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm (GTS)
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for early V6, Direct Injection (DI) for SIDI V6, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for V8s.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (ULP) - minimum 91 RON recommended. Premium unleaded (95/98 RON) recommended for V8 and performance variants.
Transmission Options:
6-speed automatic (6L80/6L90), 6-speed manual (M10/M15/M24/M30)
Automatic Options:
8-speed automatic (8L45/8L90) introduced with VF Series II.
Transmission Features:
Driver-selectable modes (Sport, Eco), paddle shifters (optional/standard on performance models), advanced torque converter lock-up for efficiency.
Wheelbase:
2939 mm (Sedan/Sportwagon), 3039 mm (Caprice)
Length:
Approx. 4964 mm (Sedan), 4970 mm (Ute), 4983 mm (Sportwagon), 5169 mm (Caprice)
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 1600-1800 kg (depending on variant and engine)
Boot Capacity:
Approx. 495 litres (Sedan), 1266 litres (Ute with lid closed), 830 litres (Sportwagon with rear seats up)
Ancap Rating:
5 Stars (ANCAP for VF Commodore models)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rear Parking Sensors, Forward Collision Alert (optional), Lane Departure Warning (optional), Blind Spot Alert (optional), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (optional).
Passive Safety Features:
Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain, driver's knee), Anti-whiplash front head restraints, collapsible steering column, reinforced safety cell construction.
Infotainment System:
Holden MyLink infotainment system with touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora/Stitcher apps (later models with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration).
Driver Assistance Features:
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, parking assist, and automatic emergency braking on higher trims and Series II models.
Connectivity Features:
USB ports, auxiliary audio input, voice recognition, integrated satellite navigation (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil specification used (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Dexos2 or equivalent for V6 & V8 engines (check manual for precise specification and viscosity based on climate).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron VI for 6-speed automatics, appropriate synthetic ATF for 8-speed automatics. (Refer to manual for exact specifications and fill procedures).
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 89022234 (Orange, silicate-free, extended life) or equivalent specification.
Common Issues:
Early V6 engines (LFX) could experience oil consumption issues; some transmission shifting anomalies in early models; water pump leaks on some V8s; potential for early strut mount wear. Comprehensive manual helps diagnose and address these.
Heritage:
Holden is Australia's iconic automotive manufacturer, with a long history dating back to 1948. The Commodore nameplate has been a staple of Australian motoring since 1978.
Vf Introduction:
The VF Commodore (and WN Caprice) was launched in 2013 as a significant upgrade over the VE series, featuring extensive re-engineering, new styling, and improved technology. The HSV Gen-F range was launched concurrently, representing the pinnacle of Holden performance.
Production End Date:
Holden ceased manufacturing in Australia in October 2017, with the VF Commodore being the final Australian-built Holden.
