🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Holden

Model:

Commodore

Platform Codes:

VT, VX, VY, VU

Platform Generations Covered:

Fifth Generation (VT-VZ)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size sedan, coupe (Monaro), and utility vehicle, aimed at the Australian and New Zealand markets primarily. Competed with Ford Falcon and other large sedans/utes.

Key Competitors:

Ford Falcon (AU/BA series), Toyota Camry (larger variants), Mitsubishi Magna.

Vehicle Strengths:

Rear-wheel drive platform, powerful V6 and V8 engine options, comfortable ride, spacious interior, strong performance, robust build quality for Australian conditions.

User Benefit:

Essential resource for DIY mechanics, fleet managers, and enthusiasts to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs efficiently and accurately, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.

Significance:

Represents a significant evolution of the Australian Commodore platform, featuring updated styling, engineering, and technology from the previous VT generation.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

Holden Commodore VT, VX, VY, VU; Holden Berlina VT, VX, VY; Holden Calais VT, VX, VY; Holden Ute VU; Holden Monaro V2 (excluding specific powertrain/body variations of Monaro)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (all variants), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine management (ECU/PCM diagnostics), automatic transmission (4L60-E, 4L65-E, 4L80-E), manual transmission (Getrag 260, T5, T56), driveline (propshaft, driveshafts, differentials), clutch operation.

Chassis:

Suspension (independent front, independent rear/live axle depending on model), steering system (power steering, steering column), braking system (ABS, disc brakes, drum brakes), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instruments and gauges, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio systems, climate control systems, wiring diagrams (detailed schematics for various circuits), battery and charging system, starting system, anti-theft system (immobiliser).

Body And Interior:

Body panels (removal, installation, repair), doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, SRS (airbag) system components and servicing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid and filter service, differential fluid service, timing belt/chain inspection/replacement (where applicable).

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation and clearing, component testing, circuit testing, common fault diagnosis (e.g., misfires, starting issues, electrical faults), HVAC system troubleshooting, brake system fault finding.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine repair (e.g., cylinder head removal, piston replacement, crankshaft inspection), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints), steering rack replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component replacement (alternator, starter, sensors, actuators), body panel repair and replacement, airbag system component replacement.

Special Tools:

Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic routine maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Resolution:

High-resolution scans, suitable for digital viewing and printing of individual pages. Text is generally searchable if OCR processed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Search:

Likely searchable text content within the PDF (depending on source quality).

Scope:

Complete factory or equivalent level of detail.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Covered:

Ecotec L36 (3.8L V6), L67 (3.8L Supercharged V6), LS1 (5.7L V8), and variants thereof across VT, VX, VY generations.

Ls1 V8 Power:

Approx. 225 kW (302 hp) to 245 kW (328 hp) depending on specific tune and year.

L67 Supercharged V6 Power:

Approx. 171 kW (230 hp) to 180 kW (241 hp).

L36 V6 Power:

Approx. 147 kW (197 hp) to 152 kW (204 hp).

Induction Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (ULP) 91 RON minimum, higher octane recommended for performance variants.

Spark Plug Part Numbers:

e.g., NGK BKR6E (L36 V6), NGK TR55 (LS1 V8) - specific part numbers detailed in manual.

Engine Management System:

Delco (VT), Bosch Motronic/Delphi (VX/VY) depending on engine and model.

🔧 Transmission

V6 Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (4L30-E early VT, 4L60-E/4L65-E later VT/VX/VY).

V8 Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (4L60-E/4L65-E/4L80-E).

V6 Manual Transmission:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 260, M56)

V8 Manual Transmission:

4-speed Manual (T400/M40) early VT, 6-speed Manual (T56) later VT/VX/VY.

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, adaptive shifting (on later models), torque converter lock-up.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III / Mercon (check specific vehicle application, as later models may specify Dexron VI compatible fluid).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, specific viscosity (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90) as per manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2788 mm (109.8 in)

Length:

Approx. 4945 mm (194.7 in) for sedan

Width:

Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in) for sedan

Kerb Weight Sedan:

Approx. 1500-1700 kg depending on engine/options

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by model, typically around 2000-2200 kg.

Boot Capacity Sedan:

Approx. 450-500 litres.

Ute Payload Capacity Vu:

Approx. 700-1000 kg depending on variant.

Standard Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel wheels (base models), 17-inch and 18-inch available on higher trims.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm (often referred to as 5/120)

Typical Tire Sizes:

205/65R15, 215/60R16, 235/45R17, 245/40R18 (varies significantly by model and year).

🛡️ Safety Features

Ancap Rating:

Varies by year and specific model; VT/VX generally achieved 4-star ANCAP ratings. Later models might have slight improvements.

Brake Assist:

Available on higher-spec models and later production runs.

Traction Control:

Available on V6 Supercharged and V8 models, and as an option on some V6 models.

Electronic Stability Control:

Introduced on later VY models as an option or standard on premium variants.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available on higher trims (Berlina, Calais, some SS variants).

Seatbelts:

3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats.

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard on many variants, optional on base models, especially on earlier VT.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory fitted cassette/CD players, often with steering wheel controls on higher trims. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level. Features cabin air filters.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, often electronic.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were an option on later VY models, not widely available on VT/VX.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically factory fitted; requires aftermarket head unit or adapter for AUX/USB input.

Anti Theft System:

Immobiliser system integrated with the Body Control Module (BCM) and ECU.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).

Coolant Change Interval:

Initially 2-4 years or 40,000-60,000 km, depending on coolant type (e.g., orange long-life coolant).

Transmission Service Interval:

Automatic: 40,000-60,000 km for fluid and filter change. Manual: Dependent on usage, often inspected annually and fluid changed every 60,000-100,000 km.

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

Approx. 4.5-5.0 litres with filter, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual).

Engine Oil Capacity V8:

Approx. 5.5-6.0 litres with filter, viscosity typically 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 litres.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron III ATF often acceptable).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type).

Common V6 Issues:

Cracked cylinder heads (pre-2000 VT models with certain VINs), intake manifold gasket leaks, thermostat housing leaks, harmonic balancer failure, occasional transmission solenoid issues.

Common V8 Ls1 Issues:

Rear main seal leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (especially earlier models), piston slap (cold start), oil cooler line leaks (automatic transmissions).

General Issues:

Worn suspension bushings (clunks), air conditioning system leaks, minor electrical gremlins (window motors, central locking), fuel pump failures.

Timing Belt Or Chain:

V6 engines (L36/L67) use a timing chain. LS1 V8 engines use a timing chain. These are generally considered long-life components, but inspection for wear/tensioner issues is recommended at higher mileages.

📚 Vehicle History

Holden Legacy:

Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing vehicles tailored for Australian conditions.

Commodore Lineage:

The Commodore is Holden's flagship passenger car, tracing its roots back to the original 1978 Commodore VB. The VT marked a significant redesign and platform evolution.

Manufacturing Location:

Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia.

Production Years:

VT: 1997-2000, VX: 2000-2002, VY: 2002-2004, VU: 1999-2002.

Platform Sharing:

The VT-VZ platform also underpinned the luxury Statesman/Caprice models and the performance-oriented Monaro coupe (V2).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Australian Car Of The Year:

Holden Commodore VT was awarded Wheels Magazine Car of the Year in 1997. VY also received significant praise.

Performance Reviews:

Consistently praised for its V8 performance, handling, and comfort in period reviews from automotive publications like Wheels, Motor, and Car Australia.

Manufacturing Standards:

Produced to Australian Design Rules (ADR) and general automotive manufacturing standards of the era.