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Holden Commodore Repair Workshop Manual

The Holden Commodore is an car produced because 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors inside Australia, plus, formerly, inside New Zealand. Initially introduced because a single sedan body design, the range extended inside 1979 with include a station wagon,

The Holden Commodore is an car produced because 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors inside Australia, plus, formerly, inside New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals with substitute the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a small, Opel-based model. Opel continued with offer the basis for future decades till the release of the 4th generation inside 2006, that deployed an Australian developed platform.

Initially introduced because a single sedan body design, the range extended inside 1979 with include a station wagon, with utility plus long-wheelbase Statesman/Caprice derivatives following inside 1990. The foundations for a revived Monaro coupé, four-door Holden Crewman utility, plus all-wheel drive Adventra crossover were offered by the today discontinued 3rd generation architecture. From 1984, Holden started branding the flagship Commodore model because Holden Calais; the Holden Berlina plus Holden Ute followed inside 1988 plus 2000, respectively. These were acknowledged earlier because the Commodore Berlina plus Commodore utility.

Rivalry has come predominantly within the Ford Falcon—also nearby built. Before the 1988 onwards 2nd generation Commodore, the Holden was placed the full class under the full-size Falcon. To a lower degree, competition has equally come from Toyota, plus earlier Mitsubishi Motors, with their mid-size vehicles. Between 1989 plus 1997, Toyota retailed a Toyota Lexcen variation of the 2nd generation Commodore. With the introduction of generation 3 inside 1997, Holden broadened the Commodore's export plans. Because the late 1990s, Commodores have been delivered abroad because the Chevrolet Lumina inside the Middle East till 2011 plus South Africa till 2012, plus because the Chevrolet Omega inside Brazil till 2008, then again inside 2010. Vauxhall VXR8 sales started inside 2007. Versions have additionally been earlier exported inside the mid-1990s with Southeast Asia because the Opel Calais, plus with North America from 2007 with 2009 because the Pontiac G8. The newest Commodore, the VF, is currently available inside North America because the Chevrolet SS.

Holden announced inside December 2013 it can stop manufacturing of the Commodore inside Australia inside 2017.


Introduced inside October 1978, the Holden VB Commodore development covered a period with all the effects of the 1973 oil crisis nonetheless being felt. Hence, whenever Holden decided with substitute the effective full-size HZ Kingswood with a fresh model line, they tailored the new auto with be small plus more gas effective. Originally, Holden looked at developing a modern WA Kingswood, nonetheless, this project was later dismissed. With no substitution inside development, Holden looked towards Opel for providing the foundations of the VB, basing it loosely found on the four-cylinder Rekord E bodyshell with all the front grafted about within the Opel Senator A. This change was necessitated to support the greater Holden six- plus eight-cylinder motors. Holden additionally adopted the name "Commodore" from Opel, that had been utilizing the name because 1967. Opel went about with employ Holden’s Rekord-Senator crossbreed because a foundation for the brand-new generation Commodore C, slotting between the 2 donor models.
VB Commodore SL/E interior

With GM’s rear-wheel drive V-body platform because utilized by the Rekord plus Senator, the VB retained 96 % of the preceding HZ Kingswood's inside area, despite being 14 % small inside total dimensions, though five % heavier than the Torana. With the Commodore dropping a full class under the Kingswood as well as its Ford Falcon rival, the small Commodore was predictably more fuel-efficient. This downsizing was initially enjoyed because a main drawback for Holden, because they had effectively relinquished the possible of marketing Commodores with the fleet plus taxi industries. These sales losses were considered unrecoverable; still, the 1979 stamina crisis saw Australian oil costs rise by 140 %, placing significant stress found on the automotive industry with jointly downsize, a change which Holden had absolutely performed.

During the VB’s development, Holden realised which whenever driven at speed over harsh Australian roads, the Rekord might effectively break inside half at the firewall. This forced Holden with rework the whole auto for localized conditions, causing just 35 % commonality with all the Opel. The Rekord’s MacPherson strut front suspension was accordingly modified, as well as the recirculating ball steering was changed with a rack plus pinion kind. These modifications blew development bills beyond expectations with a reported A$110 million—a figure close with the expense of developing a unique model independently. With such a big sum consumed by the VB development programme, Holden was left with insufficient finances with resource the development of the wagon variant. Added which the Commodore architecture was considered an unsuitable base for utility plus long-wheelbase models, Holden was left with just a sedan, albeit 1 inside 3 degrees of luxury: a base, SL, plus SL/E. Desperate measures forced Holden with form the Commodore front-end with the back of the Rekord wagon. As the wagon-specific sheet metal had with be imported from Germany, the wagon, introduced inside July 1979, suffered from inevitable component variations within the sedan. Although infrequently criticised inside the early years, standard difficulties were obvious, with bad trim plus panel fit difficult for all initial generation Commodores. This combined with mechanical dilemmas like water pump failure plus steering rack rattle guaranteed guarantee claims were excellent inside the initially year. In face of these issues, VB was praised for the value for revenue plus sophistication, particularly inside regards with the steering, ride standard, handling plus brakes, therefore securing the Wheels Car of the Year honor for 1978.

The VP update of 1991 showcased aesthetic changes plus mechanical still many were not noticeable except we were with pull the engine down; along with a pretty synonymous revised 3.8-litre V6 plus 5.0-litre V8 machines within the VN were carried over. The 2.0-litre straight-four engine earlier obtainable in New Zealand was discontinued. Exterior aesthetic changes included a translucent acrylic grille found on the base level Executive plus Berlina, with a colour-coded grille for the S plus SS, along with a chrome grille for Calais. Updated tail lights plus boot garnishes were equally a piece of the changes, that were different for every model, with all the Berlina having gray stripes as well as the Calais chrome stripes. Semi-trailing arm independent back suspension became standard found on the Calais plus SS, however, was produced a choice about lower-end models inside lieu of the live back axle, improving ride plus handling.

A hot wider front track was introduced with address issues with all the past carried-over VL chassis components. In August 1992, anti-lock brakes were introduced because a choice found on the Calais plus SS trim degrees, later becoming optional about all Series II variants. This January 1993 update furthermore included a colour-coded grille for the Executive plus alloy wheels for the Commodore S.

Toyota's pattern of updating their Lexcen model tended to adhere to Commodore’s model cycle. The T2 Lexcen from 1991 pioneered hot specification designations: CSi, VXi plus Newport. All future updates, T4 plus T5 Lexcens) used the fresh naming program till 1997, whenever the badge technology scheme ceased. To provide further differentiation with the Lexcen within the Commodore, the Lexcens within the VP model onwards had special front-end styling treatments.

The 1995 Holden VS Commodore served because a mechanical update of the VR, destined with keep sales momentum before the arrival of a all-new VT model. The extent of outdoor changes amounted with little over a redesigned Holden logo plus wheel trims. An overhauled Ecotec variation of the Buick V6 engine coincided with changes with the engine inside the United States. The Ecotec engine packed 13 % more energy for a total of 147 kilowatts, cut gas expenditure by 5 %, improved the compression ratio from 9.0:1 with 9.4:1 plus improved found on the engine's past rough characteristics. Holden mated the hot engine with a modified adaptation of the GM 4L60-E automatic transmission, improving throttle reaction plus smoothing gear changes. The Series II update of June 1996 included elliptical side turn signals, inside tweaks as well as the introduction of the supercharged V6 engine for chosen trim degrees, as well as the introduction of the brand-new Getrag guide transmission. The hot supercharged engine slotted involving the existing V6 plus V8 machines inside the lineup plus was officially rated at 165 kilowatts, simply 3 kilowatts under the V8.

The VS Commodore was the last of that with be available because Toyota Lexcens, because Holden plus Toyota ended their model-sharing scheme. The last Lexcens were built throughout 1997. This model was furthermore available because the VS Commodore Royale inside New Zealand. Similar inside specification with the Calais additionally available inside New Zealand, the Royale showcased a standard VS Commodore body with all the front end within the VS Caprice plus an Opel 2.6-litre 54-Degree V6 engine. The Royale was moreover available between 1995 plus 1997 inside tiny numbers with Malaysia plus Singapore because the Opel Calais.

The 1993 VR Commodore represented a main facelift of the 2nd generation architecture exiting just the doorways plus roof untouched. Approximately 80 % of auto was brand-new compared to the preceding model. Exterior changes brought an total easier body, semicircular wheel arches as well as the "twin-kidney" grille—a Commodore styling trait that stayed till the VY model of 2002 plus remains a lasting staple found on the HSV variants for this day. The rear-end treatment saw raised tail lights, implemented for protection factors, along with a driver's side airbag was introduced because an option: a initial for an Australian-built automobile. Other protection qualities like anti-lock brakes plus independent back suspension were just accessible with all the hot electronic GM 4L60-E automatic transmission. Along with a driver's airbag plus cruise control, these qualities were packaged into a brand-new Acclaim specification level: a family-oriented protection spec above the entry-level Executive. Holden's sturdy focus about protection is watched inside the Used Car Safety Ratings. The results show which inside an accident, VN/VP Commodores give a "worse than average" amount of resident security. But, the up-to-date VR/VS models were found with give a "much better than average" amount of protection security. Holden issued a Series II revision inside September 1994 delivering audible caution chimes for the handbrake plus gas level amidst alternative changes.

The newest revision of the Buick 3.8-litre V6 engine was fitted with the VR Commodore, featuring rolling-element bearings inside the valve rocker arms plus improved compression ratios. These changes combined with deliver an heighten inside energy with 130 kilowatts plus further improvement inside sound, vibration, plus harshness degrees. Wheels magazine granted the VR Commodore Car of the Year inside 1993.


The Holden VT Commodore, Berlina, plus Calais are the tenth iteration of the Holden Commodore, a full-size auto built by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Released inside 1997, the VT was up-to-date because a element of the VT II revision inside 1999, before being changed by the VX model inside 2000.

The VT Commodore was called because the Wheels Car of the Year for 1997, the VT being the 4th Commodore series with have claimed the yearly honor. It found prepared popularity inside the marketplace because various customers steered away within the Ford AU Falcon, becoming the number one marketing Commodore with date plus cementing its region because first inside Australian sales.

The VT heralded the fitment of semi-trailing arm independent back suspension because standard over the range. But, whenever initially carried over, the European shape was simplified with all the reduction of the toe control link, standard equipment found on the six-cylinder Omega because 1987. This enabled distortions with the suspension camber angle plus toe below thick weight, commonly occurring throughout thick towing or whenever going over undulated surfaces, leading with excessive back tyre wear. Holden's performance arm HSV re-added the toe control link found on the flagship GTS 300 model, based found on the Series II update. The supercharged V6 was uprated with 171 kilowatts within the past VS model. For the Series I, the supercharged engine was optional found on the S, SS, plus Calais trims. The supercharged V6 supply was revised for the Series II. No longer accessible found on the SS, it became optional found on the Berlina plus standard fitment of the Calais, though the naturally aspirated adaptation might be specified because a "delete option". Safety smart, side airbags with torso plus head security became a choice for the Acclaim plus high models inside 1998, a initial for Holden.

GM's American counterparts were interested inside incorporating a left-hand drive Commodore into the Buick lineup plus became included inside the VT development cycle early about. Holden was offered money for the required technology changes along with a prototype was unveiled with the American public inside 1996 because the Buick XP2000 concept automobile. The project, acknowledged internally because Project 127, was abandoned inside early 1994, effectively before the VT's launch however, Holden produced the nearly all of the condition by exporting left-hand drive VTs with components of Indochina as well as the Middle East badged because the Chevrolet Lumina. Thus started the Commodore's fast expansion into a amount of overseas markets including Brazil, because the Chevrolet Omega, plus later, with all the Monaro with the United States, where it was available by Pontiac beneath the GTO nameplate.

The Holden VX Commodore, Berlina plus Calais range of full-size vehicles were the eleventh instalment of Holden Commodore, a model produced by Holden, the Australian subsidiary of General Motors. Produced between October 2000 plus September 2002, the VX served because minor update with the VT series from 1997 plus premiered revised styling, better model differentiation, together with gains inside crash protection. An intermediate Series II was established inside August 2001, featuring a revised suspension program amidst additional changes.

The VX series introduced further mechanical updates with the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine, that received changes with the engine administration computer with bring energy as much as 152 kilowatts. Fuel economy was additionally improved over the past model by 3 with 4 %. The optional Supercharged Ecotec V6 extended its service with the Executive plus Acclaim variants, with all the 171-kilowatt output figure remaining unchanged within the VT. Also as the supercharged six-cylinder, an more effective 5.7-litre Chevrolet-sourced Gen III V8 engine was available. The powerplant received force increases from 220 with 225 kilowatts.

A modified front suspension setup received lower control arm pivot points. The Series II update showcased the addition of the unique back cross associate, revised back control arm assemblies with modern fashion bushing plus toe-control hyperlinks with the semi-trailing arm back suspension with greater keep the toe settings throughout suspension movements, causing more predictable auto handling, noticeably over uneven surfaces, plus improved tyre wear.

The 2nd tier Acclaim was advertised because a family-oriented variation of the VX range, with a sturdy focus about protection. Building found on the equipment degrees of the Executive, the Acclaim equally showcased 4 airbags, cruise control, traction control, air conditioner plus force windows. A four-speed automatic transmission was truly the only transmission accessible, though customers did have the chance with choose the Supercharged Ecotec V6 engine.

The entry-level Executive had been a prevalent choice among fleet customers, plus available standard attributes like anti-lock brakes, a driver's air bag, trip computer, plus central locking. Along with all alternative variants, steering wheel sound controls, a CD player, plus an electrically retracting force antenna were today standard. The naturally aspirated 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 came standard found on the Executive, with all the choice of the Supercharged Ecotec V6 or Gen III V8 engine. V6 machines were combined with a five-speed guide transmission, plus V8s came with a six-speed guide. A four-speed automatic transmission was accessible because an optional additional, irrespective of the engine choice.

The A$250 million VY mid-cycle update of 2002 represented the initial main styling shift because the 1997 VT. Designers discarded the rounded front plus back styling of the VT plus VX models, adopting more aggressive, angular lines. The same approach was used with the interior, whereby the curvaceous dashboard shape was orphaned inside favour of a angular, symmetrical shape. Satin chrome plastic today dominated the façade of the centre system stack, plus high-end models received fold-out cup holders lent from other GM subsidiary Saab. Leaving Eurovox behind, Holden turned towards German electronics maker Blaupunkt with source sound systems—an arrangement which remains inside destination now.
VY II Commodore SS sedan
VY II Berlina interior

Engineering smart, Holden kept the changes low key. A revised steering program plus tweaked suspension tuning were amidst a few of the changes with hone handling precision. Further improvements were created with the Generation III V8 engine with provide peak force of 235 kilowatts for sports variants. In a call with recapture the marketplace for low-cost, high-performance vehicles, Holden built a new SV8 specification level. Based found on the entry-level Executive, the SV8 inherited the V8 mechanical package within the SS nevertheless produced do without the deluxe visits plus was available at a correspondingly lower cost. Holden additionally experimented by releasing a limited edition wagon variation of its high-performance SS variant, of that just 850 were built. The Series II update added a front strut bar because standard with the SS, that was advertised with strengthen rigidity plus therefore handling. As became the trend, the update raised V8 force, today up 10 kilowatts. Amendments inside the remaining models were limited with unique wheels, trims plus decals, yet, the Calais has taken about a sports-luxury persona because opposed with the discrete deluxe character enjoyed inside past models. This repositioning consequently affected the Berlina’s standing. The when second-tier model today became the sole deluxe model, just overshadowed by the higher priced Calais. Coinciding with all the VY II models was the initially four-door utility model dubbed the Holden Crewman. Crewman’s underpinnings plus body structure when somewhat distinctive, shared a fair amount inside popular with all the Statesman/Caprice, One tonner as well as the two-door Ute.

Sensing a unique possible marketplace, Holden developed an electronically controlled all-wheel drive program for the VY platform dubbed Cross Trac at a expense of A$125 million. Unveiled following the Series II changes inside 2003, the initial application of the fresh program was the Holden Adventra, a raised VY wagon crossover. The program was just obtainable in combination with all the V8 plus automatic transmission. Holden selected to not invest additional technology resources about adapting the all-wheel drive program with the V6, due with be changed inside the future VZ model. Unfortunately for Holden, the Adventra fell perfectly brief of expected sales, despite small targets.


The Holden VZ Commodore is the thirteenth model of the Holden Commodore line-up, a full-size vehicle yielded by the Australian automotive marque, Holden.

Released inside August 2004, the vehicle debuted a new generation of 175 plus 190 kilowatt 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 machines inside region of the elder 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 machines. Other changes with the V6 was the reduction of the supercharger which was included inside the S models within the VS with VY, this was additionally dropped with all the 3.8L and wouldn't be chosen with all the fresh 3.6L V6. These brand-new Alloytec DOHC machines have continued from with the VE Commodore that was introduced inside August 2006. A new 5L40-E 5-speed automatic transmission sourced from General Motors was introduced found on the sports plus deluxe V6 variants.

The VZ is notable to be truly the only Commodore series of latest occasions not to officially introduce a Series II update with the range, nonetheless a quantity of mechanical changes were produced inside January 2006. Holden introduced the modern L76 6.0 litre V8 with its range. The V8 has been somewhat detuned, plus both Displacement about Demand plus varying valve timing have been removed. The base V6 furthermore went from 175 kilowatts with 172 kilowatts as well as the 190 kilowatt V6 went from 340 with 335 newton metres simultaneously, to satisfy hot ADR 79/01 emissions practices which became efficient 1 January 2006.

The advanced 3.6 litre Alloytec machines are more effective, sensitive plus fuel-efficient than the outgoing ECOTEC V6. Matched with all-new plus upgraded transmissions they deliver noticeable increases inside all-round driving refinement. To achieve 190 kilowatts, the Alloytec V6 gains varying valve timing about both inlet plus exhaust sides and a double stage intake manifold, whilst the 175 kilowatt variation retains varying valve timing found on the inlet side just. Selected models bring advanced active protection attributes which electronically support the driver with keep car control inside emergency scenarios.

The VZ Commodore was obtainable in many model variations, nearly all of that carried over within the VY range, with all the exception of the newly introduced SV6, a specification level which changed the S range. All models inside the Commodore range were accessible because sedans, whilst wagon variants of the Executive, Acclaim & Berlina were accessible. Berlina plus Calais models were not badged or advertised because Commodores. The VZ was the last Commodore line-up with utilize the Executive & Acclaim nameplates, both of that will be later changed with a unique Omega model inside the VE Commodore.

Sales of the VZ Commodore failed with match those of the preceding VY Commodore inside light of increasing little vehicle sales, high gas costs plus growing interest inside the VZ's substitution, the VE.

The VZ Commodore sedans were superseded by the VE Commodore range inside August 2006, while the Wagon & Ute ranges lived about for virtually another year. Ute creation ended inside August 2007, while the last wagon rolled off Holden's Elizabeth plant line about 6 September 2007.

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