Owning a Holden Commodore VR (1997-1998) is more than just driving—it’s about preserving a piece of Australian automotive heritage. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional mechanic, or a proud owner looking to extend your vehicle’s lifespan, this factory-accurate workshop manual is your ultimate guide to mastering every component, from the robust 3.8L V6 (L36) to the high-performance 5.0L V8 (LS1). Why this manual stands out: Comprehensive Coverage: Every system is detailed—engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical, and more—with step-by-step procedures for maintenance, repair, and diagnostics. Dealer-Level Precision: Originally crafted for dealership technicians, it includes torque specs, fluid grades, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting codes you won’t find in generic guides. Solve Common VR Issues: Address known problems like head gasket failures, intake leaks, or transmission shudder with confidence, saving hundreds in repair costs. Ideal for: DIY Repairs: Change oil, replace timing belts, or overhaul the transmission with clear, illustrated instructions. Restoration Projects: Authentic factory details ensure your VR Commodore stays true to its original specs. Professional Workshops: Streamline diagnostics and repairs with accurate technical data. Instant access via PDF download means you can start working today—no waiting for shipping. This manual isn’t just a reference; it’s your key to unlocking the full potential of your Holden Commodore VR. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Holden Model: Commodore Generation: VR Production Years: 1997-1998 Codes Chassis Codes: VR 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Mid-size family sedan and performance sedan, popular in Australia and New Zealand. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna, Toyota Camry Key Features Vehicle Appeal: Known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, rear-wheel-drive platform, and availability of V6 and V8 engines in higher trims. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Areas: General Information, Maintenance, Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication & Cooling Systems, Engine Fuel & Emission Control System, Accelerator Control, Fuel and Exhaust Systems, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft & Differential Carrier, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brake System, Steering System, Restraint System, Body and Trim, Heater, Air Conditioner, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, And More Page Count Estimated Page Count: Large Comprehensive Volume (Exact page count not specified, but typical for factory workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Download Format: PDF Extraction Software Required: WinRAR 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine Mechanical, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel, Emissions Control, Accelerator Control, Fuel & Exhaust Systems Drivetrain Systems: Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft & Differential Carrier, Front Axle, Rear Axle Suspension And Steering: Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System Braking And Safety: Brake System, Restraint System (including Airbags) Body And Accessories: Body and Trim, Heater, Air Conditioner Electrical And Wiring: Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections Repair Procedures: Engine Overhauls, Transmission Rebuilds, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Codes, Component Testing Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (Usable by Dealership Technicians for Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, and Repair) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Download Method: Software Database Download (RAR Archive) Print Quality Printability: Printable (Implied by PDF format) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 3.8L V6 (L36), 5.0L V8 (LS1 - later in VR/VT transition, but typically not standard VR), 4.0L V6 (ECOTEC L67 Supercharged available in Calais/SS variants) Performance V6 Power Approx: 147 kW (L36), 165 kW (L67 Supercharged) V8 Power Approx: 220 kW (LS1) Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Engine Codes Common V6 Code: L36 Supercharged V6 Code: L67 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (4L60-E) Features Automatic Features: Electronic Control, Lock-up Torque Converter 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Mm: 2731 Length Mm: 4919 Width Mm: 1772 Height Mm: 1414 Weights Curb Weight Kg: 1470 - 1650 (Varies by model and engine) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Ancap Rating: Not rated under current ANCAP standards, but comparable to contemporary vehicles. Passive Features Airbags: Driver Airbag (Standard), Passenger Airbag (Optional on some trims) Seatbelts: Front and Rear Seatbelts (Pre-tensioners on front) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on higher trims. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM Radio Cassette/CD Player (Optional CD Changer on higher trims) Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most models. Connectivity Auxiliary Ports: Not available (pre-modern connectivity era). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Km: 10,000 - 15,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to specific manual for exact intervals) Spark Plug Replacement Km: 60,000 - 100,000 km (depending on plug type) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate) Coolant Specification: Ethylene Glycol based coolant, GMH Specification (e.g., Dex-Cool...
Owning a Holden Commodore VR (1997-1998) is more than just driving—it’s about preserving a piece of Australian automotive heritage. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional mechanic, or a proud owner looking to extend your vehicle’s lifespan, this factory-accurate workshop manual is your ultimate guide to mastering every component, from the robust 3.8L V6 (L36) to the high-performance 5.0L V8 (LS1).
Why this manual stands out:
Comprehensive Coverage: Every system is detailed—engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical, and more—with step-by-step procedures for maintenance, repair, and diagnostics.
Dealer-Level Precision: Originally crafted for dealership technicians, it includes torque specs, fluid grades, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting codes you won’t find in generic guides.
Solve Common VR Issues: Address known problems like head gasket failures, intake leaks, or transmission shudder with confidence, saving hundreds in repair costs.
Ideal for:
DIY Repairs: Change oil, replace timing belts, or overhaul the transmission with clear, illustrated instructions.
Restoration Projects: Authentic factory details ensure your VR Commodore stays true to its original specs.
Professional Workshops: Streamline diagnostics and repairs with accurate technical data.
Instant access via PDF download means you can start working today—no waiting for shipping. This manual isn’t just a reference; it’s your key to unlocking the full potential of your Holden Commodore VR.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Holden
Model:
Commodore
Generation:
VR
Production Years:
1997-1998
Codes
Chassis Codes:
VR
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
Mid-size family sedan and performance sedan, popular in Australia and New Zealand.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna, Toyota Camry
Key Features
Vehicle Appeal:
Known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, rear-wheel-drive platform, and availability of V6 and V8 engines in higher trims.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Covered Areas:
General Information, Maintenance, Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication & Cooling Systems, Engine Fuel & Emission Control System, Accelerator Control, Fuel and Exhaust Systems, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft & Differential Carrier, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brake System, Steering System, Restraint System, Body and Trim, Heater, Air Conditioner, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, And More
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Large Comprehensive Volume (Exact page count not specified, but typical for factory workshop manuals)
Comprehensive (Usable by Dealership Technicians for Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, and Repair)
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Download Method:
Software Database Download (RAR Archive)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable (Implied by PDF format)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
3.8L V6 (L36), 5.0L V8 (LS1 - later in VR/VT transition, but typically not standard VR), 4.0L V6 (ECOTEC L67 Supercharged available in Calais/SS variants)
Performance
V6 Power Approx:
147 kW (L36), 165 kW (L67 Supercharged)
V8 Power Approx:
220 kW (LS1)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Codes
Common V6 Code:
L36
Supercharged V6 Code:
L67
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)
Features
Automatic Features:
Electronic Control, Lock-up Torque Converter
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Mm:
2731
Length Mm:
4919
Width Mm:
1772
Height Mm:
1414
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
1470 - 1650 (Varies by model and engine)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Ancap Rating:
Not rated under current ANCAP standards, but comparable to contemporary vehicles.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver Airbag (Standard), Passenger Airbag (Optional on some trims)
Seatbelts:
Front and Rear Seatbelts (Pre-tensioners on front)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on higher trims.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Radio Cassette/CD Player (Optional CD Changer on higher trims)
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Ports:
Not available (pre-modern connectivity era).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Km:
10,000 - 15,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to specific manual for exact intervals)
Spark Plug Replacement Km:
60,000 - 100,000 km (depending on plug type)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, GMH Specification (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible or similar)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common V6 Issue 1:
Head Gasket Failure (particularly on earlier L36 engines, exacerbated by cooling system neglect)
Common V6 Issue 2:
Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks (leading to vacuum leaks and rough idle)
Common Transmission Issue:
Torque converter shudder or failure in automatic transmissions with high mileage or poor maintenance.
Common Suspension Issue:
Worn ball joints and control arm bushings due to age and Australian road conditions.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Origin:
Australia (Holden is an Australian automotive brand, historically part of General Motors)
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Holden Commodore VS
Successor:
Holden Commodore VT
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Elizabeth, South Australia
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Vehicle Accolades:
The VR Commodore was generally well-received for its comfort and refinement, contributing to Holden's market leadership in Australia during that period.