The Holden Calais VX Series represents the pinnacle of Australian luxury motoring from the early 2000s. Built upon the robust VT/VX platform, this premium large sedan is renowned for its supple ride quality, spacious and comfortable interior, and a choice of potent V6 and V8 engine options, including the 3.8L Supercharged V6 and the powerful 5.0L LS1 V8. Engineered for the Australian market, the Calais offered a refined driving experience, solid build quality, and a comprehensive suite of standard features, positioning it as a strong contender against other luxury sedans of its time. Its design emphasized comfort and performance, making it a popular choice for discerning drivers seeking a blend of luxury and capability. This comprehensive factory service repair manual provides in-depth guidance for the Holden Calais VX Series, covering all models, engines, and transmissions. It details essential maintenance procedures, from routine oil changes and fluid checks to major service intervals and component replacements. Extensive sections are dedicated to the vehicle's engine mechanicals, management systems, fuel and cooling systems, drivetrain, chassis components including suspension, steering, and brakes, and the complete electrical system. Furthermore, the manual offers detailed troubleshooting and diagnostic strategies, repair procedures for all major systems, and crucial safety guidelines, empowering owners and technicians to maintain and repair their vehicle with precision and confidence. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Holden Model: Calais Generation: VX Series Codes Platform Code: VT/VX 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Premium large sedan offering luxury, comfort, and performance within the Australian market Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Fairlane, Toyota Avalon, Mitsubishi Magna (higher trims) Key Features Standout Features: Supple ride quality, spacious interior, powerful V6 and V8 engine options, comprehensive standard features for its class 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Holden Calais VX Series (All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typical factory service manual exceeding 1000 pages) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, throttle body, lubrication system, cooling system, emission control systems Drivetrain Systems: Transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, differential Chassis Systems: Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, wheels, tires Electrical Systems: Complete electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules Body And Trim: Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, inspections Repair Procedures: Complete disassembly and reassembly, component replacement, specialized repairs Troubleshooting Diagnostics: Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Factory-level, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Print Restriction: Printable without restriction Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) Software Requirements Reader Requirement: Adobe PDF Reader Delivery Method Delivery: Instant Download ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 3.8L V6 (L36/L67 Supercharged), 5.0L V8 (Gen III LS1) Performance 3.8L V6 (L36): Approx. 150 kW / 305 Nm 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67): Approx. 171 kW / 380 Nm 5.0L V8 (Ls1): Approx. 225 kW / 446 Nm Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for V6, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for V8 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic (4L60-E/4L65-E), 5-speed manual (M80), 4-speed performance automatic (4L65-E with higher torque capacity for V8) Optional Optional Gearbox: Not applicable, options are model/engine dependent Features Automatic Features: Overdrive, torque converter lock-up 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2790 mm Length: Approx. 4970 mm Width: Approx. 1795 mm Height: Approx. 1445 mm Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1550-1650 kg (depending on engine/options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Achievements: ABS standard on all models, limited airbags (front driver/passenger standard, optional side airbags on some trims) Active Features Active Safety: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) on some models Passive Features Passive Safety: Front airbags, Crumple zones, Side impact beams 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory premium audio system with CD player, cassette, AM/FM radio. Optional premium sound systems with amplifiers. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Connectivity Phone Integration: Limited by era; typically no integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 10,000 km or 6 months (check manual for specific engine/oil type) Major Service Interval: Spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant typically at 60,000-100,000 km intervals (refer to manual) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SJ/SL (check manual for specific viscosity and ILSAC/API ratings, e.g., Castrol Magnatec common OEM recommendation) Coolant Specification: GM Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent G8139 antifreeze/coolant, mixed 50/50 with de-ionised water Transmission Fluid: Dexron III (for 4L60-E/4L65-E) or Dexron VI (later revisions/recommendations) Known Issues Common Problems: Cracked intake manifold gaskets (LS1...
The Holden Calais VX Series represents the pinnacle of Australian luxury motoring from the early 2000s. Built upon the robust VT/VX platform, this premium large sedan is renowned for its supple ride quality, spacious and comfortable interior, and a choice of potent V6 and V8 engine options, including the 3.8L Supercharged V6 and the powerful 5.0L LS1 V8. Engineered for the Australian market, the Calais offered a refined driving experience, solid build quality, and a comprehensive suite of standard features, positioning it as a strong contender against other luxury sedans of its time. Its design emphasized comfort and performance, making it a popular choice for discerning drivers seeking a blend of luxury and capability.
This comprehensive factory service repair manual provides in-depth guidance for the Holden Calais VX Series, covering all models, engines, and transmissions. It details essential maintenance procedures, from routine oil changes and fluid checks to major service intervals and component replacements. Extensive sections are dedicated to the vehicle's engine mechanicals, management systems, fuel and cooling systems, drivetrain, chassis components including suspension, steering, and brakes, and the complete electrical system. Furthermore, the manual offers detailed troubleshooting and diagnostic strategies, repair procedures for all major systems, and crucial safety guidelines, empowering owners and technicians to maintain and repair their vehicle with precision and confidence.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Holden
Model:
Calais
Generation:
VX Series
Codes
Platform Code:
VT/VX
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
Premium large sedan offering luxury, comfort, and performance within the Australian market
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Ford Fairlane, Toyota Avalon, Mitsubishi Magna (higher trims)
Key Features
Standout Features:
Supple ride quality, spacious interior, powerful V6 and V8 engine options, comprehensive standard features for its class
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Holden Calais VX Series (All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical factory service manual exceeding 1000 pages)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, throttle body, lubrication system, cooling system, emission control systems
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, differential
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Complete electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules
Body And Trim:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Restriction:
Printable without restriction
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Software Requirements
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Delivery Method
Delivery:
Instant Download
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
3.8L V6 (L36/L67 Supercharged), 5.0L V8 (Gen III LS1)
Performance
3.8L V6 (L36):
Approx. 150 kW / 305 Nm
3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67):
Approx. 171 kW / 380 Nm
5.0L V8 (Ls1):
Approx. 225 kW / 446 Nm
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for V6, Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for V8
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (4L60-E/4L65-E), 5-speed manual (M80), 4-speed performance automatic (4L65-E with higher torque capacity for V8)
Optional
Optional Gearbox:
Not applicable, options are model/engine dependent
Features
Automatic Features:
Overdrive, torque converter lock-up
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2790 mm
Length:
Approx. 4970 mm
Width:
Approx. 1795 mm
Height:
Approx. 1445 mm
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1550-1650 kg (depending on engine/options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Achievements:
ABS standard on all models, limited airbags (front driver/passenger standard, optional side airbags on some trims)
Active Features
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, Crumple zones, Side impact beams
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system with CD player, cassette, AM/FM radio. Optional premium sound systems with amplifiers.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Limited by era; typically no integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 km or 6 months (check manual for specific engine/oil type)
Major Service Interval:
Spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant typically at 60,000-100,000 km intervals (refer to manual)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
5W-30 or 10W-30 API SJ/SL (check manual for specific viscosity and ILSAC/API ratings, e.g., Castrol Magnatec common OEM recommendation)
Coolant Specification:
GM Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent G8139 antifreeze/coolant, mixed 50/50 with de-ionised water
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (for 4L60-E/4L65-E) or Dexron VI (later revisions/recommendations)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Cracked intake manifold gaskets (LS1 V8), transmission issues (especially early 4L60-E variants), rear main seal leaks, cooling system leaks (hose degradation), electrical gremlins (window motors, central locking), ignition coil failure (LS1).
Parts Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
Ryco Z410, Fram PH5795, ACDelco PF1218 (V6); Ryco Z204, Fram PH356, ACDelco PF2053 (LS1 V8)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Holden Legacy:
Australia's iconic automotive manufacturer, known for robust and locally relevant vehicles
Model Evolution
Vx Series Positioning:
The VX Series (2000-2002) was an update to the VT Commodore platform, offering revised styling, improved features, and enhanced safety, with the Calais representing the luxury flagship trim.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Australia (Elizabeth, South Australia)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Awards:
The Holden Commodore/Calais platform consistently received positive reviews for comfort, ride, and performance in Australian motoring publications during its era.
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