Holden Commodore / Calais VK Workshop Manual
The VK Series is a minor facelift of the VH Series incorporating exterior, interior and mechanical changes. The model line-up differs from the VH Series, with the deletion of the 69 body style (4 door, 4 window sedan) and the introduction of the 19 body style (4 door, 6 window sedan).
| 8VK1 | Commodore SL | Sedan4 door, 6 window |
| 8VK35 | Commodore SL | Station Wagon |
| 8VL19 | Commodore Berlina | Sedan4 door, 6 window |
| 8VL35 | Commodore Berlina | Station Wagon |
| 8VX19 | Calais | Sedan4 door, 6 window |
The 3.3 litre L6 engine, equipped with Electronic Spark Timing (EST), is the base engine tor SL and Berlina models, and the 3.3 litre LO engine equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFl) is the base engine on Calais models.
The three speed Trimatic Automatic Transmission is standard equipment on Calais and Berlina models and is available as an option on Commodore SL models.The Torque master four speed manual transmission is standard on Commodore SL models
The 5.0 litre V8 engine is available on all models as an option. A five speed manual transmission is also available as an option on all 3.3 litre L6 EST engines The following charts contain model availability, power train combinations, engine data and exterior dimensions for VK Series models
ELECTRICAL TRANSIENTS AND RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
Electronic circuits are used in VK Series rnodels to performa number of functions associated with electronic instruments, electronic fuel injection and electronic spark timing. These circuit scan be damaged or cause malfunction by electrical transients or excessive radio frequency (RF)radiation.
Holden Commodore BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT
The polyglycol brake fluid used in VK Series models is hydroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air throuoh the brake hoses etc. The boiling resistance of the fluid decreases as the moisture content increases and so the possibility of a vapour lock under heavy braking conditions increases with the age of the fluid. Therefore,for maximum brake effectiveness,a two yearly change of brake fluid is mandatory. Service Instructions for changing brake fluid are covered in Section 5, Service Operation 2.1 in this Supplement
Holden Commodore AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner element may be partially cleaned of dust by lightly tapping the element.lt should not be washed or oiled. The timeor distance intervals at which the element requrres servicing depends on the vehicle operating conditions. Under dusty conditions, the elementshould be checked for restriction more often that for normal city operation.
The air cleaner element should be replaced at the time or distance interval specifiedin the VK Series Owner Handbook. Service Instructions for the removal and installation ol the air cleaner element (Fig.0B-2), on vehicles with electronic fuel injection are covered in Section 6C, Service Operation 3.6 in this Supplement.
This Section contains descriptions and procedures lor interior and exterior body service operations on VK Series Commodore and Calais models. When used in conjunction with previously released Commodore Service Publications, it will provide information necessary for etficient servicing of VK body styles and their related assemblies.
The VK Series includes two different body styles: the 19 Style, which is a six window sedan and the 35 style Station Wagon. The stationary fifth and sixth windows on the new 19 Styles are retained in their upper rear quarter apertures with urethane adhesive, which creates a bond between the glass and the metal flange to which it is applied. On 35 Styles, the tailgate window is retained with urethane adhesive the same material which is used in production to retain the JB Camira Windshields and back windows Also featured on VK Series are revised transmission consoles, new instrument panel facia and instruments, seat and door trim designs and see through head restraints on front seats.
On the Calais model, see through head restraints are fitted to the rear seats. Electrically controlled exterior rear vision mirrors are also standard on this model. An adjustable lumbar support built into the drivers seat back is included on Berlina and Calais models.
VK external features include new exterior ornamentation, decals, tailgate handle on 35 body style, radiator grille and colour coordinated front and rear bumper bar assemblies. Front turn signal lamps and rear lamp assemblies are also new
Holden Commodore SERVICE NOTES
As a sound deadening medium, a small volume of polyurethane foam is installed into the upper section ot the rear body pillars of VK Commodore sedans, as illustrated in shaded areas in Fig. 1A-1. During normal service, there is no risk associated with its use. However, when polyurethane is subjected to high temperatures such as during welding or naked flame cutting, this material can release black pungent fumes. During repair of these pafts of the body structure in olving high heat application, appropiate precautions against fume inhalation such as the wearing ol respirators,forced ventilation, etc., are mandatory. Whenever possible,such repairs should be canied out without the use of high temperature producing equiPment.
