SECTION 0A - GENERAL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT

Before performing any Service Operation or other procedure described in this Section, refer to Section

00 CAUTIONS AND NOTES for correct workshop practices with regard to safety and/or property damage.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 VX SERIES II MODELS

1.2 VU SERIES II MODELS

1.3 MY2002 WH SERIES II MODELS

1.4 MY2003 WH SERIES II UPDATE

2. MODEL AVAILABILITY AND BASE

EQUIPMENT

3. POWERTRAIN COMBINATIONS

4. TRANSMISSION RATIOS

5. ENGINE DATA

6. EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

7. VEHICLE WEIGHTS

8. SERIAL NUMBERS

8.1 LOCATION OF IDENTIFICATION PLATES

8.2 SAFETY COMPLIANCE PLATE

8.3 BODY AND OPTION IDENTIFICATION PLATE

8.4 FUEL CONSUMPTION LABEL

8.5 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

PLATE LOCATION

8.6 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

NUMBERING SYSTEM

MY2002 VX/VU/WH SERIES II MODELS

MY2003 WH SERIES II MODELS

8.7 ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

8.8 MANUAL TRANSM ISSION SERIAL NUMBER

V6 ENGINE – 5 SPEED

GEN III V8 ENGINE – 6 SPEED

8.9 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SERIAL NUMBER

MY2002 VX/VU/WH SERIES II MODELS

MY2003 WH SERIES II MODELS

8.10 FINAL DRIVE IDENTIFICATION

9. ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION

9.1 ELECTRICAL TRANSIENTS AND

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE

ELECTRICAL TRANSIENTS

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE

9.2 STATIC ELECTRICITY

9.3 PUSH OR TOW STARTING

10. CONSOLI DATED TOOL LIST

MY2002 VX/VU/WH SERIES II MODELS

MY2003 WH SERIES II MODELS

Techline

1.GENERAL I NFORMATI ON

1.1 VX SERIES II MODELS

All Series II Models ( Produc tion Option A9W) are an ornamentation and trim update of the VX, VU and WH Series

Models.

The following items have been updated in VX Series II Models:

• The engine bay fuse and relay panel has been revised.

• Executive and Acclaim Models are fitted with a new grille and/or paint treatment and new covers on steel

wheels.

• Berlina and Calais Models are fitted with modif ied grille with new paint or chrom e treatment and new badges

repositioned above the decor panel.

• Anthracite trim to replace pewter.

• Low pile velour bolster fabric for seats.

• New steering column switches.

• New colour coded leather seat options for S, SS and Calais Models in a variety of colours.

• Berlina Models are fitted with the twilight sentinel as fitted to VX Series Calais.

• Calais Models are fitted with a boot luggage net similar to that fitted to WH Series Models.

• New fuel pump for vehicles fitted with normally aspirated V6 engine.

• Executive, Acclaim, S and SS Models are fitted with the audible alarm as fitted to VX Series Calais.

1.2 VU SERIES II MODELS

The following items have been updated in VU Series II Models:

• The engine bay fuse and relay panel has been revised.

• Anthracite trim to replace pewter.

• Low pile velour bolster fabric for seats.

• New steering column switches.

• New fuel pump for vehicles fitted with normally aspirated V6 engine.

• New grille and/or paint treatment and new covers for steel wheels.

• S and SS are fitted with the audible alarm as fitted to VX Series Calais.

• New colour coded leather seat options for S and SS Models in a variety of colours.

1.3 MY2002 WH SERIES II MODELS

The following items have been updated in WH Series II Models:

• The engine bay fuse and relay panel has been revised.

• New alloy wheels for Statesman and Caprice.

• New more formal grille design for Statesman.

• Revised badging, nameplates and decals.

• Revised chrome treatment on drip and belt mouldings.

• New chrome licence plate surround.

• Revised headlamp housing and reflector.

• The three passenger rear seat previously standard on Statesman is now also standard on Caprice and the two

passenger rear seat is now optional.

• New steering wheel with woodgrain inserts.

• Revised instrument cluster graphics and background.

• New anthracite and two-tone shale trim.

• Caprice is fitted with new stainless steel rocker panel covers.

• Revised pattern and colour for woodgrain components.

• Multi-link rear suspension standard.

• Level ride suspension available as option only.

• The 2003 Model Year update was introduced during October 2002.

1.4 MY2003 WH SERIES II UPDATE

The MY2003 WH Series II update is a minor mechanical upgrade of the MY2002 WH Series II. The major

changes to the MY2003 WH Series II are:

• New condenser, radiator and cooling fans fitted to all Models.

• New engine cooling vent hose and radiator outlet hose fitted to all Models with the GEN III V8 engine.

• New radiator inlet hose fitted to all Models with the V6 or V6 Supercharged engines.

• New air conditioning discharge hose fitted to all Models.

• New air conditioning liquid line fitted to all Models.

• New power steering fluid cooler with extra fins fitted to all Models with GEN III V8 engine.

• Revised automatic transmission with new force motor and quick connect fittings for all Models with the V6 or

V6 Supercharged engine.

• New heavy-duty automatic tr ansmiss ion with revis ed 3- 4 clutc h, new for ce motor and quic k connec t f ittings f or

all Models with the GEN III V8 engine.

• Revised side and floor panels for improved occupant protection.

• Modified floor carpet and deadener to accommodate the revisions to the side and floor panels.

• New load limiting seat belts for improved occupant safety.

• A revised Vehicle Identification Numbering (VIN) System.

2. MODEL AVAILABILITY AND BASE EQUIPMENT

MODEL

NAME BODY

STYLE MODEL

CODE

NUMBER

DOORS ENGINE TRANSMISSION

TYPE

FINAL

DRIVE

RATIO

Executive Sedan 8VK69 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 5 SPEED

MANUAL 3.08:1

Executive Wagon 8VK35 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 5 SPEED

MANUAL 3.07:1

Utility Utility 8VK80 Two 3.8 SEFI V6 5 SPEED

MANUAL 3.08:1

Acclaim Sedan 8VK69 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC 3.08:1

Acclaim Wagon 8VK35 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC 3.07:1

S Sedan 8VK69 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 5 SPEED

MANUAL 3.08:1

S Utility 8VK80 Two 3.8 SEFI V6 5 SPEED

MANUAL 3.08:1

SS Sedan 8VK69 Four 5.7 SEFI V8 6 SPEED

MANUAL 3.46:1

SS Utility 8VK80 Two 5.7 SEFI V8 6 SPEED

MANUAL 3.46:1

Berlina Sedan 8VL69 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC 3.08:1

Berlina Wagon 8VL35 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC 3.08:1

Calais Sedan 8VX69 Four 3.8

S/CHARGED

4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC 3.07:1

Statesman Sedan 8W Y19 Four 3.8 SEFI V6 4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC 3.08:1

Caprice Sedan 8WZ19 Four 5.7 SEFI V8 4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC 3.07:1

3. POWERTRAIN COMBINATIONS

ENGINE TRANSMISSION

TYPE MODEL

AVAILABILITY FIRST GEAR

RATIO FINAL DRIVE RATIO

Utility 3.83:1 3.46:1

5 Speed Manual Executive 3.83:1 3.08:1

3.8 LITRE PFI V6

4 Speed Automatic

Executive

Berlina

Calais

Statesman

Caprice

3.06:1 3.08:1

3.8 LITRE PFI V6

SUPERCHARGED 4 Speed Automatic Berlina

Calais

Statesman

Caprice

3.06:1 3.07:1

4 Speed Automatic

Executive

Berlina

Calais

Statesman

Caprice

3.06:1 3.07:1

5.7 LITRE PFI

GEN III V8

6 Speed Manual Executive 2.66:1 3.46:1

4. TRANSMISSION RATIOS

5 SPEED

MANUAL 6 SPEED

MANUAL 4 SPEED

AUTOMATIC

V6 engine only V8 engine only V6 & V8 engine

1ST 3.829:1 2.66:1 3.06:1

2ND 2.199:1 1.78:1 1.63:1

3RD 1.401:1 1.30:1 1.000:1

4TH 1.00:1 1.00:1 0.70:1

5TH 0.809:1 0.74:1 -

6TH - 0.50:1 -

REV 3.456:1 2.90:1 2.29:1

5. ENGINE DATA

ENGINE

DESIGNATION 3.8 LITRE PFI 3.8 LITRE

SUPERCHARGED 5.7 LITRE PFI

GEN III V8

Piston

Displacement

Nom. - cm3 3791 3791 5667

Compression Ratio 9.4:1 8.5:1 10.1:1

Number of

Cylinders 6 6 8

Bore x Stroke mm 96.5 X

86.3 96.5 X

86.3 99 X 92

Taxable H.P.

RAC OR SAE 34.7 34.7 48.6

Power kW

DIN @ RPM 152 kW @ 5200 171 kW @ 5200

PULP* 225 kW @ 5200

Torque Nm

DIN @ RPM 305 Nm @ 3600 375 Nm @ 3000

PULP* 460 Nm @ 4400

*PULP – Premium Unleaded Petrol

6. EXTERIOR DIME NSI O NS

SWB SEDAN LWB SEDAN WAGON UTILITY

BODY DIMENSIONS 8VK69 8VL69 8VX69 8WY19 8WZ19 8VK35 8VL35 8VK80

VEHICLE LENGTH 4891 4964 4964 5237 5237 5046 5046 5049

VEHICLE WIDTH 1824 1824 1824 1845 1845 1824 1824 1845

VEHICLE HEIGHT 1425 1425 1425 1459 1459 1521 1521 1484

WHEELBASE 2788 2788 2788 2939 2939 2939 2939 2939

OVERHANG - FRONT 933 972 972 986 986 933 972 933

OVERHANG - REAR 1169 1203 1203 1312 1312 1174 1174 1178

TREAD - FRONT 1569 1569 1569 1559 1559 1569 1569 1569

TREAD - REAR 1587 1587 1587 1577 1577 1587 1587 1587

7. VEHICLE WEIGHTS

VEHICLE WEIGHTS SWB SEDAN LWB SEDAN WAGON UTILITY

8VK69 8VL69 8VX69 8WY19 8WZ19 8VK35 8VL35 8VK80

KERB MASS - V6 1521 1580 1636 1690 1695 1577 1642 1494

KERB MASS - V8 1597 1638 1682 1732 1739 1651 1700 1557

RE AR AXLE LOAD - V 6 1140 1140 1140 1149 1154 1240 1240 1350

RE AR AXLE LOAD - V 8 1140 1140 1140 1157 1161 1240 1240 1350

PAYLOA D (5 Pass. + Cargo) 408 408 408 408 408 408 408 N/A

PAYLOA D (2 Pass. + Cargo) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 790

NOTE: All figures are estimates only. Weights as listed do not include option packs.

Payload figures must include luggage, goods, passengers and a full tank of fuel.

If you are towing, then the weight on the tow bar ball must also be included.

Maximum Rear Axle Load is maximum for all conditions.

8. SERIAL NUMBERS

The c om plete vehicle and various c om ponents of the vehicle are identif ied by num ber plates or num bers stam ped

into the part. It is essential that when compiling warranty claims or product and field reports, the vehicle

identification number (VIN) is quoted in conjunction with the identification number of the component affected.

8.1 LOCATION OF IDENTIFICATION PLATES

Identification plates are attached to the upper left side of the dash panel (4), front radiator support panel (3), and

under the windshield lower left corner (5). The Vehicle Identification Number is also stamped into the floor (2)

below the front right-hand seat, refer to Figure 0A-1.

Figure 0A-1

Legend

1. Carpet flap (under RH front seat)

2. Vehicle Identification Number

(stamped under RH front seat)

3. Body and Option Identification Plate

(front upper panel)

4. Safety Compliance Plate

(engine side of dash panel)

5. Vehicle Identification Number Plate

(under windshield)

8.2 SAFETY COMPLIANCE PLATE

Plate stamped with the following information, refer

to Figure 0A-3:

COMPLIANCE PLATE APPROVAL NUMBER.

VEHICLE CATEGORY CODE.

NAME APPEARING ON COMPLIANCE PLATE

APPROVAL.

MAKE/MODEL.

GROSS VEHICLE MASS (KG)

SEATING CAPACITY.

DATE OF MANUFACTURE (* Variable

information).

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (* Variable

information).

Figure 0A-2

Legend

1. Safety Compliance Plate.

Figure 0A-3

8.3 BODY AND OPTION IDENTIFICATION PLATE

The body and option identification plate (1) is

stamped with the following information, refer to

Figure 0A-5.

Figure 0A-4

MODEL

Combination of letters and numbers identifying the

body style, the mechanical pack and smart pack

options.

NOTE: A listing of Production Option numbers and

Smart Pack Option numbers can be found by

referring to the latest spare parts information

(Partfinder) for the applicable model.

BODY

Production build number, in continuous sequence

regardless of model, body type and series.

TRIM

Trim combination.

PAINT

Exterior paint material and colour identification.

BUILT

The date of manufacture by calendar month and

year in which the body shell and power train are

conjoined and the vehicle is driven or moved from

the production line.

SUSP

Suspension option code identification number, e.g.

FE2.

ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND AXLE

Identification option codes for specific engine,

transmission and final drive.

A/C

Identification option code C60 identifies vehicles

fitted with air conditioning.

Figure 0A-5

8.4 FUEL CONSUMP TION LABEL

ADR 81/00 requires that from 1st January 2001, a

label similar to that shown in Figure 0A–6 is

attached to the windscreen of any new vehicle

which is displayed for sale.

The f uel c onsumption f igures quoted are the results

of tests carried out in accordance with an

Australian standard for fuel consumption testing.

Each vehicle is tested under identical conditions.

The results therefore enable a comparison to be

made between vehicles.

This label should be removed from the windscreen

immediately prior to the vehicle being delivered to

the owner.

Figure 0A-6

8.5 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER PLATE LOCATION

The body mounted Vehicle Identification Number

(VIN) plate (1) is located under the windscreen and

is viewed through the windscreen aperture.

The VIN plate is secured to the body by unique

rosette headed rivets.

NOTE: The VIN is also stamped into the floor

sheetmetal under the front RH seat, refer to

8.1 LOCATION OF IDENTIFICATION PLATES in

this Section.

Figure 0A-7

8.6 VEHICLE IDE NTIFICATION NUMBERING SYSTEM

A new Vehicle Identification Numbering (VIN) system was introduced with the introduction of the MY2003 WH

Series II dur ing O ctober 2002. However, all VX and VU Ser ies II, along with the MY2002 WH Ser ies II us ed the VIN

system as pr evious ly used in VX/VU/WH Series I. Figure 0A-8 provides the details of the MY2002 type VIN system,

while Figure 0A-9 provides details of the new VIN system used on all MY2003 WH Series II.

Techline

MY2002 VX/VU/WH SERIES II MODELS

The Vehicle Identification Numbering (VIN) System is based on the uniform Car Model Designation

System. The reason for this is to identify the vehicle in one coded series of Characters.

The significance of these characters or blocks of characters are explained below, using as an example

identification number 6H8 VX K 69 H 1 L 123456.

MODEL DESIGNATION

WMI Code

Model Series Code

Degree of Luxury

BODY STYLE CODE

ENGINE CODE

MODEL YEAR CODE

ASSEMBLY PLANT CODE

SERIAL SEQUENCE NUMBER

6H8 VX K 69 H 1 L 123456

MODEL DESIGNATION

WMI Code

6H8 – World manufacturer’s identifier allocated to Holden

Model Series Code

VU - VU Series

VX - VX Series

WH - WH Series

Degree of Lux ury

K – Executive (including Utility, Acclaim, S and SS)

L – Berlina

X – Calais

Y – Statesman

Z – Caprice

BODY STYLE CODE

19 – LWB Sedan

35 – Wagon

69 – SWB Sedan

80 – Utility

ENGINE CODE

A – signifies 3.8 V6 engine

R – signifies 3.8 Supercharged V6 engine

F – signifies 5.7 GEN III V8 engine

MODEL YEAR CODE

1 = 2001

2 = 2002

This Letter relates to GM Internal Operation Only.

ASSEMBLY PLANT CODE

Australian Assembly Plant Identification Code:

L – Adelaide (Elizabeth)

SERIAL (Sequence ) NUMBER

123456 – Sequential Production Serial Number

NOTE: This designates the Serial Unit Number at the Vehicle Plant, starting at (000001)

and continuing in numerical sequence regardless of vehicle type.

Figure 0A-8

MY2003 WH SERIES II MODELS

WMI CODE: 6 – Oceania

G – Australia

1 – Holden

CARLINE: H – WH Series

LUXURY LEVEL: Y – Statesman

Z – Caprice

BODY STYLE: 5 – 4 door sedan (19)

RESTRAINT CODE: 1 – Active (manual) seat belts

2 – Active (manual) seat belts with driver & passenger inflatable restraint

system – frontal

3 – Active (manual) seat belts with driver inflatable restraint system – frontal

4 – Active (manual) seat belts with driver & passenger inflatable restraint

system – frontal and side

ENGINE TYPE: A – 3.8 litre V6 engine

R – 3.8 litre V6 engine supercharged

F – 5.7 litre GEN III V8 engine

VIN CHECK DIGIT: Calculated check digit

MODEL YEAR: 3 – 2003

PLANT: L – Adelaide (Elizabeth) South Australia

PRODUCTION SEQUENCE NUMBER:

123456 – Sequential Production Serial Number

NOTE: The pr oduc tion s equence number is s equentially allocated to each vehicle,

regardless of vehicle type.

Figure 0A-9

8.7 ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

The engine number (1) for the 3.8 V6 engine is

stamped on the front face of the engine, below the

ignition coil pack as illustrated in Figure 0A-10.

Figure 0A-10

The 5.7 litre GEN III V8 engine number (1) is

stamped on a pad located adjacent to the engine

coolant outlet pipe, refer to Figure 0A-11.

The engine number is prefixed by the letters 'VF'.

Figure 0A-11

8.8 MANUAL TRANSMISSION SERIAL NUMBER

V6 ENGINE – 5 SPEED

The serial number for the Getrag 5 speed manual

transmission is located on a self-adhesive decal

attached to the left side of the transmission front

housing, refer to Figure 0A-12. This number

provides coded information which could be

significant to parts interpretation and should be

referred to when ordering replacement

components, refer to Figure 0A-13.

Figure 0A-12

Figure 0A-13

GEN III V8 ENGINE – 6 SPEED

The Borg-W arner (Tremec) T56 six speed manual

transmission serial number is located on a self-

adhesive decal attached to the top of the

transmission case, refer to Figure 0A-14.

This number provides coded information which

could be significant to parts interpretation and

should be referred to when ordering replacement

parts.

Figure 0A-14

In addition, an identification tag is attached to the

transmission under an extension-housing bolt, on

the right-hand side, refer to Figure 0A-15.

Figure 0A-15

Techline

8.9 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERIAL NUMBER

MY2002 VX/VU/WH SERIES II MODELS

The MY2002 4L60-E automatic transmission serial

number is stamped into a machined surface at the

rear underside of the transmission centre case (7),

refer to Figure 0A-16.

Legend

1. Model Year ‘2’ = 2002

‘1’ = 2001

2. Model: HP 5.7 litre GEN III V8

HF 3.8 Normally aspirated V6

HN 3.8 Supercharged V6

3. Transmission Model Identifier (D = 4L60-E)

4. Julian Date (or day of year)

5. Shift Built (A, B, J = first shift;

C, H, W = second shift)

6. Individual Transmission Serial Number

7. Transmission Identification Number Location

Figure 0A-16

MY2003 WH SERIES II MODELS

The MY2003 4L60-E automatic transmission

application and identification can be determined

from the stamping in the rear of the transmission

case at the rear, in the location shown (7), refer to

Figure 0A-17.

The coded number can be interpreted from the

following breakdown;

1. Model Year ‘3’ = 2003

2. Model: HA 5.7 litre GEN III V8

HF 3.8 Normally aspirated V6

HN 3.8 Supercharged V6

3. Transmission Model Identifier (D = 4L60-E)

4. Julian Date (or day of year)

5. Shift Built (A, B, J = first shift;

C, H, W = second shift)

6. Individual Transmission Serial Number

7. Transmission Identification Number Location

Figure 0A-17

8.10 FINAL DRIVE IDENTIFICATION

An identif ication tag (1) is adhered to the final drive

assembly to the RHS of the c arr ier hous ing, refer to

Figure 0A-18. The tag carries the Holden part

number for the final drive assembly, the final drive

ratio and the serial number of the final drive

assembly.

Figure 0A-18

9. ADDI TIONAL GENERAL I NFORMATION

9.1 ELE CTRICAL TRANSI ENTS AND RADIO FRE Q UENCY INTERFERENCE

Electronic circuits are used in VX, VU and W H Series II Models to perform a number of functions associated with

electronic c ruise c ontrol, electr onic engine and trans m ission contr ol systems etc. Thes e circuits can be damaged or

malfunction as a result of electrical transients or excessive radio frequency (RF) radiation.

ELECTRICAL TRANSIENTS

Electrical transients are high voltage spikes, produced by the sudden switching or interruption of electric currents.

Older s tyle tim ing lights and batter y chargers c an produc e s erious trans ients , hence, it is important to us e only good

quality equipment suitable for use with electronic systems.

It is also good practice to ensure that the battery is disconnected before using a battery charger.

Indiscriminate fitting of solenoids, indicators or relays can also cause transients.

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE

One of the chief sources of RF interference is the ignition system. Other sources include CB radio and radio

telephones. The following are normally used to suppress RF interference.

Resistors e.g. High Tension Cables and Connectors.

Capacitors and Choke Coils.

Metal Braid for screening leads or suppression covers made from conductive material for screening equipment.

To prevent damage to equipment:

• Do not replace interference suppressed high tension ignition cables or connectors with unsuppressed types.

• Do not remove or reposition interference suppression filters or capacitors.

Figure 0A-19

Legend

1. Music

2. Core

3. Braid

4. Body

5. Antenna cable

6. Internal Interference

7. Signal from station

8. External interference

9.2 STATIC ELECTRICITY

Care should be exercised when handling electronic equipment e.g. the powertrain control module (PCM), to avoid

touching the terminals unnecessarily. Static electricity, which is present on every person, can cause damage to

some electronic components.

9.3 PUSH OR TOW STARTING

Do not push or tow start VX , VU or W H Series II vehicles . Push or tow starting can result in unburned fuel passing

through the exhaust to the catalytic converter, causing damage to the converter.

10. CONSOLIDATED TOOL LIST

MY2002 MODELS

Special tools for MY2002 VX, VU and WH Series II Models carry over from VT Series II Models. For information

concerning Special Tools refer to Section 0A in the VT Series II Service Manual in conj unction with Section 0A in

the VT Series I Service Information.

MY2003 UPDATE MODELS

Apart from the tools listed below, the special tools for MY2003 WH Series II Update Models carry over from VT

Series II Models. For information concerning Special Tools refer to Section 0A in the VT Series II Service

Information.

TOOL

NUMBER ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION CLASSIFICATION

J41623-B

COOLER PIPE QUICK-

CONNECT

RELEASE TOOL

New release.

Mandatory