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  1. T

    Alloytec 190kw oil suggestions

    I've been using Penrite HPR5 in my VZ Calais for the last 4yrs without any problems. Do the 15k service & no sludging noticed. Wait for it to come on sale at Repco (especially for NRMA members) & buy a couple of tubs at a time.
  2. T

    smell of fuel inside vz sedan

    After the fuel cap clicks a couple of times whilst putting it back on, I just grip around the circumference of the cap & twist a bit more. No smell. Been doing this with my Calais since 2005 & never used E10 till recently as the price of 95ULP is ridiculous & E10 averages 94 octane anyway. The...
  3. T

    Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1

    Mate I just figured that O2 sensors are consumables (like spark plugs) so replaced both my front sensors @ 120k. If you know one is crook is there any point in not replacing both.
  4. T

    Power train and check oil level

    Yep. I would've been thinking front O2 sensors - which was the case with my 190Kw.
  5. T

    Do not go to Holden service centres for servicing the Holden commodore

    Yeah seems a bit odd. 1st ever post & chooses to tip a bucket on a dealership .... especially if it was a 120k service on a VZ! You go to Holden if you want genuine parts (cost more), a Tech 2 to analyse codes (backyarders don't have them) and all the related workshop resources, manuals &...
  6. T

    fuel usage

    Well I'm not quite as nerdy as matt-chops .... but I did just do a trip Sydney to Brisbane (return) with a little bit of running around Brissie in my 2004 VZ Calais. Used Vortex 95. Stuck with the speed limit (via GPS) and got a reading of 7.8lts/100km at trips end. Had to smack myself when...
  7. T

    Rough gear changes

    As far as I know you can't (tune) the 5spd auto in the 190Kw alloytecs - only the 4spd can be tuned. No one should fiddle with it anyway, unless you ask them to. I'd just get them to put a filter kit into the tranny + change the fluid. I also had the diff oil changed. Yours like mine should be a...
  8. T

    Rough gear changes

    I must confess to changing my tranny fluid & filter @ 100k along with plugs, coil packs + front O2 sensors & diff oil. That's just me, but the transmission oil was definitely discoloured with an unusual smell. I just reckon 150k is a big ask from any oil.
  9. T

    A/C issue under acceleration

    1st port of call is always the one way valve .... it's the easiest to get to & cheapest to replace. If the issue is actuators, save yourself some grief & do both of them. It would be a shame to rip stuff out & replace the wrong actuator - then have to do it all again, just for being a tight...
  10. T

    vz ignition stuck

    Put the key in. Open palm give it a good solid tap on the end. If you can get some graphite dust into it first would be good. Whilst that might get it started, it is time to start looking for a new lock barrel. They can be bought at any spare parts place & a locksmith should be able to help...
  11. T

    A/C issue under acceleration

    bcw61 has pretty well hit the nail on the head. The only part you can reach from the engine bay is the one way valve near the firewall. If that is functioning then its under the dash you go. Hope these attachments are of some use.
  12. T

    2004 VZ Commodore "Check Power Train"

    Well that's good Scott can look at it for you. Everyone always bags out Holden Service Centres but there are some good techs out there that try their hardest for the customers. Let us know how you go.
  13. T

    A/C issue under acceleration

    Ah if only it were that simple. It could be the one way valve - but if not - check the below links. I have been there before (exactly the same issue) and it was a vacuum requiring removal of the dash & replacement of actuators - and yes it is a drama...
  14. T

    2004 VZ Commodore "Check Power Train"

    Talk to Scott Mewburn the Service Manager @ Pacific Holden, Gateshead. I had that issue with my 2004 VZ Calais back when Scott used to work down in Sydney. Turned out my issue was an O2 sensor. They could nominate which specific sensor failed from the codes (if that is your issue). If you...
  15. T

    Can smell fuel in VZ R8 Clubsport

    For me it was the fuel cap. After you've turned it so it starts to click, hold the outside circumference of the cap & just nip it up a bit tighter. They had a batch of caps with poor seals. That's all I do. never replaced the cap.
  16. T

    Electric aerial woes. I snapped it

    Look here Silverseahorse. http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/vz-holden-commodore-2004-2006/171506-vz-antenna-mast-replacement.html
  17. T

    powertrain warning on/off??

    For mine it was a stuffed front O2 sensor ... so you need to plug it in and check the codes rather than throw money at it trouble shooting.
  18. T

    VZ Exec Fuel Type..

    I've got a Calais but had similar experiences on trips to Brisvegas from Sydney. With 95RON I was getting 8.5L/100km but it felt a little more lively. With 91RON it usually sits at 7.8L/100km on the same trip. Best I ever got was 7.2L/100km with my young bloke on his 'L' plates going to Wagga &...
  19. T

    Spark plugs

    Genuine Holden plugs are just re-badged Bosch Platinums. They work just fine. HR 7 MPP 302 X Last lot I got were $7.70 @ but when you only have to change them every 120,000Kms it isn't a big price to pay.
  20. T

    FE1.5? What the?

    Did a search - don't know how good the info is though:- fe1 = standard fe1.5 = lowered with soft ride (luxury sports suspension tune) fe2 = lowered with a heavy duty (sports suspension tune)
  21. T

    VZ Oil service soon. . . ?

    Or take it back to Holden to get your cluster reflashed .....
  22. T

    fuel gauge error, Service vehicle soon.

    Hey Don. Take it down to the Holden dealer and they'll probably point out where the ECU is for free! RiCeY and the other guys on this forum give their advice for 'free' to help people like us - so don't brow beat them. The advice often does go toward minimising costs for those who can take up...
  23. T

    Engine Oil

    Rumour has it that Castrol Edge 5W-30 current specs is being rebadged as 'Castrol Fuel Saver 5W-30'. The 'new' Edge will be spec'd up as a premium oil to compete with Penrite HPR 5 together with a $10 price hike.
  24. T

    fuel gauge error, Service vehicle soon.

    Fair call RiCeY. The more advanced you get with vehicle technology, the more issues that are likely to arise, whether it be connectivity, sensors, etc. Comparing the ECU in a 19yr old vehicle with a current day vehicle is like chalk & cheese. The computer even in an old Commie is more powerful...
  25. T

    VZ SV6 '04 - Transmission Problems

    Now it's Fair Trading time to get your money back from the 1st wanker.
  26. T

    Engine will not start Next Moring

    Yeah but I recall reading in these forums that it activates a purge function ... so it achieves the same thing in the end.
  27. T

    VZ SV6 '04 - Transmission Problems

    That's why I trust him. Yep it's a Holden dealer. Yep it'll cost a bit more going genuine ... but if you can't find a local good mechanic to do your work at least you know the repairs & genuine parts will have a warranty. Good luck & let us know how it all ends up.
  28. T

    VZ SV6 '04 - Transmission Problems

    Hey Morphix ... take it where you choose. I think you're only option now is a dealer. I only suggested Pacific Holden because of my personal dealings with Scotty. He was always down to earth with me & never blew smoke up my arse. I'll actually be retiring up to Toronto overlooking Lake...
  29. T

    VZ SV6 '04 - Transmission Problems

    And then after you get it sorted out ... trek off to Dept of Fair Trading Resolving issues - NSW Office of Fair Trading if your 'former' mechanic won't give you a reasonable refund for his lack of knowledge & poor service.
  30. T

    VZ SV6 '04 - Transmission Problems

    morphix. Sounds like you need a new mechanic. The amount of money you've wasted on this bloke you could have gone to Holden & left with change. (02) 4920 8000 and ask for Scott Mewburn @ Gateshead Holden (now Pacific Holden). I think that's up your neck of the woods. He's the Service Manager...
  31. T

    Price of vz key

    There's those infamous words again 'From Holden'
  32. T

    Short Trips - Extra Care?

    I'm just wondering why you'd be running 10W-50? Specs say 10W-30 so a multi grade oil up to 50 is pretty thick. If anything one would think that a thinner oil like 5W-30 or 5W-40 would be better for cold start & shorter run applications. Just a thought ....
  33. T

    Engine Oil

    Well I just thought I'd give Penrite HPR 5 a try. 5W-40 and I'm happy so far, especially on these colder mornings. Mind you some gorilla must have tightened up the to of the filter - so it was a marathon effort to get it off & replace the cartridge - but all good now.
  34. T

    VZ Antenna Mast Replacement

    I could have DIY repaired mine for $35 but I just didn't have the time due to my trip the following day. Given that I've had my VZ Calais for 7yrs & this is the 1st time it failed (due my stupidity hooking it up on the auto roller door), then from a cost/benefit perspective retrofitting a fixed...
  35. T

    Experience with Subaru upper engine cleaner?

    Drewie .... think your getting your additives mixed up. There is a Subaru service part no. SA459 Upper Engine Cleaner which is an aerosol used every service. It's sprayed directly into the inlet through the vacuum hose connection (can also spray some into the air intake to remove gum...
  36. T

    VZ Antenna Mast Replacement

    Hope it's not against the rules to post links to outside threads but saw this DIY guide. Just paste the links into your browser to see the images. Most auto spares carry replacement masts for $35 if your electric motor is good. Just make sure to specify if it's replacing a genuine or...
  37. T

    Consumption economy Fuel average liters Km

    @ = each. So I paid $260 for a pair of front O2 sensors. The rear O2 sensors are cheaper. Just have a hunt on Ebay. I've seen them as low as $110 @ but I bought Bosch which GM just rebadge as genuine 'Holden' parts.
  38. T

    VZ Climate Control

    Don't know about the Clubby - but in the Calais both driver & passenger sides go up/down in increments of 1 degree. Lowest is C then goes up 17, 18, etc
  39. T

    Consumption economy Fuel average liters Km

    I bought replacement front sensors 12 months ago off Ebay from a place in Melbourne @ Coburg Nth. They were Bosch (same as genuine) & cost $130 @ for the front O2 sensors. There are also two rear sensors, but they aren't normally the problem when it comes to fuel consumption from what I've...
  40. T

    P0152 - o2 Signal High Bank 2, Sensor 1

    My 2004 Calais 190Kw has got four O2 sensors. 2 x front & 2 x rear. I just replaced the front ones on mine & it sorted out any issues (though fuel economy has never registered quite the same with the after market sensors).
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