Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

Minor Electrical

Dashboard Gauge Failures

Symptoms

Gauges read incorrectly, needles stick, illumination fails.

Cause

The instrument cluster uses small stepper motors (VL) or thermal-type gauges (VB-VK) that fail with age. Soldered connections on the cluster circuit board develop dry joints.

Fix

Remove the cluster and resolder dry joints.

Replace failed illumination bulbs.

For stuck gauges, replacement clusters from a wrecker are the easiest fix.

Ensure you get a cluster from the same model year, wiring plugs differ between VB-VK and VL.

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Other known issues

Critical Electrical

VL Ignition Control Module (ICM) Failure

Engine cuts out while driving. Won't restart. May restart after cooling down. Similar symptoms to the Ford TFI module failure.

Common Electrical

Corroded Earth Points (VL)

Intermittent electrical faults, instruments drop out, lights dim, ECU throws random codes, fuel injection behaves erratically.

Minor Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Worn Valve Stem Seals

Blue smoke on startup that clears after 30 seconds to a minute. May also smoke briefly on deceleration after sustained highway driving.

Common Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Carburettor Issues (VB-VH)

Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, flooding, poor fuel economy, black smoke.

Critical Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Oil Leaks (All Holden Six and V8)

Oil on the garage floor, oil smell, oil coating on the underside of the engine.

Critical Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)

Overheating in Traffic

Temperature gauge climbs into the red zone in slow traffic or on hot days. May push coolant out the overflow.

View all 21 Commodore (VB-VL) problems