Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV

1988-2006 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems All workshop problems

Common Air Conditioning

Compressor Failure (All Models)

Symptoms

Air conditioning blows warm air. Compressor clutch doesn't engage. Unusual noise (grinding, squealing) from the compressor when engaged.

Cause

Compressor clutch coil failure is the most common mode. The compressor itself can also develop internal wear (noisy) or seize. Low refrigerant from a system leak causes the low-pressure switch to prevent compressor engagement, protecting the compressor from running without lubrication.

Fix

Check the refrigerant level first, a system low on gas is the most common cause of no cooling and is cheap to fix ($80-150 for a regas).

If the compressor clutch isn't engaging with adequate refrigerant, check the clutch coil with a multimeter (resistance should be 3-5 ohms).

Replace the clutch coil ($80-150) or the entire compressor ($300-600 plus regas).

Always replace the receiver drier when the system has been open to atmosphere.

Cost mentioned in fix

$80-150 for a$80-150$300-600

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// More Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems

Other known issues

Common Air Conditioning

Climate Control Malfunction (VS-VZ with Auto Climate)

Air conditioning vents change position during acceleration (typically switch from face vents to defrost). Temperature control erratic. Blend door doesn't respond to temperature changes.

Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Intake Manifold Gasket Leak

Coolant leak at the junction of the intake manifold and cylinder heads. May present as coolant loss without a visible external leak (coolant enters the intake ports), or as a coolant stain on the side of the engine. Engine may run rough or misfire if coolant enters the combustion chamber.

Critical Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Harmonic Balancer Failure (Ecotec, VS onwards)

A wobbling pulley on the front of the crankshaft. Knocking or rattling noise from the front of the engine. The drive belt may track poorly or come off.

Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Supercharger Bypass Valve Failure (L67 supercharged V6)

Loss of boost, rattling from the supercharger, reduced performance. The supercharger may make a whining noise that changes with the valve's operation.

Critical Engine, V6 (Alloytec 3.6L, VZ)

Timing Chain and Guide Failure

Rattling noise on cold start that may persist after warm-up. Check engine light with codes related to camshaft timing. Rough idle, misfiring, loss of power. In severe cases, the engine won't start or runs extremely poorly.

Critical Engine, V6 (Alloytec 3.6L, VZ)

Oil Leaks from Timing Cover

Oil weeping or dripping from the front of the engine, behind the harmonic balancer area.

All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems