Holden Commodore, VB

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Holden Commodore, VB manual transmission fluid capacity ranges from 1.76 to 2 liters. Service intervals consist of checks every 10000 km or 6 months. The data covers 6 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
Commodore 2.85 (1978-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,76-2 liter
  • Check 10000 km/ 6 months
  • Code: 4/1
Commodore 3.3 (1978-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,76-2 liter
  • Check 10000 km/ 6 months
  • Code: 4/1
Commodore 4.2 (87 kW) (1978-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2 liter
  • Check 10000 km/ 6 months
  • Code: 4/1
Commodore 4.2 (96 kW) (1978-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2 liter
  • Check 10000 km/ 6 months
  • Code: 4/1
Commodore 5.0 (114 kW) (1978-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2 liter
  • Check 10000 km/ 6 months
  • Code: 4/1
Commodore 5.0 (125 kW) (1978-1980)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2 liter
  • Check 10000 km/ 6 months
  • Code: 4/1

Additional Notes

  • The Holden Commodore VB was available across six engine configurations from 1978-1980, spanning displacements of 2.85, 3.3, 4.2, and 5.0 litres, all of which carried manual transmission fluid specifications under normal use conditions.
  • The 2.85-litre and 3.3-litre engines share a capacity range of 1.76-2 litres for the manual transmission. A range rather than a fixed value typically reflects variation between a drain-and-refill service fill and the full overhaul or dry-fill capacity of the gearbox.
  • The four larger-displacement engines — both 4.2-litre variants and both 5.0-litre variants — specify a fixed 2-litre capacity, representing the upper end of the range listed for the smaller engines. A fixed value at that level generally corresponds to a consistent service fill across those gearbox units.
  • The two 4.2-litre engines are distinguished by output ratings of 87 kW and 96 kW respectively, yet both carry an identical 2-litre manual transmission fluid capacity, indicating the same gearbox unit was used regardless of the power difference between those variants.
  • Similarly, the two 5.0-litre engines, rated at 114 kW and 125 kW, share the same 2-litre manual transmission fluid capacity, pointing to a common gearbox specification across both power outputs within that displacement.
  • All six configurations share a uniform check interval of 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal use conditions. The dual-trigger format — combining a distance threshold with a time limit — ensures the fluid level is assessed even in low-mileage situations where calendar time may be the more relevant factor.

Other Systems