FAQ

While we spend a considerable amount of time researching prior to the release of any advertisement or marketing campaign, we understand that occasionally there may be areas that are open to constructive comments.

Please be assured that Holden places a great deal of emphasis on the views and opinions held by our customers and we are proud of the reputation our company has established within the Australian community. Please understand that our intentions are never meant to offend. If you have experienced any such feelings please let us know by calling Holden Customer Assistance on 1800 033 349 or write to us at:

Holden Ltd
PO Box 1714
Melbourne, Victoria, 3001

Should you wish to comment further on advertising content, you can also contact the Advertising Standards Bureau via the below details.

Advertising Standards Bureau
Level 2, 97 Northbourne Ave
TURNER ACT 2612
Tel: 02 6262 9822
Fax: 02 6262 9833

Please visit the Holden Brand Enquiries section of our site which outlines the procedure that needs to be followed.

Please be advised that you are required to obtain permission from Holden prior to using the Holden logo or images. As such, we advise that you read the Holden Brand Enquiries information or you can send an outline of your request to the address below.

Legal Department
Holden Ltd
PO Box 1714
Melbourne VIC 3001

One of our key policies in this area is that we can consider a suggestion only if you have first safeguarded your rights by applying for patent or registered design protection. All information is on the website, please visit Holden Brand Enquiries for more information.

Holden merchandise is available from Holden Dealers and Lions Den stores. Visit Holden Dealer Locator for your nearest Holden Dealer or Lions Den store.

To view the current range, please visit Holden Merchandise.

Holden does not manufacture or market model cars, however some model cars are available via the Holden Dealer network. Visit Holden Dealer Locator for your nearest Holden Dealer or Lions Den store.

To view the range of model cars currently available, please visit Holden Merchandise.

Your local motoring body will be able to assist with your enquiry:

VIC www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

NSW www.rta.nsw.gov.au

QLD www.transport.qld.gov.au

WA www.officeofroadsafety.wa.gov.au

TAS www.transport.tas.gov.au

SA www.transport.sa.gov.au

ACTwww.rego.act.gov.au

Do not fit unauthorised seat covers to a vehicle fitted with side impact airbags as they may impair the deployment of side impact airbags. However, genuine Holden seat inserts are available from your Holden Dealer for selected models. For the availability of seat inserts, please contact your preferred Holden Dealer.

For further information on side impact airbags, please refer to Chapter 6 of your vehicle's Owner's Handbook.

Visit Holden Careers section for more information.

For part prices, please contact the Parts Department of your preferred Holden Dealer who will be able to price and order your Genuine Holden Parts. For recommended retail pricing for Genuine Holden Accessories, you can find this on the Accessories page or contact your Holden Dealer.

Visit Holden Dealer Locator for your nearest Holden Dealer.

To opt out of Holden marketing communications, please contact Holden Customer Assistance on 1800 033 349.

Alternatively, you may email us your request, providing your complete name, address, vehicle registration number and ISOVIN. To email, please click here.

Please be aware however that should Holden issue a Safety Recall for your vehicle (in the instance you appear as the owner of the vehicle in our records), we will contact you and advise of this action.

We are unable to provide trade in values for your vehicle. However we suggest you contact a Holden Dealer who will be able to assist you with such an enquiry. Visit Holden Dealer Locator for your nearest Holden Dealer.

Map suppliers provide a web based facility for Holden customers to report map anomalies, road additions and other changes to their local road systems. Due to the relatively long map development period these changes may take some time to appear in latest releases. The map suppliers have a robust process in place to verify user reported anomalies, through digital sources, GPS data and if necessary through the physical sighting of changed road conditions. It's not until this verification is complete that any change is made to the latest map release to customers. If you have reported a map anomaly, it's feasible that these road system changes are not incorporated in a map update for some time. The compilation of the map raw data is completed more than 12 months ahead of the eventual map update release - therefore any anomaly reported after the data close off period will not be included until the next update. To report map anomalies please visit the map provider websites: For Captiva systems - www.whereis.com.au For Cruze systems - www.whereis.com.au For Commodore and Caprice Series II iQ system - www.mapreporter.navteq.com.au

An importer needs to obtain a Vehicle Import Approval from the Commonwealth Dept of Transport and Regional Services (DTRS).

Applications are available at the following site: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/importing_vehicles/general/index.aspx

The type of fuel that can be used depends upon your vehicle type and model. Please refer to Chapter 5 of your Owner's Handbook, which will clearly specify the type of fuel for your vehicle.

Should you have any further questions, please contact Holden Customer Assistance on 1800 033 349.

Your vehicle's fuel tank specifications are available in your Owner's Handbook. Please refer to Chapter 5 for fuel related enquiries and Chapter 8 for vehicle specifications.

Should you have further specific questions regarding fuel consumption of your vehicle, do not hesitate to discuss this with the Service Department of your Holden Dealer. Visit Holden Dealer Locator for your nearest Holden Dealer.

Alternatively, you can call Holden Customer Assistance on 1800 033 349

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device fitted to the exhaust system of a vehicle to remove diesel particulate matter (soot) from the exhaust gas. Soot is a by-product of the diesel combustion process and without the use of a DPF the soot particles would be emitted into our environment.The entire filter system consists of a pre catalytic converter, an oxidising catalytic converter and a DPF. The pre catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust gas flow, very close to the engine. The oxidising catalytic converter and the DPF form a single unit and are housed further downstream in the exhaust gas flow. For monitoring and diagnostic purposes, the system contains exhaust gas temperature sensors and a differential pressure sensor.

The DPF consists of a ceramic core made of silicon carbide with alternately closed channels. The exhaust gas flows into the closed channels and is forced through the channel walls and out of the ceramic core. The filtered exhaust gas flows into the rest of the exhaust system and out into the environment. The soot gets trapped in the closed channels at the engine side of the DPF ceramic core. The amount of soot the engine produces depends on driving behaviour and driving conditions. If the vehicle is driven on short trips with light engine load, soot deposits quickly. Because the soot is accumulated on the filter's surface, periodic cleaning is required to remove the soot deposits.

The stored soot particulates must be regularly burned off in order to prevent blocking of the DPF. The DPF system can clean itself and this is often referred to as Automatic Regeneration. Most drivers will not be aware the regeneration cycle is occurring. The amount of stored soot detected in the DPF determines when regeneration is required, so driving conditions which create more soot will require the DPF to regenerate more often. The car's computer or Electronic Control Module (ECM) initiates a self cleaning process of the DPF.

The time taken to complete the regeneration process varies with the vehicle driving conditions and can take up to 25 minutes. While the DPF can clean itself and the majority of drivers will not detect the automatic regeneration cycle, there is also the possibility that the driving conditions needed for the automatic regeneration process may not occur at the time required or may be interrupted. The vehicle’s computer is able to monitor the regeneration cycle process and alert the driver should ‘normal’ driving not allow the automatic regeneration cycle to finish. Where there is a high soot loading of the DPF or there are frequent regeneration interruptions, a DPF indicator lamp is turned on to inform the driver to continue driving until the regeneration process has been completed at which time the indicator will turn off. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for more detail about the operation of the DPF indicator lamp and how to drive in a manner that will allow the Automatic Regeneration to finish. Note: Automatic Regeneration can fail if one of the following conditions occurs:
• Regeneration time exceeds 20 – 25 minutes
• The engine is switched off or stalls during the Automatic Regeneration process
• The engine is left idling for an extended period (ie. 5 – 15+ minutes)
• Temperature at exhaust gas sensors is too high or too low for the Automatic Regeneration process to operate.
• Fuel injection quantity is too high or too low for the Automatic Regeneration process to operate
• Engine protection function is active (eg. overheating)

When the ECM determines that the DPF soot content has reached a pre determined amount and the required driving conditions are met, the regeneration process will begin automatically. Driving conditions that will enable the Automatic Regeneration process to occur are:
• The engine must be at normal operating temperature. • The vehicle is being driven at speeds greater than 50 km/h.
• The engine must be driven at moderate engine loads

The Automatic Regeneration of the DPF occurs at a temperature greater than 600°C, measured in the DPF. In order to start this regeneration, the vehicle's engine management system injects extra fuel into the combustion chamber. These secondary fuel injections do not burn in the combustion chamber, but instead burn in the two catalytic converters. This causes the catalytic converters to heat up past the normal operating temperatures of 120° to 400° C. When the DPF temperatures reach greater than 600°C, the accumulated soot is able to be burnt off the filter surface and converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) gas which passes down the exhaust system. The two exhaust gas temperature sensors monitor the exhaust gas temperature to ensure the correct temperatures are maintained in the DPF for the duration of the Automatic Regeneration process.

In most cases the behaviour of the car will not change during Automatic Regeneration, however you may notice an increase in the indicated fuel consumption on your vehicles trip computer (where fitted) while the regeneration is occurring. The following conditions are also considered to be normal during the regeneration process:

• Emission of smells and smoke. This will be most noticeable when the vehicle is new, but will lessen significantly after several Automatic Regenerations have occurred.
• Increase in engine speed at idle.
• Operation of the engine cooling fan.

This means the DPF control system has determined that regeneration is required but the driving conditions for this to occur have not yet been met. For instance if the vehicle is only driven for short distances, the engine does not reach operating temperature or if the vehicle speed is too low due to heavy traffic there will be high soot loading of the DPF. Automatic Regeneration can only be started once the engine reaches a certain temperature and speed conditions. When the DPF lamp is on or flashing, it is necessary for the driver to drive in a manner described in the Owner's Manual for the Automatic Regeneration process to complete.

It does not matter if the vehicle speed is sometimes less than 50 km/h. The DPF system will continue the regeneration process when the vehicle speed increases above 50 km/h again. It is important that the vehicle is not stopped while the DPF indicator lamp is ON or flashing. If the DPF indicator lamp is ON or flashing, it is recommended that the vehicle continue to be driven until the DPF indicator goes out.

If the lamp does not go out within 100km of coming on, this indicates that your current driving conditions are preventing the DPF Automatic Regeneration from completing, eg. frequent short journeys. It is necessary for the driver to drive in a manner described in the Owner's Manual for the Automatic Regeneration process to complete. If the DPF lamp flashes, this indicates that the previous four DPF Automatic Regeneration cycles have been interrupted prior to completion. Turning the engine off while the DPF indicator is on continuously or flashing will prevent the DPF Automatic Regeneration process from completing. This will result in increased fuel consumption and a reduction in engine oil life.

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may also illuminate to indicate that there is a malfunction in the DPF or that the Automatic Regeneration process has been interrupted. If the MIL remains on for longer than four ignition cycles since the DPF lamp has turned off (ie. the vehicle engine has been started and stopped more than 4 times), the vehicle must be taken to an authorised Holden Dealer as soon as possible.

The Dealer will ask for information to assist with diagnosis such as the approximate odometer reading when the DPF lamp first switched ON. The Dealer will inspect the DPF and extract any error codes logged in the vehicle's computer. These codes will help direct the Dealer to the corrective action required which will be discussed and explained with you. It may be necessary to also replace the engine oil, as the extra fuel injected into the engine during the DPF Automatic Regeneration process may cause an increase in the engine oil level. If the vehicle was driven for a long time with the DPF lamp on before being taken to a Dealer, the DPF may be overloaded with soot which may require the replacement of the DPF.

Vehicles equipped with a DPF require the use of low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus-Sulphur) engine oil. When replacing or topping up your engine oil, use only Low SAPS oil complying with the viscosity and specification stated in the Owner's Manual. If normal engine oil is used instead of Low SAPS engine oil, ash, which is denser than the soot, will accumulate in the DPF which in turn reduces the amount of soot the DPF can store. Ash in the DPF cannot be burnt off and can severely reduce the life of the DPF.

The GM Engine Oil Life System is a computer based software algorithm that determines when to change oil based on engine operating conditions. There is no actual oil condition sensor. Rather, the computer in your vehicle continuously monitors engine-operating conditions to determine when to change oil.

In all internal combustion engines - petrol or diesel - the primary driver in oil degradation is the combustion event. Every time the engine fires, a small volume of oil is directly exposed to, and destroyed by, this high-temperature, high-pressure event. Furthermore, combustion gases containing acids, fuel, soot and water get past the piston rings and react with and degrade the engine oil. In addition to the combustion event, oil temperature plays a role in oil degradation. As oil temperature increases the oxidation rate of the oil speeds up, which can lead to oil thickening over time. On the other hand, colder oil temperatures increase the concentration of contaminants, such as fuel and water, in the oil. The GM Engine Oil Life System comprehends these oil degradation processes, and using a mathematical algorithm, calculates the optimal time to change the engine oil. While the basic starting algorithm is the same for all GM engines, each engine equipped with EOLS gets its own calibration specifically tailored to match its unique needs.

In modern GM diesel engines the software algorithm determines the point at which an oil change is required by tracking the number of times the diesel particulate filter on the engine 'regenerates' as this is the largest contributor to degrading the oil in diesel engines. The particulate filter on a diesel engine traps soot and other contaminates created in the combustion cycle on the filter's surface. When sensors fitted to the engine detect a certain level of contaminants on the filter surface the engine automatically begins a special process to burn these contaminants off the surface of the filter to 'regenerate/clean' the filter. Sometimes the Driver will notice a change in engine performance when this particulate filter regeneration is in progress. This is normal and some additional information about the regeneration process is found in the Owner's handbook.

More than 31 million GM Engine Oil Life System-equipped vehicles have been sold by GM since 1998. Today, over 97 percent of GM vehicles sold in U.S. are equipped with the GM Engine Oil Life System and the technology is rapidly expanding through the rest of the world. Holden plans to incorporate EOLS into vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Based on driving conditions and type of vehicle the oil change interval can vary. For instance, mild highway driving in a warm climate will maximize the interval between oil changes. Depending on the vehicle this could be 15,000 klms. On the other hand, short trip driving in a cool climate may limit the oil change interval to 5,000 klms or even less to protect the vehicle powertrain.

If the GM EOLS does not indicate to the Driver to change the oil within 12 months from the last oil change then the oil should be changed at 12months from the last oil change date.

Yes, the GM EOLS does not sense oil level. As stated in the Owner's manual, it is recommended that vehicle owners regularly check their oil level and this process is explained in the Owners manual.

The GM Engine Oil Life System is very easy to use. First, refer to the vehicle Owner's manual for a description of the specific 'change oil' message and instructions. When the engine oil needs to be changed, the 'change oil' message or light will be illuminated on the instrument panel or driver information center when the vehicle is first started. An oil change should be done within 1000 klms from when the message was first displayed. Immediately after the oil has been changed, the system must be reset. After resetting, the 'change oil' message or light will no longer be displayed after engine start up.

Since the GM Engine Oil Life System does not actually sense oil condition, it is important that the engine computer knows when an oil change takes place. By performing the reset it lets the computer know an oil change has taken place so the calculation starts again. In the event that an oil change is done without resetting the system, then if the 'change oil' indicator was already illuminated it will remain illuminated until the system is reset, or if the 'change oil' indicator had not illuminated when the oil was changed then the computer will continue to use the stored information and the 'change oil' indicator may subsequently illuminate prematurely. The more kilometers that are driven without the system being reset, the more inaccurate the GM Engine Oil Life System will be. (Refer owner's manual for information).

The GM Engine Oil Life System is calibrated for the oil quality specified in the vehicle owners manual. Owners should be sure to refer to their owners manual for the proper oil quality and viscosity.

Owner's manuals for newer vehicles recommend changing oil within 1000 kms of the light turning on. It is a good practice that oil be changed within two fuel tank fill-ups after the light turns on.

Discolouration is natural for engine oil when it is used; in fact, discolouration is a sign that the oil is doing its job. Engine oils contain dispersants which are designed to hold contaminants, such as combustion by-products, in suspension within the oil. These contaminants provide a dark colour to oil. Therefore, simply by doing its job, an engine oil will turn dark with use. The extent of oil deterioration is determined through the use of a wide range of physical and chemical tests, but colour is not one of them. The GM Engine Oil Life System is designed to account for oil deterioration and a darkening of the oil with use is expected and natural.

There are various Extended and Certified Used Vehicle Warranties available through your Holden Dealer.

As such, we suggest you check your Extended Warranty policy, as this will have details of its terms and conditions. In addition, we also suggest you ask this question of your selling Holden Dealer who will be able to advise you of specific conditions pertaining to the policy purchased.

Genuine Holden Parts and Accessories and HSVi Enhancements are specifically designed and manufactured to integrate completely with the operation and appearance of your new Holden. Holden's Design and Engineering teams are constantly involved with the development and approval of every Genuine Holden Accessory and HSVi Enhancement. For more information please visit Genuine Holden Accessories.

Only Genuine Holden Parts and Accessories and HSVi Enhancements are comprehensively tested by Holden Engineers.

Given this, Holden does not recommend modifying your vehicle from its as built nature using non-Holden approved parts and accessories. Your vehicle's integrity, performance and safety may be impaired by modifications using non-Holden approved components. Should you proceed with modifications, your New Vehicle Warranty will not be voided. However, should a problem occur which is attributed to the modifications made, any repairs will not be covered by Holden's New Vehicle Warranty.

Your Holden Dealer is staffed exclusively by dedicated Holden experts who have the training and specialised equipment to correctly service your vehicle. All Holden Dealers subscribe to a standard of excellence called "The Holden Difference". Click here to learn more about The Holden Difference and the benefits of servicing your Holden at an authorised Holden Service Centre.

If you decide to have your vehicle serviced by an independent mechanic, ensure the service coupons in your service manual are correctly validated with the mechanic's stamp, signed and the correct odometer reading recorded. It is also advisable that you retain your service invoice, which will detail the work carried out on your vehicle. This will assist you with any warranty claims that may arise and will also enhance the value of your vehicle. For further information, please refer to chapters 9 and 12 of your Owner's Handbook.

Aftermarket parts and accessories may be fitted to your vehicle and this will not void your New Vehicle Warranty. However, Holden's warranty will not cover repairs to your vehicle should the problem be attributed to the installation of the aftermarket component. For further clarification, please refer to chapter 9 of your Owner's Handbook which details the terms and conditions of your New Vehicle Warranty.

Should you have any questions regarding component and repair coverage under warranty, we suggest speaking with the Service Department of your Holden Dealer. Visit Holden Dealer Locator for your nearest Holden Dealer.

Alternatively, you can refer to your Owner's Handbook or Call Holden Customer Assistance on 1800 033 349.

E10
Most Holden vehicles manufactured since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.However, there are some exceptions, including:

• Apollo (1/87-7/89)
• Nova (2/89-7/94)
• Barina (1985-1994)
• Drover (1985-1987)
• Scurry (1985-1986)
• Astra (1984-1989)
• Astra SRi 2.2L (11/2006 onwards)
• Astra 2.2L Twin Top Convertible (11/2006 onwards)

E85
In addition, flex-fuel vehicles in the Commodore VE Series II range are also capable of running on E85. Suitable vehicles are those featuring 3.0L V6 or 6.0L V8 engines, including:

• Omega sedan, Sportwagon and Ute
• Berlina sedan and Sportwagon
• Calais sedan and Sportwagon (V8 only)
• Calais V sedan and Sportwagon (V8 only)
• SS sedan, Sportwagon and Ute
• SS-V sedan, Sportwagon and Ute
• Caprice V (V8 only)

Please refer to Chapter 5 of your Owner's Handbook for recommended fuel usage.

For information on the benefits of using ethanol blended fuel, Click here

For more information please visit Holden's Customer Assistance.

Instructions to enter your PIN code:

1. Switch ignition to accessories position
2. Switch on radio, if turned off
3. The display will show 'CODE'
4. Press and hold the AS button (number 8) until a beep is heard and release the AS button. The display shows '10- - - -', which indicates that you have 10 attempts left at entering the correct PIN code
5. Enter the PIN code with preset buttons 1, 2, 3, 4.

   Example:
   If the pin code belonging to the radio is 3650.
   Press preset button number 1, 4 times
   Press preset button number 2, 7 times
   Press preset button number 3, 6 times
   Press preset button number 4, 1 time
   (You are pressing the preset button one more time than what the pin code represents)

6. Press and hold the AS (number 8) until a beep is heard and the radio starts operating. If a wrong PIN code has been entered the display will show '9 SAFE'. After the waiting time '9 - - - -' will be shown on the display indicating that there are nine attempts left. The correct code should now be entered.