Recalls: Holden VR Statesman/Caprice
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Holden VR Statesman/Caprice
- In November 1996, a recall was issued for Holden VR Statesman and Caprice models with automatic transmissions and tow bars. In these vehicles, transmission fluid may come out of the transmission breather and/or dipstick tube, resulting in overheating of the transmission fluid during towing – this could pose a fire hazard (PRA 1996/2990).
- In October 1998, a recall was issued for Holden VR Statesman and Caprice vehicles due to the right hand side headlamp patch harness connector potentially not having sufficient clearance to the battery, resulting in vapours from the battery damaging the connector and causing an electrical short circuit – this could present a fire hazard (PRA 1998/3672). The recalled vehicles were as follows –
- Statesman models: manufactured from 6/12/1993 to 14/2/1997 and in the VIN range 6H8 VRY19URL 674058 to 6H8 VSY19HVL 213857;
- Caprice models: manufactured from 6/12/1993 to 30/5/1996 and in the VIN range 6H8 VRZ19URL 676992 to 6H8 VSZ19HTL 939663.
Problems and faults: Holden VR Statesman/Caprice
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
V6 Engines
- Harmonic balancers consist of inner and outer hemispheres which dissipate energy through vulcanised rubber. Over time, the rubber perishes or loosens and the outer hemisphere can move freely of the inner hemisphere. For V6 engines, the balancers also contain a counter weight on the inner hemisphere to help absorb harmonic vibrations, but when the rubber splits or fractures, the counter weight can rattle against the outer hemisphere.
- The engine serpentine belt uses a spring-loaded, self-adjusting bracket and pulley. The bracket can cause loud rattling noises, usually at low engine revs, when the tensioning spring fatigues. Note that the tensioning spring cannot be replaced separately and that the entire tensioner bracket needs to be replaced.
The radiators have plastic tanks and an alloy core which are crimped together. The plastic tanks can perish and split (usually the right hand tank, where the fan housing mounts), resulting in coolant and pressure loss. The alloy core can also suffer from electrolysis due to electrical currents from the thermo fan motor. - The eccentric engine balance shaft – fitted above the camshaft – served to equalize harmonic vibrations. However, the rear bearing (a needle roller design) can damage the balance shaft surface and cause a rattling noise from the rear of the engine below the inlet manifold.
- The original timing chain has a pressed-link steel design which is susceptible to stretching – if this occurs, the timing chain tensioner (mounted on the right side of the engine block) can break. A broken timing chain tensioner results in rattling noises from the front of the engine and less engine performance.
- The crank angle sensor (mounted behind the harmonic balancer) may experience internal cracking. As such, the sensor may operate when the engine is cold, but not start the engine when it is warm. Dousing the crank angle sensor with cold water may temporarily cause it to contract and operate correctly. To replace the crank angle sensor, the harmonic balancer will need to be removed.
- The thermo fans may operate intermittently due to connection problems at the thermo fan fuse or relay. Fuse terminal melting is common, usually because of bad connections and the amount of current draw through the system. External fuse routing is usually the quickest way to bypass damaged terminals, along with thoroughly cleaned wiring connections.
- The exhaust manifold is susceptible to cracking due to uneven expansion and contraction. Note that external welding will not repair all of the cracks as the manifold also cracks internally around the collector.
V8 Engines
- Inadequate engine oil circulation and low oil pressure at cold idle may be due to the pick-up strainer becoming clogged by carbon deposits. Scheduled servicing and oil system cleaners can reduce carbon build up, but in extreme cases the sump and pick-up may need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned.
- The rear main seal is made from rope which squeezes against the crankshaft at the rear of the engine. Hot engine oil and age reduces the seals ability to work effectively, resulting in oil leaks from the back of the crankshaft. To replace the seal, the crank needs to be removed from the engine – this generally requires that the engine also be removed.
- Harmonic balancers consist of inner and outer hemispheres which dissipate energy through vulcanised rubber. Over time, the rubber perishes or loosens and the outer hemisphere can move freely of the inner hemisphere. This can cause damage to other parts and a loss of timing position.
Transmissions
- The VR automatic transmission has a common issue of setting code 68 PCM fault (transmission slip), due to an oversensitive memcal calibration. Not all vehicles received the revised memcal to eliminate this problem, only those that reported it as a problem.
- Automatic transmissions have a lockup torque converter which acts like a 5th gear (overdrive). However, these converters can distort – due to heat or excessive strain – and cause driveline vibrations at 1500-1800 rpm. For this reason, regular servicing and the use of a transmission cooler if towing are recommended.
- The rubber gearbox mount is bolted to the transmission housing by two Allen bolts. These bolts can become loose, allowing the transmission to move independently of the mount and cause driveline vibrations. Replacement bolts should be torqued and potentially sealed in place to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Brakes
- The VR Statesman and Caprice had front bearing hubs which were independent of the disc rotors. When the bearings wear, will be emitted and a complete hub will need to be fitted since the bearings cannot be separately replaced.
Electrical
- Excessive fuel consumption can occur if the temperature sender unit fails (sending the wrong voltage to the ECU).
- Where fitted with a factory immobiliser, there is usually a remote key switch in the glovebox – these switches can become fault and prevent the vehicle from starting.
For models with V8 engines, an erratic tachometer may be caused by reduced conductivity of the distributor cap and/or rotor. - The VR Statesman/Caprice introduced a body control module which controls most power-operated functions. If this module becomes faulty, the central locking, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, et cetera may become inoperative. When replaced, a new remote will be required and must be programmed to the body control module.
- The cruise control stalks are susceptible to failure due to worn button contacts or broken wires at the end of the stalk.
Steering
- Steering rack leaks are common, either from the rack ends (which fill up the dust boots) or from the top hub seal.
