Holden Crewman Problems

Ignition coil failures have been an often reported failure on Commodores going back a number of models; it's not necessarily something new. I couldn't say the others will fail any time soon, after all the two failed coils did 184,000 km before giving up.

THIS is a common problem. To my knowledge Holden has no solution other than to fit a new diff and hope it is better. Keep up the pressure and demand a fix.

I'M NOT aware of problems with the chassis bending, but perhaps our readers might be able to let us know if there is a problem. The diff can be a problem and you should be able to tell by a knocking noise that sounds as you load and unload the driveline. The Gen III V8 has had some mean documented piston slap and oil consumption problems, but Holden came to the party to rebuild complaint engines, and that issue should have been solved. In terms of size of the engine, the V6 is perfectly adequate. Holden stopped making the Crewman because it no longer fitted with the VE architecture and couldn't be built on the same production line as the VE.

Have the diff mounts checked; they're likely to be the cause.

FOR $75 I would cop it on the chin. Really, I don't believe it's worth chasing Holden.

The key is programmed to the car so any locksmith needs both to supply you with a new key. But if it’s just the locking part of the key that’s a problem, and the key still starts the car, then you might be able to have the key head reprogrammed by a locksmith in Australia, who will be able to instruct you on what you need to do to mate the new key head with the car once it’s returned to you. Try Port Melbourne Locksmiths on 03 9645 1222 for more information, but you could try other locksmiths as well.

THE SS was only a V8, but there was a Crewman S that came with the 3.8-litre V6. It will carry a decent load, certainly enough to handle your husband's work needs. The rear seating was rather upright and uncomfortable over a long period. You would expect to pay up to $25,000 for a V6 S and $28,000 for a V8 SS VZ model. It was dropped because it wasn't the success Holden hoped for and having a separate chassis it didn't fit well with Commodore production. I would look at a Japanese dual-cab.

I would approach Holden with a claim for part compensation, the only to do it is through your dealer in the first instance, and then direct to Holden of the dealer rejects you. If you do choose to make a claim against Holden have all your documentation available to give to them, and that includes the car’s service history. You also need to be able to support your claim that you haven’t abused the transmission. If they did agree to your claim, and I doubt they would, they would most likely supply the parts to rebuild it, and leave you to pick up the tab for the labour.

Sorry to tell you but the diff problem is a common one in the Crewman, has been since it was new. Other than changing the diff, there’s not much you can do about it, except try changing the oil.