My cheap manual SS commodore had a MAJOR problem!

[@RussellBooth1977]

Don't disconnect the battery terminal in any EFI car while it's running because that can cause a voltage spike which is normally absorbed by the battery to blow the PCM,BCM,ABS & SRS airbag modules up. I have owned a 2002 model Holden VY SS Commodore manual sedan for 15 years now & they're a very good car,mine is heading to 397,000 kilometres & I have replaced a lot of things a few times,I fitted the 30mm lowered Monaro springs into it but I went back to FE2 suspension because the alignment was out of specifications & I am still having trouble getting the rear camber spot on so I think that I may fit rear camber adjusting bushes into the car. The alloy rims were buckled but I got my local JAX tyre place to get 3 of them straightened & I repainted a couple of them,I still need to get one of them straightened & I have a straight spare rim fitted so I have 3 rims to repaint as well as repair the gutter rash,I will see if they can improve on the wheel alignment with straight wheel rims but it's the excess negative camber that's the worry although it doesn't scrub out tyres, I have replaced all of the Bushes with polyurethane bushes as well. My goal this year is to rebuild a spare Dana M80 diff which I got from a VZ Commodore on eBay,I need to change the diff centre to LSD & replace the 3.07:1 ratio gears with 3.91:1 gears because my car runs the VY Clubby diff ratio & it's a bit tired having excessive backlash & a whine at 60 km/h. Mine was tuned so it's going better than the 235 kilowatt car,it was putting out 276 kilowatts when I first bought it but I think someone has fiddled with it (the tuning ) again after I replaced the custom headers with a set of Genie 1 5/8" primary headers & a twin 2.5" Redback exhaust system to replace the modified twin 2.25" exhaust system. It went a whole lot better after I got a rego inspection done in 2019 ,I believe that it has been dyno tuned again. I might also shout it a new clutch because it shudders a bit as I release it. In the VY & VZ Commodores a check alternator symbol will turn on,on the LCD screen usually if the alternator isn't charging the battery but it sounds like it the diode pack got fried in yours. I upgraded the alternator to a 180 amp Delphi CS130D copy & it really pumps out the amps, you need both a good alternator & battery in that car, for example, the positive battery lead came loose on the battery terminal & my car hasn't got the factory terminals anymore so when I was on my way to work at 5:30 AM one morning the engine cut out & the instrument cluster went black when I switched on the high beams. I just drove it with my low beans turned on until I pulled out of a roundabout then attempted to accelerate with just the low beams turned on then everything blacked out again & the engine also quit so I pulled over & found out that the terminal was loose. I had a socket set in my car & I tightened up the terminal then I just started the engine up & continued on my way to work,so my car needs both.a good battery & a good alternator to run reliably !

[@Marc180sx]

Thanks for all the info mate and story on your car! Glad you’ve owned it for such a long time I’m in love with it and have been into them ever since my mum got her sting red one brand new. All the best with yours mate!

[@soldat238]

its a sad day when marc no longer calls a car "the beast"

[@Josh_Kennedy]

Hey mate an easy way to check if your alternator is working is to start the car and then disconnect a battery terminal while its running, if the car dies the alternator is gone. If it stays running then its most likely not the issue but it could have an intermittent fault. Hope this helps

[@bangkokstallion]

Done everything to my black VZ SS. Had the same issues. In the last few years ive gone though about 4 keys. New ignition cylinder and switch (the switch hollows out and wont start). Alternator twice, starter motor, few new batteries, ran all new wiring to starter and new earth wiring and battery lugs. Most problems seem to stem from alternator. Worse case its the BCM. make sure the bcm fuse is 10A and not any larger.

[@mista2621]

Put a multimeter on the battery while its running to check whether the Altenator is charging . Should read 13.8 -14.2v if charging properly

[@brodygrimes1862]

The door lock is a different key to your ignition key and you can hook jumper cables up from under neath

[@spacedudey2k]

You got out of that cheap. When the alternator died on my VZ SS it cost me $1080 to get a new one fitted. Next thing to go were the engine mounts, various pulleys and the belt, centre bearing on drive shaft, rear main seal, then the water pump and then the heater valve. Mine has 209,000 kms on it.

[@OPTIMUS6LTR]

how did it cost $1080?

[@Marc180sx]

Jesus $1080 just for the alt!

[@Redpepper7376]

Holy crap, l brought a new alternator for my Xb and it was $185 delivered, are Commodore alts really this expensive?

[@spacedudey2k]

@@Redpepper7376 i originally bought a “Bosch” alternator about December 2022 from eBay for around $200 delivered. But after it went kaput in Dec 2023 an auto electrician told me it definitely was not a genuine Bosch as it said “made in China”. This was confirmed by Bosch Australia when I called them - they said their alternators are not made in China. Luckily the eBay business (which I think was in Wangaratta VIC) refunded me in full. So this time I asked for a genuine alternator when I had it at the mechanics. Now, I was expecting an AC Delco Alternator, but I actually ended up with a Mitsubishi branded one. According to the mechanic this was the genuine Holden alternator. I don’t know enough about them to know whether that was bullshit or not. This (Mitsubishi) one was $720.

[@Phatv6]

You’re not alone in commodore issues my man, my car just blew its stall converter so im off the road while the hi-stall gets built

[@Marc180sx]

Oh shit man no good! Hopefully sorted in good time so we can go for a cruise

[@ls1hinchy546]

The VX/VY/VZ 5.7L all have the same symptoms when "THE ALTERNATOR IS STUFFED"... My SS done the same thing (power steering fluid leaked on the alternator) in the main street of brissy, had my alternator rebuilt in 2014 threw on a new starter & changed the oil & water pumps fluids etc then stored away until 2021 & no problems/issues other than fluids

[@nigalwootton1385]

I had this happen to me one time I had RACV come out and break into it luckily being a member it cost me nothing my key was in the boot and it was the only one

[@benbowles1014]

Good on you, mate. Nice to see it’s all good again.

[@Marc180sx]

Cheers mate!

[@nismoj14]

It’s great having a misses that knows what’s going on. Especially when the cars we love are all older and have character.

[@81rayman]

If you hold in the "mode"&"set" buttons while you turn the key and start the car you will get a menu pop up with info including volts . It helped me when my alt died .

[@stevefoulston]

Buy a OBD2 Bluetooth code reader it just plugs in under the dash connects to your phone.

[@vs5.063]

The pain of a breakdown superceded by the pleasure of fixing it.

[@Marc180sx]

Nothing better!

[@tiller_gorilla7220]

Dude try this. Push the bottom of the grille in and lift up.i did it on my vy ss then got a flathead to help me push the bonnet latch.grilles still ok. You may need to push down a bit on bar too when you push grille back if ya got decent forearms itll hurt a bitbto get behind grille.youll need to pull grille forward to get ya arm in and uphurts even more when ya got OTR

[@PlasticExistence]

Don’t miss mine from the issues I had with it but in saying that it was a grouse car. Brought it back when they were worth 4K, sold it 6 weeks after I cammed it 😢

[@stuartwinter2758]

Lucas makes the only stop leak that works for power steering systems. Check your hose clamps too. Common commodore things lol.

[@Marc180sx]

Yeah was the hose directly on top of the pump that was leaking! All fixed now

[@stuartwinter2758]

@Marc180sx good to hear. They have a few bugs but what car dosen't. All in all vt through vy commodores are the most reliable low maintenance models built. Series 2 vt manuals are the simplest of the lot with the least amount of issues.

[@downtheshedwithbyron]

Great work mate 👍

[@Marc180sx]

Cheers you absolute legend!

[@stuartwinter2758]

Those commodores go into limp mode when the alt dies. It shuts down non essential electrical items to reduce current draw. Eventually the car will shut down. It was probably the voltage reg inside the alt that made the smoke show.

[@darcyrogers3025]

Need to see more mate love the videos of the ss and the patrol 😀 got quite a good fleet

[@Marc180sx]

Definitely more coming! Thanks heaps man glad you’re enjoying it 👍

[@snapped4433]

You haven't been on my yt in a long time I'd searched for ages but couldn't find you verry glad this video popped up

[@Marc180sx]

Glad you came back!

[@MA-kt8ly]

If not the dripping PS fluid, the bad battery probably killed the alternator running full field all the time.

[@sebh20man]

Glad we got it sorted mate! Onto the next car to tackle

[@Marc180sx]

Thanks again you absolute stud 😍

[@jaradcook1131]

Glad that’s all it was mate. And glad your still happy with it

[@Marc180sx]

Yeah I’m glad too Jarad, had me worried for a bit but she’s a million bucks now, still absolutely love it haha

[@Wilt8v92]

I always leave the drivers window down when a chance of this happening ...its a fkn nightmare...

[@Dragon-sn6rx]

Thats what happened to me on the m1 heading back home to goldy from brissy thr alt died everything began to shut down even the cluster rpm all stopped working i managed to get it into the ampol by fumes granted my ride is wm stato 6l

[@Marc180sx]

Oh shit man lucky you could pull into a servo! Last thing you want is it dying on the hwy

[@kevinsteinberg6069]

I did mine just before the bridge there

[@grahamford9646]

Reach up to the latch up from underneath

[@mekobrescianini9657]

Lucky was only the alternator mine recently did the gear box and not wrong how much they are these days

[@Marc180sx]

Oh shit man sorry to hear! That was my worst case scenario:(

[@BBEDI0110]

The lock on these do spin for security it wiilll then just all of a sudden will grip and it is hard d the dead lock makes so can't unlock from inside. Try thru the boot. If there was that much smoke might have been trans fluid burning, the alternator in these power all as well I found that out..

[@bill13690]

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your bad luck issues with your Commodore mate. It's a real c_n+ of a thing to happen. I'm still waiting on my campervan just for the tuning. That's all really it's a pain in the butt. It's one of those frustrating things, really. Look after yourself, my friend, and I hope you can get your problems sorted out soon cheers, from William. I put up a few videos already a few days ago on my KZbin channel. Bill's Channel - sta

[@Marc180sx]

Hey William! Good to hear that it’s only the tuning you’re waiting on, this bloody van aye haha

[@bill13690]

@Marc180sx Yeah, getting there, though, that's the main thing.

[@samyeomans6710]

I’ve had similar issues in my Alloytec rodeo. I’ve gotten to a point where I’m gonna just sell it because I’m so sick of the problems these commodore engines have.

[@gavintrawn1800]

When you fill the gearbox fill it to the fill plug put the plug back in and remove the reverse switch and add another 500ml of oil to it there was a revision for them…

[@russcole5685]

Is that for the manuals, or autos

[@gavintrawn1800]

@@russcole5685 manual

[@IsaKucuk-nk2zu]

Good work mate. V8's will never die.

[@Marc180sx]

Never mate!

[@amounifnd]

Subscribed after the Roo story.

[@Marc180sx]

Hahah appreciate that!

[@danielcantrill3104]

Same thing happened to my vy ss and it was alternator which was from the power steering reservoir leaking onto the alternator

[@Marc180sx]

Exactly the same thing!

[@anthonya8122]

I owned a vy ss for 7 years. First week i owned it my uncle said 'dont ever double dead lock it on the remote'

[@Marc180sx]

I’m way too scared to now

[@abelpakurutunui2860]

Exact symptoms of mine. But mine turnt out to be the alternator and an oil leak. I didn’t bother I called the local wreckers to pick it up. Don’t worry guys it wasn’t a V8 model 😂

[@michaelsizer-r7w]

Next time just pop the qtr window from the top,just pops out no damage

[@gstoj7467]

That's killer ... If u wonna check the volts on the alternator... If u dont knjow there is a setting on the dash ... b4u turn the key on b4 u start it hold the mode&set buttons on the left side of the dash it should bipnthen u can scroll through & find the voltage & see where at... 👌👌👌

[@Marc180sx]

I did not know that at all, thanks so much for that I’ll be having a look shortly haha

[@gstoj7467]

No worries 👍👍👍

[@parabot2]

Love the VY and Commodore Videos

[@kyranstrachan6856]

Put your hand up under the bumper to the wire that connects to the bonnet latch and pull it down it will be hard but it will pup open

[@kyranstrachan6856]

I had to do it to my old Commodore heaps of times haha

[@radekitevski113]

That's what happened with my vz ss, changed the alternator and it was all good again

[@julianalderson3938]

Nice was just that. All the motor missfirin n shit. Seems bad when happens. Cheers

[@timdark8071]

How'd you go with the lock with your key broken off in it?

[@Marc180sx]

Got the bit out that’s about it haha

[@nickbest573]

A towe truck all for a alternator one of the most common faults

[@BBEDI0110]

Is the power steering fluid levels all good? Looks quite full

[@Marc180sx]

The level was down a bit before that drive I topped it up

[@bill13690]

At least you got the car driving again. All the best. Maybe take it church for a celebration.

[@Finger_Blasterr]

Alternator is stuffed

[@cinemaipswich4636]

If you wanted a car to get around, you should have bought a new $9,000 car.

[@reo332]

That's ironic the GC8 only thing running everyone gives them shit for breaking lmfao also those tires have NO grip brother dont want the misses driving an SS with no tread imo

[@markwebster613]

ŵhat a head ache .

[@johnwest9396]

Have you ever thought of getting a Territory?

[@Marc180sx]

I’ve always wanted to own one deep down haha I would love a gia turbo

[@tropicoeg4354]

So odd… I’ve had a BA Falcon alternator fail on me, it continued to run well but the dash, radio and lights died. Interesting that commodores go full tantrum mode…

[@Marc180sx]

I think because the power steering leak fried the regulator it freaked out a bit differently

[@JETBYE]

Charge battery on wood not a car or ground

[@alanpeachey4085]

You have traction control in a safety circuit on that motor vehicle. When you jack it up, you are telling the GPS that the motor vehicle is being stolen. Young man you have got yourself into a pickle that would be far easier to get a locksmith to the car to save funds because I believe you’re going to cost yourself a lot of time and and maybe looking at finding a lot more parts that are hard to get now Once the car is put down on the ground and the traction control knows it’s down on the ground turn the key should be turned backwards in the lock of the steering lock so it can contact with main menu. You have to go back to main menu, hold it backwards three seconds, and then turn it downwards , but you’re in a pickle because you can’t get into the car get a locksmith son it might cost you money but it will save you a lot of time and frustration and possibly an ulcer and your girlfriend won’t run off on you. Take care

[@Marc180sx]

Good onya Alan 😂

[@bennyaus32]

100% alternator!!!

[@jcoburn429]

Get a obd2 scanner

[@supraaa94rz]

As long as you didn't pay more then 4k for it running on the road you should be right...

[@Marc180sx]

I paid $50 for it so winning!

[@julianalderson3938]

Sux bro did ya ever want a sun roof'

[@GTFORDMAN]

did that odo say it had 412,000k's? no wonder your having issues, Commodores weren't ment to go that far, it's not a Falcon! 😋

[@Marc180sx]

Just run in mate!

[@azza9538]

Need a daily AU mate wont let you down

[@Marc180sx]

The mighty AU will never!

[@oz673]

yep love ss holoden comodore got1 what's red1 2 an manal like ur1 gr8 egckample

[@pedrowilson6211]

With ya Covid get some NAC, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D into you

[@challanger275]

A bit of advice mate your house is looking like a junkyard. OK get rid of the junkers and get one decent car. You must be driving the neighs, bloody mad and get rid of the junkers and get one decent car.

[@Marc180sx]

😂😂😂😂 I would still rather have a variety of different cars than one good one. Just one decent car is boring, I enjoy the challenge and although it can be overwhelming I always find a way to get by them and makes me a better person. I am a car enthusiast, also my neighbours love the cars and this isn’t my actual place it’s my mums. Cars are fixed now and I’m happy, I’m glad you think they’re junkers cause they’re bloody expensive ones now! Instead of giving up like most I power through and enjoy cars! Maybe this ain’t for you man.

[@Bobsacamano246]

Spewin but atleast it makes for good content marcus

[@Marc180sx]

I guess ahahaha

[@stevejovanovic1591]

Get rid of it it’s going to be problematic for ya

[@joshm3397]

Bruz just fix the pwr steering leak

[@Marc180sx]

I did haha and I mentioned it also

[@andy2906]

Major problem...gmh product.

[@rynotay8410]

Too many projects bro do it once n do it right

[@rynotay8410]

Need to scale the cars down man and learn about what u have, no use gaining small bits of knowledge about the 50 cars u have had

[@challanger275]

I agree get rid of the junkers and get one decent car

[@jamesaustralian9829]

1 it's a Holden 2 it's a VY / VZ Holden 3 it's got a Victorian numberplate So yeah more than one major problem.

[@defaultskillz9478]

Can u fix my car? I'll pay in clout, fr fr buzzin no 🧢

[@Marc180sx]

You can pay after arms tonight x

[@davidhayter8516]

Commodores are a reasonable car for the money, however they are built down to a price. You drive Australian built cars because you like them. If you want a vehicle for transport you buy a Toyota.

[@robirvine2922]

Call a locksmith

[@tahimacfarlane0691]

Its too quiet. Needs an exhaust

[@johnciantar6239]

Way too many cars not running mate move them on

[@Marc180sx]

I think 3 out of 12 not running ain’t bad

[@fuzzjunky]

you just keep repeating yourself and then saying you have got so much to do, well funny that cos i wish you would GET ON WITH IT. half way thru the video and you're just wandering around babbling still.

[@Marc180sx]

You should see how much crap I edit out too cause I just keep talking! Anyways I think you’ve had a bad day or week mate, anything on your mind?

[@fuzzjunky]

@@Marc180sx nuh it was a tough week though!. it's just a pet peeve. i like to see things happening. not hear a story. but everyone's different and you do you bro. just good to see someone in the backyard playing with cars.

[@Marc180sx]

@@fuzzjunky Nah that’s absolutely fair enough man! I dislike it myself it’s definitely something I have to improve on! I hope your week gets better mate and have a good one!

[@fuzzjunky]

@@Marc180sx heatwave here in Perth, and we just got rain, so it can't get better. thanks bro. you enjoy too

[@bill13690]

I am a Christian c_n+

[@andyturbo]

Sorry that I have seen this too late mate (I'm a new subscriber) I am a volunteer with the local CFA and SES and during CFA training we were shown a way to get into *any* car without smashing a window. The teacher was a former VICPOL copper who learnt this at the academy so props to him for passing on this. We were taught using two plungers which usually worked fine but when I was searching for a video to link as it will be faster than trying to explain I found the same method using three which seems more effective. Cheers kzbin.infoMxiwCOFidAg?si=Vo69kaaRQv8Iw7t5