⚠️ Holden Commodore — High misfuel risk
ZB diesel Commodores in fleets see petrol-in-diesel events; V8 petrol models risk diesel in petrol at truck stops.
If the engine was not started
Do not start the engine or cycle the ignition to RUN. Arrange recovery if needed and drain the tank before any crank attempt.
If the engine was started
If the engine ran on wrong fuel, inspect the high-pressure pump, injectors, fuel rail, filters, and diesel exhaust after-treatment (AdBlue/SCR) only if the wrong filler was used.
⚠️ Holden position — Commodore
GM/Holden service information covers fuel module access or tank removal. Fuel contamination is excluded from warranty as vehicle misuse.
Vehicle information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Make | Holden |
| Model | Commodore |
| Market status | Sold new in New Zealand until Holden brand withdrawal; large used fleet including VF and ZB |
| Body styles | Sedan, wagon, sportwagon |
| Generations | VE/VF (2006–2017), ZB imported (2018–2020) |
| Engines | Petrol: V6 and V8 petrol (generation dependent); ZB 2.0T petrol; Diesel: ZB 2.0L turbo diesel (select NZ fleet) |
| Fuel tank capacity | Approximately 61–73 L depending on generation |
| Fuel system | Petrol direct injection on later models; diesel common-rail on ZB diesel |
| Access method | Under rear seat pump access on many sedans; confirm for wagon tank layout |
| Anti-siphon | Yes |
| OEM service portal | GM GlobalConnect / GDS 2 |
OEM access procedure
- Switch off ignition, apply the parking brake, and chock wheels where required on a level surface.
- Disconnect the 12 V battery negative terminal when the workshop manual requires it before fuel work.
- Relieve fuel system pressure per OEM procedure (relay/fuse removal or diagnostic command).
- Access the fuel pump module via the approved under-seat or luggage-floor panel, or lower the tank as specified.
- Extract contaminated fuel with approved recovery equipment; segregate waste and complete disposal records for your regional council.
- Replace fuel filter(s) and inspect lines; flush the low-pressure circuit if the OEM specifies after misfuel.
- Refit components, reconnect the battery, prime the fuel system, and road-test briefly after leak checks.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I put petrol in my Holden Commodore diesel?
Do not start the engine or turn the ignition on (diesel priming pumps can activate). Have the tank drained and the fuel system inspected by an NZIFDA-certified technician using OEM service information. Contaminated fuel must be handled as a hazardous substance under HSNO Act 1996 and disposed of per regional council requirements (Resource Management Act 1991) and the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.
Can I drive my Holden Commodore after a small amount of wrong fuel?
No — even a small amount of petrol in a diesel common-rail system can damage the high-pressure pump and injectors. Follow the OEM drain-and-flush procedure before driving.
Will misfuel damage void my Holden warranty in New Zealand?
Manufacturer warranty terms typically exclude damage from incorrect or contaminated fuel. Keep invoices from an authorised repairer or NZIFDA-certified operator; consumer disputes may go to the Disputes Tribunal or Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986.
Where is the fuel pump access on a Holden Commodore?
On many NZ-new and used-import examples, access is via a service panel under the rear seat or in the luggage area — confirm in OEM workshop data for your chassis code. Saddle-tank designs may need both modules drained.
Need certified fuel contamination service?
Find an NZIFDA certified operator or read consumer guidance on wrong-fuel incidents.
Find an operatorFor consumers