Introduction
This guide will show you how to access Engineering Mode on your VE Commodore. This guide is suitable for all models, and no tools are required!
Difficulty Rating
Tools/Parts Required
None
Step 1
Insert your keys into the ignition, don’t turn them just yet!
Step 2
- Press and hold the left scroll wheel on the steering wheel.
- Whist holding the scroll wheel, turn the keys to the ON position (You can also start the car if you choose to do so)
- Once the system check has completed, let go of the scroll wheel
- You are now in Engineering Mode!
Step 3
Engineering Mode Page 1
There are many different line items to be found in Engineering Mode. You can scroll through these by using the left scroll wheel
Software Version
Version number instrument cluster
GM Part Number
Part No. of the instrument cluster
Battery Voltage
Shows the current voltage from the battery
Battery Charge
Shows the current charge of the battery.
Note: This will never show 100%, and could show a false figure. It may say 60% charge however the car won’t actually start.
Step 4
Engineering Mode Page 2
Remaining Fuel
Litre amount of fuel in the tank. This can be misleading as there is still reserve fuel after 0.00L is displayed
Instant Fuel Consumption
Instantaneous fuel usage
Coolant Temperature
Displayed in degrees celsius
Vehicle Speed
Digital speed readout
Step 5
Engineering Mode Page 3
Digital Tacho
Currently 0 as the engine is off
Tyre Pressure
Only displayed when the factory TPMS is installed
Engine Oil Life
This percentage is calculated based on your driving habits. See our guide here on resetting this value
Park Lamps
Indicates if the parking lamps are currently ON or OFF
Step 6
Engineering Mode Page 4
Switch Voltage
This is the voltage measured off the steering wheel controls (Used for fault checking)
Current Gear
This will say ‘Unknown’ in manual vehicles
Throttle Position
% of throttle input received from the accelerator pedal (This will never be 0% as the car uses a base figure to idle)
Transmission Sump Temperature
This seems to be disconnected from manual gearboxes as the temperature floats around ambient
Step 7
Engineering Mode Page
Full Test
This will activate a test mode within the cluster, where all LEDs will turn on, tachometers centred and the speaker will emit a constant beep. This is used to ensure everything is working correctly
Exit
To exit Engineering Mode, simply click the trip button
This Post Has 23 Comments
When looking at the tacho reading with the car running and in park should it be fluctuating or should it be constant ?
thanks in advance
The numbers will continuously vary by ~10-30rpm.
How do i set the service reminder message to a diffent amount of kms?
You can’t change this, it follows the service schedule.
Hi guys I really need some help I have a Ve 2009 wagon and I took the battery out 3 months ago, now I am trying to start it and have a dash light of a car with a padlock over the car on my dash. I also have no power gettin through when I turn the ignition.
Hello, it sounds like an immobiliser / Key issue. Best to contact an auto electrician or dealership who will be able to fox this.
Are you able to stop the system scan?
From memory, pressing the scroll wheel button closes the scan screen. I don’t think it actually ‘stops’ it however.
My VE shudders when idle at red lights, I’m taking it in to get checked, but is there any way of looking in engineering mode to maybe figure out myself what’s wrong instead of trusting a mechanic to find the reason and then maybe trying to swindle me out of more cash??
Hello, unfortunately Engineering Mode does not detail any specific vehicle issues. I’d start looking into Spark plugs, MAF Sensor, Fuel (Put 98RON in instead).
Thank you for your reply! I thought I might not be in any luck, but was worth checking!!