Holden Diesel

Holden Colorado RG Diesel Tuning & Servicing

The RG Colorado (2012-2020) runs the 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel across the whole range — the LWH engine from launch in 2012 up to September 2013, then the updated LWN from September 2013 onward. Both respond very well to a proper tune. The MY17 facelift lifted the Duramax to 147kW and 500Nm in auto guise (440Nm manual), meeting Euro 5 with a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

We tune the RG’s Duramax in-house on the factory ECU, on our own dyno, developed for your exact truck rather than a generic off-the-shelf file.

The RG’s six-speed auto is known to shudder on torque-converter lock-up, and the DPF can choke on short urban trips. A proper tune is only half the story — a Colorado that’s serviced properly and watched closely is the one that stays out of limp mode and on the road.

Already know what you need? Browse our RG Colorado performance parts & upgrades. Got the older model? See our RC Colorado tuning & servicing page.

Engines We Tune

Holden Colorado RG diesel engines we tune

2.8L Duramax (RG, 2012-2020)
147kW / 500Nm
2.8L Duramax across the whole RG: LWH engine 2012 to Sept 2013, LWN from Sept 2013 on. MY17 facelift lifted auto output to 147kW/500Nm (440Nm manual); responds well to a verified custom tune.
Tuning & Servicing

Why choose Willy’s for your Holden Colorado RG

Performance Tuning

Custom, dyno-verified ECU tuning developed in-house on the factory ECU for the RG Colorado’s Duramax diesel.

  • Custom in-house tuning of the 2.8L Duramax across the whole RG run — the LWH (2012 to September 2013) and the later LWN (September 2013 on), including the 147kW/500Nm MY17 update — never a copied generic file.
  • Dyno-verified before-and-after results developed for your specific truck, fuel and use.
  • Focused on low-down and mid-range pulling power toward the 3500kg towing ceiling.
  • Smoother throttle progression to help take the edge off the auto’s lock-up shudder feel.

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Servicing & Repair

Servicing and repair built around the RG’s known auto and DPF issues.

  • Diagnosis of the six-speed auto’s torque-converter lock-up shudder.
  • DPF service for trucks doing mostly short urban trips, where regeneration cycles struggle to complete.
  • Routine logbook servicing, cooling, turbo and driveline work on the RG platform.
  • Straight advice matched to how your specific RG is actually driven.

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The Difference

Why drivers trust Willy’s Workshop

In-house ECU tuning
Custom maps written on your factory ECU — never generic off-the-shelf files
Dyno-verified
Every result measured before & after on our in-house dyno
Dealer-grade tooling
Genuine OEM software and diagnostics, not guesswork
Warranty-conscious
Logbook servicing kept up to date with manufacturer schedules
Two QLD workshops
Oxley (Brisbane) & Warana (Sunshine Coast)
Holden diesel performance tuning & servicing at Willys Workshop
FAQ

Holden Colorado RG diesel FAQs

What is a Holden Colorado RG?
RG is the model code for the second-generation Holden Colorado, sold in Australia from 2012 to 2020 (also badged Colorado 7 and later Trailblazer for the wagon variants). It replaced the RC Colorado and ran the 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel throughout — the LWH engine from 2012 to September 2013, then the LWN from September 2013 on, with the MY17 facelift lifting auto output to 147kW/500Nm.
RC or RG Colorado — which one do I have?
If your Colorado is a 2012-onward model with the 2.8L Duramax, it’s an RG. If it was built 2008-2012 with the 3.0L 4JJ1, it’s an RC. Tell us your build year and we’ll confirm which generation and engine you have.
Why does my RG Colorado shudder when towing or at low speed?
This is a well-known trait of the RG’s six-speed automatic, related to torque-converter lock-up. We can diagnose the specific cause on your truck and tune for smoother throttle progression, which helps take the edge off the feel.
Does the RG Colorado’s DPF cause problems?
It can, particularly on trucks doing mostly short urban trips where the DPF doesn’t get a proper regeneration cycle. We service and diagnose DPF issues on the RG regularly at both our Oxley and Warana workshops.
What performance gains can I expect from an RG Colorado tune?
Gains vary by year, spec and supporting hardware, so we don’t quote fixed numbers up front. Every result is measured on our dyno and developed specifically for your RG, with the biggest real-world benefit usually being stronger low-down and mid-range towing response.
Two Queensland Locations

Book your Holden Colorado RG in

We tune and service across South-East Queensland — choose the workshop nearest you.

Oxley, BrisbaneServicing & TuningWarana, Sunshine CoastServicing & Tuning

Supporting hardware for your tune

Turbo upgrades & turbochargersUpgraded intercoolersHigh-flow air intakes

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We’re here to help you with any inquiries.

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Get in touch

Our Locations

Sunshine Coast

P: (07) 5619 7869

Text us : 0485 885 957

E: sales@willysworkshop.com.au

29 Production Avenue, Warana, 4575

 

Customer Service Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Brisbane

P: (07) 3377 3421

Text us : 0485 885 957

E: salesbris@willysworkshop.com.au

291 Cliveden Avenue, Oxley, 4075

 

Customer Service Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM