Parts for your 2000 Holden Commodore-Camshaft sensor

2000 Holden Commodore Camshaft Sensor — What It Does and When to Replace It

Yes, the 2000 Holden Commodore does use a camshaft position sensor. This applies to both the Ecotec 3.8L V6 (L36) found in VT Series II and VX models and the 5.7L Gen III V8 (LS1). That’s documented in the Holden VT/VX Workshop Manual (Engine Controls) and GM Powertrain service information for the 3800 Series II and LS1, which list the camshaft position sensor and related diagnostic trouble codes.

The camshaft sensor’s job is to tell the ECU exactly where the cam is in its rotation, so the computer can fire the injectors and coils in the correct order. On the Commodore’s V6 and V8, it helps with quick starts, smooth idle, clean power delivery, and proper fuel economy. If the sensor signal drops out, the ECU can often keep the engine running using backup strategies, but you’ll cop longer cranking, rougher running, and the check engine light. On the V6, it may switch to batch-fire injection, on the LS1, timing and fuelling can still be affected.

Common signs it’s on the way out include:

• Long crank before starting, intermittent stall, or uneven idle
• Flat spots and higher fuel use
• Check engine light with codes like P0340, P0341, P0342 or P0343

It’s not a scheduled service item, but it’s smart to check it when chasing starting issues or misfires. For the Ecotec V6, the sensor sits at the front of the engine in the timing cover area. For the LS1 V8, it’s mounted at the back of the engine near the cam tunnel, behind the intake. Replacement is straightforward: disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, swap the sensor and O-ring, and refit. Clear the fault codes and take it for a few drive cycles so the ECU can relearn. No special programming is normally required.

A handy note for V6 owners: a known 3800 quirk is the small camshaft sprocket magnet coming loose or missing. If that magnet has fallen out, a new sensor won’t fix the issue—you’ll need to address the magnet on the cam gear. Also inspect the wiring loom for oil ingress or chafing, as that can mimic a sensor fault. Keeping connectors clean and routing the loom away from heat under the bonnet helps the sensor last the distance.

Popular questions about 2000 Holden Commodore camshaft sensors

Where is the camshaft sensor located on a 2000 Commodore?
On the Ecotec 3.8 V6, it’s mounted in the front timing cover area, accessed from the front of the engine. On the LS1 5.7 V8, it’s located at the rear of the engine behind the intake manifold, near the camshaft plug. A torch and small socket set make access easier.

Can you drive a 2000 Commodore with a faulty camshaft sensor?
Usually, yes—but it’s not ideal. The engine may start hard, run rough, or use more fuel. The ECU can fall back to less precise strategies, so it’s fine to get home or to a workshop, but best to sort it promptly to avoid poor performance and extra fuel costs.

What fault codes point to a camshaft sensor problem?
Common ones are P0340 (circuit), P0341 (range/performance), P0342 (low input) and P0343 (high input). On the V6, if the cam magnet is missing, you’ll often see P0341 and persistent hard starting even after swapping the sensor.