Parts for your 2002 Holden Commodore-Camshaft sensor

2002 Holden Commodore Camshaft Sensor — What it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2002 Holden Commodore does use a camshaft position sensor, and it’s relevant on both the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 (L36/L67) and the 5.7-litre Gen III V8 (LS1). This is confirmed in the Holden VX/VY Commodore service manuals and GM Global Service Information for those engines, which list the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor as a key engine management input. Technical material for the 3800 Series II also notes the CMP sensor is required for sequential fuel injection, and the LS1 engine documentation places a CMP sensor at the rear of the engine.

The camshaft sensor tells the ECU exactly where the cam is in relation to the crank, so the computer can run true sequential fuel injection, nail ignition timing on start-up, and keep emissions tidy. When it’s healthy, the Commodore fires up promptly, idles cleanly, and uses less fuel around town. If it fails, the ECU often falls back to batch-fire injection and guesswork on phasing, which can mean longer cranking, rougher running, a check engine light, and higher fuel use. Fault codes commonly seen include P0340 and P0341.

For servicing, the sensor itself isn’t a scheduled replacement item, but it’s worth a look whenever there’s a drivability complaint or a fault code. On the V6, the CMP sensor sits at the front timing cover, reading a magnet in the cam gear, oil leaks, wiring chafe, or a missing/loose cam magnet can all upset the signal. On the LS1 V8, the sensor is mounted at the rear of the engine (behind the intake area), and heat or oil contamination can cause issues.

• Common symptoms: long crank when hot or cold, intermittent misfire at idle, poorer fuel economy, and a lit MIL.
• Quick checks: inspect the connector and loom for oil ingress or brittle insulation, verify the cam gear magnet on V6 models, scan for codes and look at live cam/crank sync.
• Replacement tips: disconnect the battery, give yourself room under the bonnet, and fit a quality sensor. Tighten the retaining bolt snugly to the workshop manual spec, route the loom away from pulleys and heat, then clear codes and road test. No special programming is usually required after a CMP sensor swap on these engines.

For high-kilometre cars, pairing a new sensor with a fresh front cover seal (V6) or checking rear engine sealing (LS1) helps keep oil away from the plug. Use dielectric grease on the connector and stick with reputable brands for reliable signal quality.

FAQs

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2002 Holden Commodore?
On the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 (L36/L67), it’s mounted on the front timing cover, reading a magnet in the cam gear—access is from the front of the engine. On the 5.7-litre Gen III V8 (LS1), it’s at the rear of the engine near the top of the block, behind the intake area.

What are the signs the camshaft sensor is failing?
Longer cranking, a rough idle, random misfire feel at low revs, worse fuel economy, and a check engine light are common. Scan tools often show P0340 or P0341, and live data may show the ECU dropping out of cam/crank sync.

Does a new camshaft sensor need programming?
Not typically on the 2002 Commodore. After installation, clear the codes, start the engine, and confirm cam/crank synchronisation in live data. A crank variation relearn is not normally required just for a CMP sensor replacement.