Parts for your 2005 Holden Commodore-Camshaft sensor

2005 Holden Commodore camshaft sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Yes, a camshaft sensor is relevant on the 2005 Holden Commodore (VZ series). All factory engines offered for that year use at least one camshaft position (CMP) sensor: the 3.6‑litre Alloytec V6 (both 175 and 190 variants) has a sensor on each bank at the front of the heads, and the V8s (LS1 5.7 and LS2 6.0) use a single CMP sensor (rear of block on LS1, front timing cover on LS2). This is documented across Holden/GM Service Information (SI) for VZ Commodore, the Holden VZ Workshop Manual, and common parts catalogues (e.g., ACDelco/GMH listings) which specify CMP sensors by engine and VIN range.

On the VZ, the camshaft sensor tells the engine control module exactly where the cams are, so it can fire the injectors and coils at the right time and manage variable valve timing on the Alloytec. That keeps cold starts clean, fuel use in check, and power nice and smooth. When the sensor goes out of whack, the car can be hard to start, feel flat, or throw a check‑engine light.

• Typical symptoms: long crank or no start, rough idle, misfires, sluggish acceleration, higher fuel use, and fault codes like P0340/P0341.
• Why they fail: heat soak, oil contamination in the connector, brittle wiring, or a tired internal Hall/VR element.

There’s no set replacement interval — they’re replaced on condition. As part of routine servicing, it’s worth a quick look under the bonnet for oil leaks onto the sensor plugs, damaged looms near the front of the heads (V6) or behind the intake/front cover (V8), and to scan for stored cam correlation codes even if the light’s off.

DIY‑friendly? Usually. Basic steps:

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Locate the CMP sensor(s): V6 at the front of each cam cover, LS1 at the rear of the block, LS2 at the front cover.
3. Unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and ease the sensor out (there’s an O‑ring).
4. Lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat the sensor squarely, refit the bolt, reconnect, then clear codes and road‑test.

Use quality parts that match the engine code (LY7/LE0 for V6, LS1/LS2 for V8) because connector shape and calibration can differ. No special coding is normally required on these, just clear the codes and let the ECU relearn. If faults persist, check the crank sensor and timing chain stretch (Alloytec) or cam timing components before blaming the new sensor.

Technical sources referenced: Holden/GM Service Information (SI) for VZ Commodore (LY7/LS1/LS2), Holden VZ Commodore Workshop Manual, ACDelco/GMH parts catalogues listing CMP sensors for 2005 VZ.

Popular questions about 2005 Holden Commodore camshaft sensors

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2005 Commodore?
On the 3.6 Alloytec V6 there’s a sensor on each bank, mounted at the front of the cylinder heads near the cam covers. On LS‑series V8s, the LS1’s sensor sits at the rear of the engine block (behind the intake), while the LS2 moved the sensor to the front timing cover. Access ranges from straightforward (V6 front) to a bit fiddly (LS1 rear).

Can you drive with a failing camshaft sensor?
It might still run, but it can crank longer, drop power, and use more fuel. It can also go into limp mode. Best bet is to scan it, confirm the code, check the wiring and oil leaks, and sort it before it leaves you stranded.

Do new camshaft sensors need programming?
On the VZ Commodore engines, replacement CMP sensors typically don’t need programming. Fit the correct sensor for your engine, clear the codes, and take it for a decent drive cycle. If issues remain, check for wiring faults or timing correlation problems.