Parts for your 2009 Holden Commodore-Throttle position sensors

2009 Holden Commodore Throttle Position Sensors (TPS)

Based on Holden’s VE Commodore workshop material and GM Service Information (SI) for the 2009 model year V6 and V8 engines, this car runs electronic throttle control (“drive‑by‑wire”). That means it does use throttle position sensors, but they’re built into the electronic throttle body as dual, redundant tracks rather than a standalone sensor. There’s also an accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor at the pedal. The TPS elements aren’t serviced separately, the complete throttle body is the service part.

The TPS’ job is to tell the engine computer exactly where the throttle plate sits so it can juggle fuel, spark and idle speed, and coordinate transmission shifting, stability control and cruise. With two position circuits inside the throttle body, the ECU constantly cross‑checks for accuracy. If those signals don’t agree, it throws a code and can drop into limp mode to protect the engine and driver.

For regular servicing, the TPS itself doesn’t have a set replacement interval on a 2009 Commodore. What helps is keeping the throttle body clean and the connectors healthy. Light carbon around the blade can upset airflow at idle and make the position tracking work harder than it should. Use a throttle‑body safe cleaner, avoid forcing the plate by hand, and let it air dry before refitting. A quick look over the harness, grounds and the pedal connector is time well spent too.

If the car shows “Reduced Power,” surging idle, stalling coming to a stop, or codes like P0121–P0123 or P2135 (TPS/APP correlation), scan live data for TPS1/TPS2 agreement and APP1/APP2 tracking. Because the TPS is integral, confirmed faults generally mean replacing the throttle body assembly. Use a new gasket, torque the bolts evenly, and don’t pinch the harness.

After cleaning or replacement, perform an idle/throttle learn. With a proper scan tool (Tech 2/MDI or equivalent) use the throttle/idle relearn routine. Without a tool, many will relearn after key‑on cycles and a steady idle at operating temp, but a guided relearn is more reliable. Genuine or quality aftermarket throttle bodies tend to behave best on these VE cars.

• No separate TPS on VE: it’s integrated into the throttle body
• Clean the throttle body during major services
• Use scan data to confirm TPS/APP correlation before replacing parts

Popular questions about 2009 Holden Commodore throttle position sensors

Does a 2009 Holden Commodore have a separate throttle position sensor?

No. On VE‑series cars it’s built into the electronic throttle body as dual sensors. If the TPS fails, the fix is usually a complete throttle body replacement rather than swapping a standalone sensor.

Can a dirty throttle body cause TPS fault codes?

It can. Carbon at the blade can skew airflow at idle and make the position control unstable, triggering reduced‑power warnings or correlation codes. A careful clean and an idle/throttle relearn often settles things if the electronics are sound.

What’s the correct way to reset the TPS after work?

Best practice is a scan‑tool throttle/idle relearn. Without a tool, some vehicles relearn after several key‑on cycles and a warm, steady idle, but using the proper routine gives the smoothest result and prevents repeat faults.