Parts for your 2011 Holden Commodore-Temperature sensors

2011 Holden Commodore temperature sensors — what they do and when to replace them

Temperature sensors are absolutely used on the 2011 Holden Commodore (VE Series II). Technical references including the Holden VE Series II Service Manual (2010–2013), GM Service Information (SI) for VE/WM platforms, and common workshop manuals (Gregory’s/Haynes for VE 2006–2017) all document multiple temperature sensors on these cars: an Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor, ambient air temperature sensor for HVAC, and a transmission fluid temperature sensor (integrated in the auto trans internal harness). AC Delco/GM parts catalogues also list the ECT and related senders by VIN and engine (V6 and V8).

On a 2011 Commodore, temperature sensors feed the engine computer and body systems the heat data they need to run sweet as. The ECT sensor is the big one — it tells the ECU how hot the engine is so it can set fuel, ignition timing, idle speed, and when to kick the fans on. The IAT fine‑tunes fuelling based on incoming air temp, the ambient sensor supports climate control and fan strategy, and the auto trans uses fluid temperature to manage shift quality and protection. If any of these read wrong, you’ll notice poor economy, rough running, lazy shifting, or the fans roaring when they shouldn’t.

• Common signs of a crook ECT: hard cold starts, rich running, high idle, fans stuck on, erratic gauge, or DTCs like P0115–P0119.
• Ambient/IAT issues: odd A/C behaviour, inaccurate outside temp on the dash, hesitation on hot days.
• Trans temp faults: harsh shifts after warm‑up or limp‑home mode.

Servicing tips the workshops use (per Holden/GM SI practice): there’s no fixed replacement interval for temperature sensors — they’re “as needed” parts. At each coolant service, scan live data to verify the ECT matches reality (compare to a cold start ambient reading and a handheld thermometer). If the reading is off or jumpy, test wiring first (resistance and reference voltage) before replacing the sensor. Keep the cooling system healthy: fresh long‑life coolant, correct concentration, and proper bleeding — air pockets can trick the ECT and spin fans early.

When replacement is needed, use quality OE‑spec parts that match your VIN. On VE V6 and V8, the ECT sits at the coolant outlet/thermostat housing area, expect a small coolant loss on removal. Fit a new seal, lightly lube O‑rings, and torque to spec — don’t over‑tighten. After refitting, top up, bleed, clear codes, and recheck live temps. A quick road test and fan cycle confirm the temperature sensors are doing their job and the Commodore’s happy across Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

FAQ

Where is the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor on a 2011 Commodore?
On most VE Series II V6s, it’s near the thermostat housing/coolant outlet at the front of the engine. On the 6.0‑litre V8, it’s mounted near the water outlet by the cylinder head. Exact position varies slightly by engine code, so checking by VIN against a parts catalogue or workshop manual is the go.

Should the ECT sensor be replaced during a routine coolant change?
Not unless there’s a fault. Holden/GM procedures treat it as a diagnostic replacement: verify with scan data first, and only replace if readings are implausible or a fault code like P0117/P0118 is stored. Focus on fresh coolant and a proper bleed — that alone prevents many false high‑temp or fan‑on complaints.

Why do the radiator fans run constantly on a VE Series II?
The ECU will default the fans on if it sees a failed or unplugged ECT, wiring issues, or implausible temps. Air in the cooling system after a repair can also confuse readings. Scan the ECT value cold (should match ambient), inspect the connector and wiring, bleed the system, then road test.