Parts for your 2012 Holden Colorado-Crank angle sensor

2012 Holden Colorado crank-angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Technical references confirm the 2012 Holden Colorado is fitted with a crankshaft position sensor (often called a crank-angle sensor). GM Holden Service Information for the RG Colorado (MY12, Engine Controls – 2.8L) describes the sensor’s role in timing and diagnostics (including DTCs P0335/P0336), and the Holden Colorado RG Workshop Manual shows a block-mounted sensor reading a toothed wheel on the crank. Major aftermarket catalogues for the 2012 Colorado also list a replacement crankshaft position sensor for this model, reinforcing that it’s standard equipment.

On the 2012 Colorado, the crank-angle sensor is the ECM’s primary timing witness. It watches a tone wheel on the crankshaft and feeds back precise position and speed data so the engine can fire injectors and control boost and idle properly. If that signal drops out or gets noisy, the ute can be hard to start, stall at idle, surge under load, or throw the check-engine light with a no-start. It’s a small part with a big job.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to give the area around the sensor a once-over. It’s typically mounted low on the engine (near the bellhousing/starter or front crank pulley, depending on variant). Look for oil weeps, damaged wiring, rubbed loom tape, or loose connectors. Heat and vibration can tire the wiring and O-ring over time, especially on vehicles that tow or see corrugations. Keeping the connector clean and the harness properly clipped can prevent intermittent faults that are maddening to chase.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech: disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining fastener, and draw the sensor straight out to avoid nicking the O-ring or tone wheel. Lightly oil a new O-ring and seat the new unit squarely, don’t overtighten the bolt into the alloy. Stick with reputable brands or OE-equivalent sensors so the waveform stays crisp at hot idle and high rpm. After refit, clear codes, verify live data (stable rpm signal), and road test. Some vehicles may request a crank variation “relearn” with a scan tool, particularly if the ECM has been replaced or if a P0315 is logged—do it if prompted.

• Common symptoms of a failing sensor: long crank, no start when hot, random stalling, misfire-like surging, speed signal dropouts on a scan tool, and DTCs P0335/P0336.
• Good practice: fix oil leaks above the sensor, secure the harness away from sharp edges, and avoid pressure-washing connectors.

Look after the crank-angle sensor and the Colorado’s diesel management rewards you with smooth starts, clean idle, and consistent towing torque across Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

FAQs

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 2012 Holden Colorado, and what are the signs it’s failing?
It’s typically mounted low on the engine, reading a toothed wheel on the crank—often down by the bellhousing or front pulley. When it plays up, expect extended cranking, occasional no-starts (especially hot), stalling at idle, erratic tach readings, and check-engine codes like P0335/P0336. A scan tool will show an unstable or missing rpm signal during the fault.

Is it safe to drive with a dodgy crank-angle sensor?
Best not. The engine can stall without warning or refuse to restart once heat-soaked. Even if it runs, fuelling and timing won’t be as accurate, which can stress other components. If symptoms are present, organise diagnosis and repair promptly.

Does a new crank-angle sensor need coding or a relearn?
Often no coding is needed, but after replacement it’s smart to clear codes and check live data. If the ECM flags a crank variation learn requirement (or P0315 appears), perform the relearn with a capable scan tool so the ECM calibrates to the new signal profile.