Parts for your 2013 Holden Captiva 5-Camshaft sensor

2013 Holden Captiva 5 Camshaft Sensor — What It Does and How to Look After It

For the 2013 Holden Captiva 5 (CG Series II, 2.4‑litre petrol), a camshaft position sensor is absolutely fitted and relevant. Holden/GM Service Information for the CG Series II (Engine Controls – 2.4L LEA) describes the Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor and includes related fault codes such as P0340/P0341. The Holden/GM Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists a CMP sensor for this model and engine, and the ACDelco/GM Genuine Parts catalogues show an applicable cam sensor for the Captiva 5/LEA engine family. That’s the technical paper trail confirming it’s there and it matters.

The camshaft sensor keeps the Captiva 5’s 2.4 petrol running sweet by telling the engine computer exactly where the cam is, so it can time fuel injection and spark, and control the variable valve timing. When it’s happy, you get crisp starts, smooth idle, tidy fuel economy and proper grunt. When it’s not, the Captiva can get a bit sulky.

Common signs the CMP sensor or its wiring might be playing up include:

• Long crank or hard starting, especially when warm
• Rough idle, intermittent misfire, stalling or flat spots
• Check Engine Light with codes like P0340/P0341 or cam/crank correlation codes (P0016/P0017)
• Reduced power or increased fuel use

It’s not a routine service item, but it does benefit from sensible checks during servicing. Under the bonnet, the sensor sits on the cylinder head, access typically involves removing the engine cover and working at the rear/top of the engine. A quick look at the connector and loom for oil ingress, damage or chafing is worth doing. Because this engine’s valve timing relies on clean oil, sticking to quality oil and proper change intervals helps avoid false cam/crank correlation faults that can mimic a bad sensor.

If replacement is needed, it’s a straightforward remove-and-refit: disconnect the plug, undo the retaining bolt, twist the old sensor out, lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat the new sensor and tighten the bolt to the factory spec from the service manual. Clear the codes, then do a short road test so the ECU can relearn cam/crank correlation if required. If codes return, don’t just keep throwing sensors at it—rule out wiring issues, timing chain wear, and the cam phaser/actuator solenoids, as these can trigger similar faults.

With proper diagnosis and a quality part, the Captiva 5’s cam sensor fix is usually quick, tidy and restores the easy manners owners expect.

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2013 Captiva 5?

It’s mounted on the cylinder head, typically at the rear/top side of the engine under the plastic engine cover. Access is from the top with basic hand tools. Expect to remove the cover and unplug the electrical connector before easing the sensor out.

Is it safe to drive with a faulty camshaft sensor?

It’ll usually run, but starting can be hit‑and‑miss and the engine may go into a protective strategy with poor performance and economy. Short trips to a workshop are generally fine, but it’s best to fix it promptly to avoid getting stranded and to prevent misdiagnosis of related timing faults.

Do I need any special programming after replacing the cam sensor?

No coding is typically required on the Captiva 5. After clearing codes, the ECU performs an automatic cam/crank correlation learn as you drive. A short mixed road test (idle, light throttle, steady cruise) usually does the trick.