Parts for your 2016 Holden Commodore-Camshaft sensor

2016 Holden Commodore camshaft sensor — what it does and when to replace it

Technical sources confirm the 2016 Holden Commodore is fitted with camshaft position sensors across its engine range. GM Service Information (VF Series II) includes specific “Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement” procedures for the High Feature V6 and LS3 V8, the ACDelco Australia/NZ catalogue lists camshaft sensors for 2016 Commodore variants, and the Holden/GM electronic parts catalogue shows dedicated cam sensors for both the 3.0/3.6 V6 and 6.2 LS3 engines.

On a 2016 Commodore, the camshaft sensor (often abbreviated CMP) tells the engine control module exactly where each cam is in its rotation. That timing info lets the ECU fire injectors and spark precisely and command variable valve timing. It’s critical for smooth starts, decent fuel economy, and keeping the V6/V8 pulling strongly without pinging or rough idle.

Location-wise, the V6 models (Evoke 3.0 and SV6 3.6) use four cam sensors — one per cam — mounted at the front of the heads near the timing cover. The LS3 V8 uses a single cam sensor at the front cover. Either way, they’re easy to reach once the engine cover is off.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for cam sensors, they’re replaced on condition. Good servicing helps them live a long life: stick to quality oil and the recommended change intervals, because clean oil keeps the cam phasers behaving, which in turn keeps the sensor signal tidy. During routine services, it’s worth a quick look under the bonnet for brittle wiring, oil wicking into connectors, or loose clips at the sensor plugs.

Common signs a cam sensor is having a moment:

• Hard starting, occasional stalling, or a long crank
• Sluggish performance, poor fuel use, or limp mode
• Check Engine light with codes like P0340–P0349

Diagnosis is best done with a scan tool to watch live cam/crank sync and log any intermittent dropouts. If replacement’s needed, use quality OEM-spec parts. The job is usually straightforward: disconnect the battery, remove the engine cover, unplug the sensor, undo its retaining bolt, swap the O-ring (lightly oil it), refit, and clear codes. Some vehicles may require a learned values reset with a suitable scan tool after replacement, a workshop with GDS2/Tech 2 or equivalent can handle that. A short road test to confirm clean starts and restored performance is the final step.

How do you know a camshaft sensor is failing on a 2016 Commodore?

Expect hard starts, rough idle, flat spots, or the Check Engine light. A scan will often show P0340–P0349 codes and mismatched cam/crank sync. Intermittent faults can be wiring related, so a visual check of the loom and connectors helps before blaming the sensor.

Can you drive with a bad camshaft sensor?

It’ll often run, but it may stall, use more fuel, and feel doughy. Driving for long with misfires or limp mode risks catalyst damage. It’s best to get it checked and sorted promptly.

How many camshaft sensors does a 2016 Commodore have?

The V6 (Evoke 3.0 and SV6 3.6) has four — one for each camshaft. The LS3 V8 (SS/SS-V/Redline) has a single cam sensor at the front cover.