Parts for your 2017 Holden Commodore-Throttle position sensors

2017 Holden Commodore throttle-position-sensors: what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources including the Holden VF Commodore Service Manual (GM Service Information – Engine Controls/ETC), GM’s description and operation for Electronic Throttle Control, and ACDelco/GM Genuine Parts catalogues confirm that every 2017 Holden Commodore (VF II, V6 LFX and V8 LS3) uses drive‑by‑wire throttle. That system incorporates dual throttle-position sensors built into the electronic throttle body, along with dual accelerator-pedal position sensors. So yes, a throttle-position sensor is absolutely used on this model—it's just integrated, not a separate bolt-on part.

On the 2017 Commodore, the throttle-position-sensors tell the engine control module exactly how far the throttle blade is open. The ECM blends this with accelerator-pedal input, engine speed, airflow and a heap of other data to nail fuel delivery, ignition timing, idle control and even transmission shift strategy. It also feeds safety systems like cruise control, traction control and stability control. Holden/GM uses dual (redundant) sensors for safety, if their signals don’t agree, the car can drop into Reduced Engine Power to protect the engine and driver.

There’s no scheduled replacement for throttle-position-sensors on this model, but they should be considered during regular servicing if there are symptoms like erratic idle, surging, hesitation, stalling, poor fuel economy, an illuminated check engine light, or “Reduced Power” messages. Common diagnostic trouble codes include P0121–P0123, P0220 and P2135.

On the VF II, the throttle-position-sensors are not serviced separately—replacement is via the complete throttle body assembly. When replacing the throttle body, use a new gasket, inspect the wiring and connector for corrosion or chafing, and tighten fasteners to the specification in the Holden service manual. After fitting, perform a throttle/idle learn with a suitable scan tool (GDS2 or equivalent) or complete the prescribed idle learn drive cycle so the ECM can relearn the blade position.

Good maintenance tips:

• Keep the air filter fresh to minimise throttle plate contamination.
• If cleaning the throttle body, use an appropriate throttle-body cleaner, don’t force the blade by hand, and avoid soaking the electronics.
• Maintain a healthy battery and charging system—low voltage can trigger throttle faults.
• Before condemning the throttle body, check for vacuum leaks and wiring faults.

If the car regularly throws throttle correlation codes or drops into limp mode, a professional scan and live-data check will quickly confirm whether the integrated sensors are out of spec and the throttle body needs replacing.

Does the 2017 Holden Commodore actually have a throttle-position sensor?

Yes. It uses dual throttle-position sensors integrated into the electronic throttle body. They’re part of the drive-by-wire system, so it’s not a separate replaceable sensor on its own.

What are the signs the throttle-position-sensors are playing up?

Look for a check engine light, “Reduced Engine Power” message, rough or high idle, hesitation, flat spots, stalling, or poor fuel economy. You may also see codes like P0121–P0123, P0220 or P2135 stored in the ECM.

Can just the sensor be replaced, or is it the whole throttle body?

On the 2017 VF II Commodore, the TPS is built into the throttle body and isn’t serviced separately. Replacement is the complete throttle body, followed by a throttle/idle relearn using a scan tool or the correct drive cycle.