Parts for your 2018 Holden Commodore-Camshaft sensor

2018 Holden Commodore Camshaft Sensor — Purpose, fitment and service advice

Technical sources confirm the 2018 Holden Commodore (ZB) is fitted with camshaft position sensor(s) across its engine range. GM Service Information for MY18 ZB Commodore (Engine Controls – Description and Operation), the Opel/Holden Insignia B workshop manual, and the GM/ACDelco electronic parts catalogue all specify camshaft position sensing for the 2.0L turbo petrol, 3.6L V6 (LGX), and 2.0L diesel variants. These engines use cam sensors for sequential fuel injection, spark control and variable valve timing, so the part is absolutely relevant to this model.

The camshaft position sensor on a 2018 Holden Commodore keeps the engine management on song by telling the ECU exactly where the cam(s) are in relation to the crank. That live data lets the car fire injectors at the right moment, trim ignition timing, and command variable valve timing for smooth idle, tidy emissions, and proper power. On the V6 LGX there are multiple cams and phasers, so reliable cam signals are crucial, the 2.0T petrol and diesel also rely on accurate cam feedback for quick starts and clean running.

It isn’t a scheduled replacement item in normal servicing, but it does pay to keep an eye on tell-tales. If the Check Engine light pops up with codes like P0340/P0341/P0365, or there’s hard starting, rough idle, flat spots, or poor fuel economy, a tired cam sensor or its wiring could be the culprit. Before throwing parts at it, a good workshop will scan live data, check the connector for oil ingress or corrosion, and verify harness integrity. Cleaning a dirty connector often restores a happy signal.

When replacement’s needed, go for a quality OE-equivalent sensor and a fresh O-ring. On the 2.0T, sensors sit at the end of the cam cover, on the LGX V6 there are multiple units on the cam covers, the diesel usually has a single unit at the cam box. Typical steps are simple: disconnect battery, unplug, remove the retaining bolt, swap the sensor, lightly oil the seal, refit and torque to spec, then clear codes and verify cam/crank correlation on a scan tool. Most jobs are 0.3–1.0 hour depending on engine layout and access.

Tips during regular servicing:

• Inspect the sensor plug and loom routing under the bonnet for chafe or heat damage.
• Keep oil changes timely, sludgy oil can migrate into connectors and upset signals.
• If intermittent faults appear, perform a wiggle test on the harness and check engine earths.

How many cam sensors this Commodore carries depends on engine code: commonly two on the 2.0T petrol, four on the 3.6 V6, and typically one on the diesel, as documented in GM SI and the Holden/Opel workshop manual. A VIN-based parts lookup will confirm the exact count.

Popular questions

Does the 2018 Holden Commodore have more than one camshaft sensor?
Yes. The count varies by engine. The 2.0L turbo petrol generally uses two (intake and exhaust), the 3.6L LGX V6 uses four (one per cam), and the 2.0L diesel typically has one. Always verify by VIN against the GM/ACDelco catalogue or the workshop manual for your exact engine code.

What are the common symptoms of a failing camshaft sensor on this model?
Owners might notice hard starting, rough idle, hesitation on take-off, increased fuel use, or the Check Engine light with cam-related fault codes. Sometimes it’s not the sensor itself but a dirty or oil-soaked connector or a chafed loom, so proper diagnosis is key.

Is it safe to keep driving with a camshaft sensor fault?
It’ll often run in a reduced or fallback mode, but performance and fuel economy can suffer, and it may stall or become hard to restart. It’s best to have it checked promptly to avoid being stranded and to prevent misdiagnosis that could mask other issues.