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Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV

1988-2006 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems All workshop problems
Critical Engine, V8 (Holden 304, VN-VS)

Crank Angle Sensor Failure (VN-VS)

Symptoms

Engine stalls without warning while driving, particularly when hot. Intermittent no-start condition. Engine cranks but won't fire. May restart after cooling down for 20-30 minutes.

Cause

The crank angle sensor (CAS) on the VN-VS 304 V8 sits at the front of the engine and is exposed to heat. The internal Hall-effect component develops thermal sensitivity as it ages, working when cold but failing intermittently as engine bay temperature rises. This is one of the most common causes of random stalling and no-start on the VN-VS V8.

Fix

Replace the crank angle sensor.

Parts: $60-120.

The sensor bolts to the front timing cover and can be replaced in 30 minutes.

Carry a spare in the glovebox if your sensor is original, a $60 sensor can save a $200 tow.

Forum consensus: replace it proactively after 200,000 km rather than waiting for it to fail on the freeway.

Cost mentioned in fix
$60-120$60$200

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// More Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems

Other known issues

Common Engine, V8 (Holden 304, VN-VS)

Hydraulic Lifter Noise

Ticking or tapping noise from the top of the engine, worst on cold start. May persist for several minutes or be constant.
Critical Engine, V8 (Holden 304, VN-VS)

Oil Pump Drive Shaft Failure

Sudden loss of oil pressure. Oil pressure warning light illuminates. Engine noise increases rapidly. Catastrophic engine failure if not caught immediately.
Common Engine, V8 (Holden 304, VN-VS)

Rear Main Seal Leak

Oil drips from the junction of the engine and gearbox. Oil may be visible on the underside of the bellhousing.
Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Intake Manifold Gasket Leak

Coolant leak at the junction of the intake manifold and cylinder heads. May present as coolant loss without a visible external leak (coolant enters the intake ports), or as a coolant stain on the side of the engine. Engine may run rough or misfire if coolant enters the combustion chamber.
Critical Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Harmonic Balancer Failure (Ecotec, VS onwards)

A wobbling pulley on the front of the crankshaft. Knocking or rattling noise from the front of the engine. The drive belt may track poorly or come off.
Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Supercharger Bypass Valve Failure (L67 supercharged V6)

Loss of boost, rattling from the supercharger, reduced performance. The supercharger may make a whining noise that changes with the valve's operation.
All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems