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    2009 Holden Colorado check engine light and limp mode are coming on

    Holden Holden Advice Holden Colorado Holden Colorado Advice Holden Colorado 2009

    The check engine light is on in my 2009 Holden Colorado V6 Auto petrol and recently it has gone into limp mode not allowing the engine to rev beyond 3500rpm. It also has trouble starting, sometimes taking five to seven attempts to get it to start. I’ve changed the crank angle sensor and the receiving plug, and also renewed the electrics to it. If I clear code and remove crank-angle sensor, the ute starts first try, but once the sensor is put back in it stops immediately. I’ve tried two new sensors but they haven’t fixed the problem. What next?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    1 May 2024
    David Morley

    I think you’re on the right track by concentrating on the information being conveyed by the crank-angle sensor. But the problem is more likely to be a stretched timing chain rather than a dud sensor. The V6 engine in your Colorado is notorious for this problem and, when it happens, it throws the camshafts out of synch with the crankshaft. When the crank-angle sensor and the camshaft-angle sensor can’t agree that the positions of the crankshaft and camshafts relative to each other are correct, the problems start.

    This lack of synchronisation is one of the things the crank-angle sensor is paid to look for and why it’s limiting engine speed or not allowing the engine to start at all. By clearing the fault code and disconnecting the crank-angle sensor, you’re stopping the error information being sent to the ECU and the ute starts first time (it’s probably taking a camshaft-angle reference when it can’t find the crank-angle information).

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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