Parts for your 2004 Toyota Highlander-Throttle position sensors

2004 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) Throttle Position Sensor

Technical references confirm the 2004 Toyota Highlander (Kluger in AU/NZ) does use a throttle position sensor (TPS). Toyota’s New Car Features for this model year, the factory Repair Manual, and Toyota technical training on ETCS‑i (Electronic Throttle Control System–intelligent) all describe a dual‑track TPS built into the electronic throttle body on both engines offered in 2004 (2AZ‑FE 2.4L and 3MZ‑FE 3.3L). These documents also list related diagnostics such as DTCs P0120, P0122, P0123, P0220 and P2135. On most variants the TPS is integrated with the throttle actuator, if it fails, Toyota’s service procedure typically calls for replacing the throttle body assembly rather than the sensor alone.

The throttle position sensor’s job is to tell the engine control module exactly where the throttle plate sits—closed, cracking open, or wide open—so fuelling, ignition timing and transmission shift strategy can be spot on. On this drive‑by‑wire setup it works in tandem with the accelerator pedal position sensors, giving the ECM two clean, matching signals for safety and smoothness. That accurate feedback helps the Highlander idle neatly at the lights, pull away without a hiccup, and keep fuel economy in check on long Kiwi and Aussie road trips.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the TPS on this model, but a bit of sensible care goes a long way. Owners and workshops should avoid forcing the throttle blade by hand, keep the throttle body clean without soaking the electronics, and inspect the harness and connector for corrosion or broken wires. After battery disconnects, throttle body cleaning or part replacement, an idle/throttle relearn is a smart move using a scan tool (or by following the factory initialisation procedure) to restore stable idle.

• Common signs the TPS/throttle body needs attention: erratic idle, hesitation on tip‑in, poor fuel economy, harsh shifting, or a Check Engine light with DTCs like P0120–P0124 or P2135.
• Replacement best practice on the 2004 Highlander/Kluger: fit a quality throttle body assembly (with gasket), confirm wiring integrity, clear codes, and perform ETCS‑i initialisation. Many 3MZ‑FE and 2AZ‑FE units don’t have a separately serviceable TPS per Toyota literature.
• Preventative servicing: use clean air filtration, periodic throttle bore cleaning with sensor‑safe cleaner, and keep moisture out of the connectors—simple steps that help the TPS provide crisp, reliable data.

Looked after this way, the Highlander’s TPS quietly keeps the VVT‑i engines feeling responsive and relaxed, whether it’s carting kids to footy or cruising the coast.

Popular questions about 2004 Toyota Highlander throttle position sensors

Does the 2004 Highlander/Kluger actually have a TPS, or is it purely drive‑by‑wire?

It’s drive‑by‑wire and it does have a TPS. The 2004 model uses Toyota’s ETCS‑i, which pairs dual accelerator pedal sensors with a dual‑track throttle position sensor built into the electronic throttle body. The ECM cross‑checks these signals for accuracy and fail‑safe operation.

Can the TPS be replaced separately on a 2004 Highlander/Kluger?

On most 3MZ‑FE and 2AZ‑FE applications of this year, Toyota specifies the TPS as part of the throttle body assembly, so the factory repair method is to replace the throttle body rather than the sensor alone. Some aftermarket options exist, but sticking with the complete assembly and performing the proper relearn tends to deliver the most reliable result.

What fault codes point to a TPS issue on this model?

Common TPS‑related codes include P0120, P0122, P0123, P0220 and P2135 (throttle/pedal position correlation). Symptoms may include rough or high idle, hesitation, limp‑home behaviour, and a lit MIL. Always verify wiring and connector health before condemning the throttle body.