Parts for your 2005 Toyota Highlander-Crank angle sensor

2005 Toyota Highlander crank angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

The 2005 Toyota Highlander does use what many call a crank angle sensor. Toyota’s own documents refer to it as the crankshaft position sensor (often providing the “NE” signal to the ECM). It’s shown in the Toyota electrical wiring diagrams and described in the Engine Control System sections for both the 2AZ‑FE 2.4L and 3MZ‑FE 3.3L engines, and it’s covered by diagnostic routines such as DTC P0335/P0336 in the Toyota repair manual. So yes—this Highlander is fitted with a crank angle/crankshaft position sensor, even if Toyota’s naming is a touch different.

On this model, the sensor monitors crankshaft speed and angle, letting the ECM time ignition and fuel injection precisely. Without it, the engine can’t reliably know when to spark or inject, so it may crank without starting, stumble, or stall. The ECM cross-checks this signal with the camshaft position data to keep VVT-i and ignition timing sharp for smooth running and decent fuel economy.

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but age, heat, oil contamination, or wiring issues can take a toll. Typical symptoms include a Check Engine light (often P0335/P0336), long cranking or no start when hot, rough idle, random stalling, or a dead tach during crank.

If replacement’s on the cards, it’s a straightforward job for most techs. Under the bonnet, the sensor sits by the crank pulley/front cover area on the V6 (3MZ‑FE) and on the block near the crank on the 4‑cyl (2AZ‑FE). Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, and ease the sensor out—there’s an O‑ring, so a slight twist helps. Lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat the sensor squarely, torque the bolt to the spec in the Toyota manual, and clip the harness back so it won’t rub or cop exhaust heat.

During routine servicing, it pays to:

• Inspect the connector and wiring for brittle insulation, corrosion, or oil saturation.
• Fix any front engine oil leaks so the sensor and plug don’t bathe in oil.
• Scan for stored crank/cam correlation faults after any timing-chain/belt or VVT work.

Quality matters here—choose a reputable sensor so the signal stays clean and the Highlander starts first twist, winter or summer. If faults persist after replacement, check crank trigger teeth, ECM grounds, and harness continuity before throwing more parts at it.

Popular questions

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2005 Highlander?
On the 2AZ‑FE 2.4L it’s mounted on the engine block near the crankshaft, accessed from the front side of the engine. On the 3MZ‑FE 3.3L V6 it’s at the front of the engine near the crank pulley/front cover. Look for a small two‑wire sensor held in with a single bolt and a sealed O‑ring.

What are the signs the sensor is failing?
Common signs are a Check Engine light (often P0335 or P0336), hard starting or no start when hot, intermittent stalling, rough idle, and poor fuel economy. A scan tool showing no RPM during cranking is another giveaway that the ECM isn’t seeing a crank signal.

Is it safe to drive with a dodgy crank sensor?
It can be hit‑and‑miss. The engine may run but stall without warning, which isn’t ideal in traffic. Best to diagnose promptly and repair—driving with an unreliable signal can leave the Highlander stranded.