Parts for your 2006 Toyota Hilux-Throttle position sensors

2006 Toyota Hilux throttle-position-sensor (TPS): what it does and when to service it

Based on technical references including the Toyota Hilux N70 Repair Manual (petrol 2TR‑FE/1GR‑FE ETCS‑i sections and diesel 1KD‑FTV/2KD‑FTV intake throttle control), Autodata service information, and common DTC listings (e.g., P0120–P0124, P0220–P0223, P2135), the 2006 Hilux does use a throttle-position sensor. On petrol variants the TPS is integrated into the electronic throttle body (ETCS‑i) with dual sensors, on common‑rail diesels there’s an electronically controlled intake throttle (often called an intake air control/throttle valve) that also carries a position sensor. So a throttle-position-sensor is relevant to this model year across both fuel types.

On a 2006 Hilux, the TPS tells the engine control module exactly where the throttle plate sits, so fuelling, ignition timing, idle control and emissions strategies can be spot on. Petrol engines use it constantly for smooth take‑off and steady cruise. Diesel models use the throttle valve position feedback to manage EGR flow, smooth shutdown and transient response. If the sensor signal goes flaky, the ute can drop into limp mode, throw a light, or feel doughy off the mark.

Replacement and maintenance are pretty straightforward but a few points matter. The TPS on these Hiluxes is typically part of the throttle body assembly and not serviced separately. If it’s failed or out of range, the fix is usually to replace the throttle body/intake throttle unit. After fitting, an idle learn or throttle initialisation may be needed, many scan tools offer the ETCS reset, otherwise the ECU will relearn after a short drive cycle. There’s no adjustment screw on the TPS for these engines.

• Common symptoms: erratic idle, poor throttle response, stalling when coasting to a stop, cruise control dropping out, MIL on with codes like P0120/P0220/P2135.
• Service tips: keep the throttle body clean every 40–60,000 km, use proper throttle body cleaner and avoid forcing the plate by hand. Inspect the connector and loom for oil ingress or chafing, especially on diesels near the EGR gear.
• Diagnosis: use a scan tool to watch TP% and the two TPS tracks agree with each other. Any sudden spikes or mismatch and it’s time for repair.

Owners who keep the throttle body clean and wiring healthy generally enjoy crisp response and fewer nuisance codes. And when the sensor does fail, swapping the assembly with a quality unit and carrying out the relearn gets the Hilux back to its reliable, no‑nonsense self.

Popular questions

Does a 2006 Hilux diesel actually have a TPS?
Yes. While diesels don’t need a traditional throttle to control engine speed, the 1KD/2KD engines use an electronically controlled intake throttle for EGR and smooth shutdown, and it has a position sensor. Toyota documentation for the N70 platform details the throttle control motor and position sensor, and related DTCs can flag when it misreads.

Can the TPS be adjusted on a 2006 Hilux?
No. On both petrol ETCS‑i and diesel intake throttle setups, the TPS is integrated and non‑adjustable. If readings are out, the cure is typically to replace the throttle body unit and perform a throttle/idle relearn with a scan tool or brief drive cycle.

What’s the best maintenance to prevent TPS faults?
Clean the throttle body with suitable cleaner every 40–60,000 km, keep the connector dry and secure, and check for stored DTCs during regular servicing. Avoid prying the throttle plate open by hand, and make sure the battery and grounds are in good nick to prevent voltage‑related sensor errors.