Parts for your 2007 Nissan Maxima-Throttle position sensors

2007 Nissan Maxima throttle position sensors: what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources including the 2007 Nissan Maxima Factory Service Manual (EC section: Electronic Throttle Control System and DTCs P0121/P0221) confirm the car is fitted with throttle position sensors. On this model, the throttle position sensors aren’t stand‑alone parts, they’re built into the electronic throttle body (also called the electronic throttle control actuator). There are two TPS tracks inside the unit for redundancy, plus a separate accelerator pedal position sensor on the pedal. Nissan’s documentation also notes the sensors are not serviceable separately—if they fail, the entire throttle body assembly is replaced, followed by throttle/idle relearn procedures.

On a 2007 Maxima, the TPS pair tells the engine computer exactly how far the throttle plate is open. That data teams up with the pedal sensor to deliver smooth drive‑by‑wire throttle response, steady idle, and proper fuel and spark. When these signals go flaky, the car may drop into “limp” mode, surge at idle, hesitate off the line, or light the MIL with codes like P0121, P0221, P0123 or P0223 as per the FSM’s diagnostics.

As part of regular servicing, there’s no scheduled replacement for the TPS because it’s integrated. What does help is keeping the throttle body clean. If there’s a sticky throttle or rough idle, a careful clean of the throttle bore and plate can sort carbon build‑up—just don’t force the plate by hand, use the right cleaner, and avoid soaking the electronics. After cleaning, Nissan specifies carrying out the throttle valve closed position learning and Idle Air Volume Learning. This can be done with a capable scan tool or by the Nissan manual procedure.

If diagnostics point to TPS faults, replace the throttle body assembly rather than chasing an individual sensor. Use a quality gasket, torque the bolts to the service‑manual spec, check for vacuum leaks, and complete the pedal/throttle/idle relearns so the ECU can adapt. Many owners in Australia and New Zealand find this restores crisp throttle response and stable idle, especially after high‑kilometre city work. And if the battery’s been disconnected or the car feels a bit doughy after a throttle clean, a quick relearn often brings it right.

• Common symptoms to watch: limp mode, erratic idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, MIL with TPS‑related DTCs.
• Best practice: diagnose first, clean if dirty, replace throttle body if sensors fail, then perform relearns.

Popular questions about 2007 Nissan Maxima throttle position sensors

Can the TPS be replaced on its own?
On this Maxima, no. The throttle position sensors are built into the electronic throttle body. If testing per the Nissan FSM shows a TPS fault, replace the complete throttle body assembly and perform the throttle/idle relearn procedures afterwards.

Do I need to “calibrate” the TPS after cleaning or replacement?
Yes, a relearn is recommended. After cleaning the throttle or fitting a new unit, carry out the throttle valve closed position learning and Idle Air Volume Learning so the ECU correctly recognises the new closed angle and airflow. This helps avoid high or hunting idle.

What are the tell‑tale signs the TPS is playing up?
Under the bonnet you won’t see a separate sensor, but from the driver’s seat you might notice delayed throttle response, sudden surging, a stuck low‑power mode, or the check‑engine light. Scan for codes like P0121/P0221 and confirm with live data before replacing parts.