Parts for your 2007 Nissan Pathfinder-Throttle position sensors

2007 Nissan Pathfinder throttle position sensor: what it does and how to look after it

Based on technical documentation, the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder (R51) is fitted with throttle position sensing. The Nissan Factory Service Manual (R51, EC section) describes an electronic throttle control system that uses dual throttle position sensors built into the throttle body, along with an accelerator pedal position sensor. Industry data from Autodata/Alldata and Nissan FAST parts catalogues also list the throttle body as an assembly containing the throttle actuator and integrated TPS. This applies to the VQ40DE petrol and the YD25DDTi diesel variants (the diesel uses an electronic throttle/airflow control valve for EGR and shutdown, also monitored by a position sensor).

On this Pathfinder, the throttle position sensor (often two sensors for redundancy) tells the engine control module exactly how far the throttle plate is open. That live feedback lets the ECU match air, fuel and spark for smooth take-off, tidy idle, good fuel economy and proper emissions. Because it’s a drive-by-wire setup, the TPS is built into the throttle body and works with the throttle control motor, on most vehicles of this year, the sensor isn’t serviced separately from the throttle body.

Common signs it’s unhappy include lazy throttle response, sudden limp-home mode, erratic or high idle, stalling at lights, poor fuel economy, and the check engine light. Typical fault codes a tech might see include P0120–P0123, P0220–P0223, P2135 and P2101.

• Service tips:
  • When cleaning the electronic throttle body, don’t force the butterfly by hand. Use throttle-body-safe cleaner and let it air dry. For the diesel throttle valve, the same care applies.
  • Check the connector for corrosion, broken pins and poor grounds, vibration and heat can harden loom sections near the throttle body.
  • If the battery has been disconnected or the throttle body cleaned/replaced, perform the relearn procedures: Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning, Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning, and Idle Air Volume Learning (IAVL). These can be done with a capable scan tool or via the Nissan manual procedure.
• Replacement advice:
  • On the VQ40DE, the TPS is integrated, replace the complete throttle body with a quality OE or OE-equivalent unit and a new gasket/O-ring.
  • Clear codes and complete the relearn steps. Expect the idle to settle after a brief drive cycle once temperatures and trims stabilise.
  • If faults persist, verify supply voltage, grounds, and the two TPS signal tracks (Sensor 1 and Sensor 2) align with spec per the FSM.

Look after the throttle body during routine servicing—clean air filter, check for intake leaks, and keep connectors tidy—and the TPS will usually run for many years and kilometres without drama.

Does the 2007 Pathfinder have a separate TPS or is it built into the throttle body?
For most 2007 R51 Pathfinders, the throttle position sensing is integrated into the electronic throttle body (petrol) or the electronic throttle/airflow control valve (diesel). That means the sensor isn’t typically replaced on its own, the complete assembly is swapped, then relearn procedures are carried out.

What fault codes point to a TPS issue on this model?
Common codes include P0120–P0123 and P0220–P0223 for sensor range/performance, P2135 for sensor correlation, and P2101 for throttle actuator control. A tech will confirm with scan data, looking for smooth, matching voltage sweeps from both TPS tracks and stable throttle angle at idle.

Is a relearn needed after cleaning or replacing the throttle body?
Yes. Nissan specifies Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning, Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning, and Idle Air Volume Learning. Skipping these can leave the idle high, low or hunting. A decent scan tool makes it straightforward, it can also be done via the manual key-on/off and pedal sequence if followed precisely.