Parts for your 2007 Toyota Highlander-Crank angle sensor

2007 Toyota Highlander crank-angle sensor: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2007 Toyota Highlander uses a crank-angle sensor. Toyota’s factory service information (TIS), the engine repair manuals for the 2AZ‑FE 2.4‑litre and 3MZ‑FE 3.3‑litre V6 (including the Hybrid), and Toyota’s electronic parts catalogue all list and illustrate a crankshaft position sensor (often called a crank-angle sensor) for this model year. It’s a core input the engine control module relies on to manage spark timing and fuel injection.

In plain terms, the crank-angle sensor watches a toothed wheel on the crankshaft and tells the ECU exactly where the pistons are and how fast they’re spinning. With that info, the ECU can fire the coils and injectors at just the right moment. If the signal goes missing or messy, the Highlander can be hard to start, run rough, or stall, and it’ll usually log fault codes like P0335–P0339.

There’s no routine service interval for the sensor itself, but it’s smart to give it a once-over during scheduled maintenance. On the 2.4‑litre 2AZ‑FE, it’s typically mounted low on the block near the crank pulley, on the 3.3‑litre 3MZ‑FE (including Hybrid), it’s mounted near the crankshaft behind the timing area. A quick visual check for oil wicking through the connector, a brittle harness, or damage from road debris can save headaches later.

• Watch for symptoms: long cranks, intermittent no‑start when hot, sudden stalling, misfires, poor fuel economy, and an illuminated check engine light.
• If replacing, use quality OEM or equivalent. The O‑ring should be lightly oiled and the retaining bolt tightened to the spec in the Toyota repair manual.
• Always disconnect the battery, keep the sensor tip clean, and route the loom in the original clips to avoid chafing.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent DIYer with basic tools, but access can be tight. If there’s any doubt, a tech can confirm the fault by scoping the sensor signal or comparing live data from the crank and cam sensors. Given how critical timing inputs are, it’s not worth chasing your tail—diagnose properly, fit the right part, and the Highlander will be back to smooth, reliable running.

Where is the crank-angle sensor on a 2007 Highlander?

On the 2.4‑litre 2AZ‑FE it’s mounted low on the engine block near the crank pulley. On the 3.3‑litre 3MZ‑FE (including Hybrid) it’s located near the crankshaft at the front of the engine behind the timing area or near the bellhousing. Access varies a bit with engine and drivetrain, so removing splash shields often helps.

Can it be driven with a failing crank-angle sensor?

It might run, but it’s risky. A weak or intermittent signal can cause stalling or a no‑start at the worst time. Best to diagnose and repair promptly to avoid being stranded or causing collateral faults.

Does the 2007 Highlander Hybrid have a crank-angle sensor?

Yes. The Hybrid uses the 3MZ‑FE V6 with electric drive, and the engine still relies on a crankshaft position (crank‑angle) sensor for timing and synchronisation with the hybrid control system.