Parts for your 2013 Toyota Crown-Throttle position sensors

2013 Toyota Crown throttle-position-sensors (TPS): what they do and when to service them

Yes, the 2013 Toyota Crown uses throttle-position-sensors. On the S210-series Crown (including 4GR-FSE 2.5 V6, 2GR-FSE 3.5 V6, and the 2AR-FSE hybrid), Toyota’s ETCS-i electronic throttle control places dual TPS elements inside the throttle body alongside an electric throttle motor. Toyota’s New Car Features and model repair manuals describe this layout, with redundant throttle plate position sensing and a separate accelerator pedal position sensor for cross-checking. So while there isn’t a separate, adjustable “bolt-on” TPS like older cable throttles, throttle position sensing is very much part of the system and critical to how the Crown drives.

The TPS tells the engine ECU exactly where the throttle plate sits, helping manage idle stability, tip-in response, cruise control and transmission shift behaviour. Paired with the pedal sensor, the ECU constantly compares signals to keep the vehicle safe and smooth, any mismatch triggers a fault and limp-home mode. Typical warning signs that point towards TPS/throttle body issues include erratic idle, sluggish response, sudden throttle drop-outs and a lit check engine lamp.

As part of regular servicing, there’s no scheduled TPS replacement, instead, look after the throttle body assembly. Keep the intake plumbing sealed and the air filter in good nick to limit grime. If idle gets rough or throttle feels sticky, remove the intake duct and clean the throttle bore and plate using a sensor-safe throttle cleaner—avoid drowning the shaft area and don’t lever the plate hard. On engines with coolant-heated throttle bodies, cap the hoses if you remove the unit, then bleed the cooling system on refit.

Fault codes worth noting include P0120–P0124, P0220–P0229 and P2135, which often indicate correlation or circuit issues between the dual TPS tracks. Before replacing parts, check the connector for corrosion, loom chafing near the throttle body, and battery/ground health. Because the TPS is integrated, replacement usually means fitting a complete throttle body assembly. After refit or a deep clean, perform an idle/throttle learn with a suitable scan tool (Techstream is ideal) and clear DTCs. Genuine torque specs and procedures should be followed from the Toyota repair manual. Done right, the Crown’s ETCS-i setup stays reliable for years and tens of thousands of kilometres.

• Common TPS-related DTCs: P0120–P0124, P0220–P0229, P2135
• Key checks: wiring integrity, connector condition, throttle bore cleanliness, proper relearn

FAQs

Does the 2013 Toyota Crown have a separate, replaceable TPS?
Not as a standalone part. The TPS is built into the electronic throttle body as dual sensors, and Toyota cross-checks them with the accelerator pedal sensor. If a TPS fails, the usual fix is replacing the complete throttle body assembly.

When should the TPS on a 2013 Crown be replaced?
There’s no routine replacement interval. Replace the assembly only if diagnostics confirm a TPS fault or persistent correlation codes after cleaning, wiring checks and relearn. Many drivability niggles improve with a careful throttle body clean and an idle relearn.

Can the throttle/TPS be recalibrated without a scan tool?
The ECU will do some self-learning after battery power is removed, but the most reliable method is using a scan tool (e.g., Techstream) to run the throttle/idle learn procedure. That locks in stable idle airflow and smooth tip-in.