Parts for your 2013 Toyota Land cruiser-Temperature sensors

Temperature sensors on the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series)

Referencing Toyota service information (TIS), the Land Cruiser 200 Series Repair Manual (2012–2015), and the Electrical Wiring Diagram (EWD), the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser is definitely fitted with multiple temperature sensors. These include the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor, intake air temperature (IAT) sensor (integrated in the MAF on most variants), automatic transmission fluid temperature sensor, ambient/outside air temperature sensor, A/C evaporator temperature sensor, and on 1VD‑FTV diesel models, exhaust gas temperature (EGT) probes and fuel temperature sensing. Standard OBD‑II data (SAE J1979) for this model also lists these temperature parameters, confirming their use.

On a 2013 Land Cruiser, temperature sensors do a heap of heavy lifting behind the scenes. The ECT keeps the engine computer honest about warm‑up and cooling fan control, helps trim fuel and ignition, and on the 1VD‑FTV diesel, influences cold‑start, glow timing, and idle strategy. The IAT helps the ECU judge air density, so fuelling and boost targets stay on song from frosty mornings in Queenstown to steamy days in Cairns. Transmission fluid temperature informs shift timing and torque converter lock‑up, while the ambient and evaporator sensors make the climate control behave properly. If fitted, EGT sensors protect the turbos and emissions gear by watching exhaust heat.

As part of regular servicing, there’s no set replacement interval for temperature sensors, they’re replaced on condition. What does help is preventative care: keep the cooling system healthy with the correct Toyota‑approved coolant at the scheduled interval, and check under the bonnet for brittle connectors, green crust on terminals, rubbed looms near the fan shroud, and oil or coolant wicking up into plugs. A quick scan‑tool check each service to compare ECT and IAT readings to ambient (stone cold, before first start) is an easy sanity check.

When a sensor actually fails, use genuine Toyota or quality OEM‑grade parts (Denso is common on these). Follow the factory torque specs and sealing method, don’t throw thread tape on sensors that earth through their threads. If the part comes with a washer or O‑ring, replace it. After an ECT change, bleed the cooling system properly and verify fan operation and scan data. For stubborn diesel EGT sensors, soak threads, crack them carefully while the exhaust is just warm, and avoid twisting the pigtail.

• Tell‑tales of a crook temp sensor: hard cold starts, rich running, thermo fans stuck on, erratic A/C, lazy shifts, poor economy, or a gauge that doesn’t make sense.
• Common codes include P0115–P0119 (ECT) and P0110–P0114 (IAT), always confirm with live data before swapping parts.

Look after the 2013toyotalandcruiser temperaturesensors and the big 200 Series will keep its cool whether it’s towing a van across the Nullarbor or crawling up a rutted forestry track.

Where is the engine coolant temperature sensor on a 2013 Land Cruiser 200?

On the 1VD‑FTV V8 diesel, the ECT sensor sits near the thermostat housing/water outlet at the front of the valley, it’s reachable once the engine cover is off. On the 3UR‑FE 5.7 petrol, it’s fitted in the water bypass passage near the intake manifold. A torch and a small pick for the connector tab make life easier.

If in doubt, the Toyota EWD and repair manual diagrams show the exact location and pin colours for quick confirmation.

Can it be driven with a faulty temperature sensor?

Short answer: it’ll often run, but it’s not a great idea. The ECU may default to failsafe values, running rich, idling high, or kicking fans on early. That can mask a real overheating problem, and the auto can shift oddly if ATF temp isn’t trusted.

If the gauge looks wrong or it’s logging temp‑related codes, drive gently straight to a workshop. If there’s any hint of overheating, park it and arrange a tow to avoid expensive engine damage.

Do temperature sensors need routine replacement on a 2013 Land Cruiser?

No routine interval. They’re replaced when faulty or physically damaged. What pays off is periodic inspection of plugs and looms, proper coolant changes, and scanning live data during services.

Stick with genuine Toyota or reputable OEM brands. After replacement, clear fault codes, check for leaks, and verify temps and fan operation with a scan tool.