Parts for your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder-Throttle position sensors

2019 Nissan Pathfinder throttle-position-sensors: what they do and how they’re serviced

Yes, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder (R52, VQ35DD 3.5‑litre) uses throttle-position-sensors. Nissan’s factory service information for the R52 identifies an electronic throttle body (Electric Throttle Control) with dual throttle position sensors built into the unit, plus the required “Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning” and “Idle Air Volume Learning” procedures after service (Nissan Pathfinder 2019 Service Manual, Engine Control section, Nissan CONSULT-III Plus procedures). Nissan parts catalogues also list the throttle body as an assembly with the sensors integrated, not serviced separately, and common OBD-II diagnostics for this model include TPS-related DTCs such as P0121, P0122, P0123 and P2135.

On this Pathfinder, the throttle-position-sensors tell the engine computer exactly how far the throttle plate is open. That live angle data is used with the accelerator pedal sensors to manage air intake, fuel delivery, ignition timing and even transmission shift strategy. Because it’s drive‑by‑wire, accuracy here is everything—any mismatch and the system will go into fail-safe to protect the engine and the driver.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the sensors themselves, because they’re part of the throttle body. As part of regular servicing (say every 60,000–100,000 kilometres or when idle quality drops), it’s smart to inspect and gently clean the throttle bore. Don’t force the throttle plate by hand and only use suitable throttle body cleaner on a lint‑free cloth. If carbon build-up is heavy, removing the body for bench cleaning with a new gasket is the tidy way to go.

If the vehicle shows rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, cruise control dropouts, or a Check Engine lamp with TPS/ETC codes, testing should be done with a scan tool to view the two TPS tracks and correlation. If replacement is needed, fit a quality throttle body assembly, reconnect wiring carefully, and tighten bolts evenly to the workshop spec.

Critical: after cleaning or replacement, carry out the Nissan procedures—Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning, Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning, and Idle Air Volume Learning—preferably with CONSULT-III Plus or a capable scan tool. Skipping these can leave the idle high or unstable. Given the safety implications of throttle control, many owners in AU/NZ sensibly have a licensed technician handle diagnosis and relearn.

• Typical TPS/ETC fault codes on this model: P0121, P0122, P0123, P2135, and related throttle actuator codes.
• Use genuine or OEM‑equivalent throttle bodies, the sensor isn’t sold separately.

FAQ

Does the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder have a throttle position sensor?
Yes. It uses an electronic throttle body with dual throttle position sensors inside the housing. They’re part of the assembly and aren’t serviced separately.

Can I replace just the throttle-position-sensor on this Pathfinder?
No. Nissan supplies the sensor integrated with the throttle body. If the sensor fails or goes out of tolerance, the correct repair is to replace the complete throttle body assembly and perform the relearn procedures.

Do I need a relearn after cleaning or replacing the throttle body?
Absolutely. Perform Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning, Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning and Idle Air Volume Learning with a suitable scan tool. Without these, idle quality and throttle response can be off.