Parts for your 2020 Toyota Land cruiser-Knock sensor

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Knock Sensor — what’s fitted and what’s not

For Aussie and Kiwi owners of the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series, the factory diesel V8 (VDJ200, 1VD‑FTV) does not use a knock sensor. This isn’t an omission, it’s by design. Toyota’s official technical literature for the 1VD‑FTV engine (Engine Control System sections in the Repair Manual and the 200 Series Electrical Wiring Diagram) lists no knock sensor circuit or diagnostic trouble codes for knock sensing. Likewise, the Toyota parts catalogue for VDJ200 doesn’t show a knock sensor part. By contrast, the petrol V8 3UR‑FE (URJ200) does include two knock sensors and corresponding DTCs such as P0325 and P0330 in the Repair Manual and EWD. Those differences make the knock sensor irrelevant to the local 2020 diesel Land Cruiser.

Why the gap? In petrol engines, a knock sensor is essential to detect detonation and let the ECU trim ignition timing. The diesel Land Cruiser runs compression ignition, which doesn’t rely on spark timing and doesn’t experience petrol‑style detonation. Instead, the 1VD‑FTV’s ECU controls combustion noise and pressure rise using strategies like pilot injection, rail pressure management, boost control and precise crank/cam correlation. That’s why Toyota engineered the diesel calibration without a piezoelectric knock sensor.

• Technical sources referenced: Toyota Repair Manual (2020MY Land Cruiser 200), Engine Control System — 1VD‑FTV (no knock sensor system or DTCs), Electrical Wiring Diagram — VDJ200 (no KS circuit), Toyota Parts Catalogue — VDJ200 (no knock sensor listing). For comparison, URJ200 3UR‑FE documentation includes knock sensor circuits and DTCs P0325/P0330.

So, if someone’s 2020 Land Cruiser is the common ANZ diesel, there’s no knock sensor to service or replace. Routine engine care should focus on what actually governs combustion quality on the 1VD‑FTV: clean fuel supply and filtration, correct oil spec and intervals, healthy EGR and intake systems, proper boost control, and up‑to‑date ECU calibrations. Those items will keep combustion smooth and clatter under control far better than chasing a non‑existent knock sensor.

If the vehicle happens to be a petrol 3UR‑FE model (less common in our region), it does run twin knock sensors mounted in the V under the intake manifold. Those are serviceable parts with associated diagnostics in Toyota’s manuals, but they don’t apply to the VDJ200 diesel platform most Aussies and Kiwis own.

Popular questions

Does my 2020 Land Cruiser 200 (diesel) have a knock sensor?
No. The 1VD‑FTV diesel doesn’t use a knock sensor, and Toyota’s 2020 VDJ200 wiring diagrams and DTC lists don’t include one. That’s normal for modern Toyota diesels, which manage combustion via injection timing, rail pressure and boost, rather than listening for petrol‑style knock.

How does the diesel control “knock” without a sensor?
The ECU moderates combustion noise with pilot injections, precise fuel pressure control, turbo boost management, and feedback from crank/cam position, intake and temperature sensors. This keeps pressure rise rates in check and delivers the quietest, cleanest burn the calibration allows.

Which 2020 Land Cruiser models do have knock sensors?
The petrol 3UR‑FE V8 (URJ200) uses two knock sensors, shown in the Toyota Repair Manual and EWD with DTCs P0325/P0330. The diesel VDJ200 does not. If unsure which engine is fitted, check the build plate or engine code.