Parts for your 2020 Toyota Land cruiser-Temperature sensors

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser temperature sensors — what they do and how to look after them

Temperature sensors are absolutely fitted to the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser (J200 series). Technical sources including Toyota’s 2020 Land Cruiser Repair Manual (Engine Control – SFI), the Electrical Wiring Diagram (EWD), and the New Car Features (NCF) publications confirm multiple temperature inputs used by the engine, transmission and climate systems. These cover the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, Intake Air Temperature (IAT) in the MAF, Ambient Air Temperature for the HVAC/cluster, Transmission Fluid Temperature within the auto trans, and—on the 1VD-FTV diesel—multiple Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) sensors around the turbo/DPF.

On this model, temperature sensors feed the engine and transmission ECUs so they can trim fuelling, ignition timing, idle speed, fan operation, shift strategy and emissions control. The dash gauge, the outside temperature display and the air con’s smarts also rely on these signals. Put simply, if the sensors are off, the Cruiser can run rich, shift oddly, overheat under load or throw warning lights.

There’s no scheduled replacement for most temperature sensors in the Land Cruiser’s logbook, they’re “inspect and replace if faulty” items. That said, a little attention during regular servicing goes a long way:

• Scan it: Check live data when cold and hot. A healthy ECT reads close to ambient on a cold start and rises smoothly. The transmission temp should climb in step with driving and load.
• Keep coolant right: Use Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink) and follow the logbook interval. Old or contaminated coolant can corrode sensor tips and skew readings.
• Mind the plugs: Inspect sensor connectors and looms under the bonnet for heat hardening, oil wicking or broken clips. Clean with proper electrical contact cleaner, refit until positively latched.
• Diesel EGT care: On 1VD-FTV models, EGT sensors help manage DPF regeneration. If removal is needed, soak threads, work cold and use the correct deep socket to avoid snapped probes.

When an ECT sensor needs replacing, bleed off cooling pressure, drain below the sensor level, swap the sensor with a new sealing washer/O-ring, and tighten to the factory torque from the Toyota manual. Refill with the correct premix and bleed air properly. For the IAT (in the MAF), avoid oiled filters and never touch the sensing element, replace the unit if it’s contaminated. Transmission temperature issues typically involve internal solenoid/thermistor assemblies, so follow the A/T section of the Repair Manual for proper diagnosis before parts are thrown at it.

Common fault clues the workshop sees include hard cold starts, high idle, sooty exhaust, the radiator fan roaring when it shouldn’t, harsh shifts, DPF warning messages, or DTCs like P0115–P0119 (ECT circuit range/performance). Checking basics first—coolant level and quality, connector condition, earths—often saves hours. With the right data and a steady hand, the 2020 Land Cruiser’s temperature sensors are straightforward to test and service, keeping the big wagon running sweet whether it’s towing up the Kaimais or crossing the Nullarbor.

• Where is the engine coolant temperature sensor on a 2020 Land Cruiser?

  It’s typically threaded into the coolant passage on the engine—near the thermostat housing or water outlet—so it can read coolant temp as it leaves the engine. On V8 models, access is under the engine cover, look for a two-pin connector on a small brass/steel-bodied sensor in the coolant gallery.

  Confirm exact placement in the Toyota Repair Manual or EWD for the specific engine (3UR-FE petrol or 1VD-FTV diesel), as bracketry and plumbing differ slightly with market specs.

• What are the signs of a dodgy temperature sensor on this model?

  Cold-start over-fuelling, rough idle, thermo fan running full-time, poor fuel economy, delayed upshifts, or the temp gauge behaving oddly are common signs. The ECM may log codes like P0115–P0119 for ECT or MAF/IAT-related faults.

  A quick check is comparing a true cold-soak reading: after an overnight park, ECT and IAT should both match ambient. If one is way off, the sensor or its wiring likely needs attention.

• Does the 2020 diesel Land Cruiser have EGT sensors for the DPF?

  Yes. The 1VD-FTV uses multiple Exhaust Gas Temperature sensors before and after the turbo/DPF to manage regeneration and protect components. These are documented in Toyota’s NCF and Engine Control sections.

  If an EGT sensor fails, the vehicle can log DPF/temperature-related codes, limit performance, or trigger a regen fault. Handle removal carefully—heat cycles can seize them, so use penetrant and the correct socket.