Parts for your 2020 Toyota Land cruiser-Throttle position sensors

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser throttle position sensors (TPS)

Yes, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser uses throttle position sensors. Toyota’s technical literature for the 200 Series (including 2020 models) describes an Electronic Throttle Control System – intelligent (ETCS‑i) with dual throttle position sensor circuits built into the throttle body. The Toyota Repair Manual and EWD show the ECM monitoring VTA1/VTA2 signals from the throttle body, alongside the accelerator pedal position sensor. This applies to both the 5.7‑litre petrol (3UR‑FE) and the 4.5‑litre V8 diesel (1VD‑FTV, which uses a throttle valve for EGR and shutdown control). Toyota’s ETCS‑i training materials also note the redundant TPS design for safety and accuracy.

On a 2020 Land Cruiser, the TPS tells the engine computer exactly where the throttle plate is, so it can manage idle speed, torque, shifts, cruise control, traction systems, and emissions. With drive‑by‑wire, the ECM constantly cross‑checks the two TPS signals with the pedal sensor and commands the throttle motor accordingly. If anything doesn’t line up, it protects the engine by dropping into limp mode.

While the TPS is integral to the throttle body and not typically a stand‑alone service item, it still benefits from smart maintenance habits during regular servicing.

• Typical symptoms of TPS/throttle body issues: hesitant take‑off, poor throttle response, erratic or high idle, sudden limp mode, cruise control dropping out, or an illuminated check engine lamp with codes like P0120–P0124, P0220, P2135, P2118 or P2119.
• Inspection: check the throttle body connector for corrosion, moisture or bent pins, and look for loom chafing near the intake.
• Cleaning: a light, careful clean of the throttle bore and plate with suitable throttle‑body cleaner can restore smooth operation. Don’t force the plate by hand. Avoid flooding the actuator or sensors.
• Relearn: after cleaning or battery disconnection, perform an idle/throttle learn with a scan tool (Techstream or equivalent) or follow the manufacturer’s specified procedure.
• Replacement: if the TPS portion fails, the fix is usually replacing the complete throttle body assembly with a quality OEM‑spec unit. Fit a new gasket, torque fasteners correctly, and carry out throttle/idle initialisation. Clear DTCs and verify live data for VTA1/VTA2 agreement.
• Preventative care: keep the air filter fresh, ensure the PCV system is healthy, and address intake oiling to reduce deposits on the throttle plate—especially important on vehicles doing lots of low‑speed or dusty kilometres across Aus and NZ conditions.

With the right checks and a simple clean during routine servicing, most Land Cruisers will go a very long way before a throttle body (and its built‑in TPS) needs replacing.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Land Cruiser have a separate TPS, or is it part of the throttle body?
It’s part of the throttle body. Toyota integrates dual throttle position sensors and the throttle actuator into one assembly for redundancy and accuracy. If the sensor fails, the usual remedy is replacing the throttle body as a unit.

What are the common signs of a failing TPS on a 2020 Land Cruiser?
Drivers might notice lazy throttle response, surging or unstable idle, sudden limp mode, cruise control cutting out, or the check engine lamp. Scan tools often reveal correlation or range/performance codes for the throttle/pedal sensors.

Can the TPS be cleaned, or does the whole throttle body need replacing?
The TPS itself isn’t serviceable, but mild throttle body cleaning can fix issues caused by deposits. If there’s an internal sensor fault confirmed by diagnostics, replace the complete throttle body and perform the required relearn procedure.