Parts for your 2021 Toyota Land cruiser-Throttle position sensors

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser throttle position sensors (TPS): what they do and how to look after them

Based on technical sources including Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) for Land Cruiser 200 and 300 Series, the Toyota Repair Manual (ETCS‑i sections covering the throttle body with motor and throttle position sensing), and Denso electronic throttle body documentation, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser does use throttle position sensors. Both the late 200 Series (petrol 1UR‑FE/1VD‑FTV diesel) and the new-for-2021 300 Series (V35A‑FTS petrol/F33A‑FTV diesel) run Toyota’s ETCS‑i electronic throttle, which incorporates dual, redundant throttle position sensors integrated into the throttle body assembly.

On a 2021 Land Cruiser, the throttle position sensors track the exact angle of the throttle plate so the engine ECU can manage fuelling, ignition timing, transmission shift strategy, cruise control, traction and stability control, and torque delivery off‑road. Petrol models rely on TPS for smooth acceleration and idle control, while diesel variants use an electronically controlled intake throttle (with TPS feedback) to stabilise EGR flow and ensure clean, quiet shutdown. It’s a critical piece for towing, long‑haul touring, and low‑range work—keeping throttle response predictable and drama‑free.

The TPS on these models is built into the throttle body and generally isn’t serviced as a separate part. During routine servicing there’s no scheduled replacement interval, instead, it’s checked when symptoms or fault codes pop up. Typical signs include:

• Hesitation, surging, rough or high/low idle, limp mode
• Poor fuel economy and sluggish throttle response
• DTCs such as P0120–P0124, P2135, P2101 and related ETCS‑i faults

Good workshop practice before calling a throttle body is to verify wiring integrity, connector fit, and live data correlation between accelerator pedal position and throttle angle using a scan tool. If the throttle body needs removal for cleaning, use proper throttle‑body cleaner, don’t force the plate by hand, and keep solvents away from the sensor housing. Should the assembly be replaced, expect to perform an ECU memory reset and throttle/idle relearn—best done with Toyota Techstream. After warm‑up, allow it to idle for several minutes, then complete a short drive cycle so the ECU can adapt. Always fit a new gasket, check for vacuum leaks under the bonnet, clear codes, and recheck freeze‑frame data.

Because the sensors are non‑contact and redundant, they’re robust, but age, contamination, or harness issues can still cause grief. When looked after, the Land Cruiser’s TPS setup delivers crisp, consistent throttle behaviour across thousands of kilometres—on‑road and out bush.

Does a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser have a throttle position sensor?

Yes. Both petrol and diesel 2021 Land Cruiser variants use ETCS‑i with dual throttle position sensors integrated into the throttle body. They’re not typically serviced separately from the throttle body assembly.

Where is the TPS on a 2021 Land Cruiser?

It’s built into the electronic throttle body on the intake near the plenum. On diesel models it’s part of the intake throttle/control valve used for EGR control. Don’t confuse it with the accelerator pedal position sensor, which lives on the pedal assembly.

After replacing the throttle body, is calibration needed?

Yes. Perform an ECU memory reset and throttle/idle relearn using a scan tool like Toyota Techstream. A short warm‑up and drive cycle helps finalise adaptation. Skipping this can leave the throttle response a bit off or trigger warning lights.