Write up: 01-02 T4R Throttle Position Sensor Info

[stir_fry_boy]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I could compile some useful information about the 01-02 Throttle Position Sensor based on my recent experience.

First off, the 01-02 TPS is different from the 96-00 year models when equipped with TRAC and VSC. The 01-02 uses a drive-by-wire with a throttle position sensor (APPS) near the gas pedal and the actual TPS on the back side closest to the firewall of the throttle body. There are lots of reasons to suspect a bad throttle position sensor. Some include P0121 code, vehicle hesitation, transmission shifting issues, etc.

If you suspect a bad TPS, here are your options for replacement:
1) Call the dealership and they will sell you part # 89452-35020 which is a 3 pin connector. The 01-02 with VSC and TRAC uses a 4 pin connector. Obviously that won't work. When searching by your VIN, the dealer's computer can't come up with a TPS. You have to replace the ENTIRE throttle body which is $1400!!

2) Every aftermarket option cross references to Toyota part #89452-35020 and are all a 3 pin connector. So, no aftermarket option is available.

3) Looking at the original throttle body, note the part number on the original TPS of #89452-35030. Cross referencing that part number will lead you nowhere fast. The dealer shows that's not a good part number, same with all the aftermarket parts sellers.

Now what do you do? Still no viable options so far.

3) Search car-part.com for a used throttle body, they go for around $250.

4) Search alibaba.com for part number #89452-35030 and that will yield results from sellers in China, with a minimum order of 5 TPS units costing between $9-$30 each. Are they Chinese made or Toyota OEM? I have no clue.

5) Suggested action: call Toyota customer care at 1-800-331-4331 and report that the part number you were initially given was incorrect, and that in order to replace a $50 sensor you have to spend $1400. The more people that call, the more Toyota will look into the issue. I am going to call.

6) When discussing possible part number options, one did come up from some sellers on Alibaba.com specializing in Japanese vehicle sensors. So far, I can't see anyone who has tried this. Part # 89452-22080. Cross referencing that part number on Toyodiy.com says it will fit the 01-02 4Runner with frame models VZN18x (our US frame models). Looking at images of that part number online yields a 4 pin connector! This could be a solution as a TPS is just a potentiometer.

Just thought I would help out other people looking for possible fixes of a bad TPS on the 01-02 4Runners. The same options apply for the 01-04 Tacomas, which make you wonder why Toyota has not addressed this issue given the quantity of vehicles in this range on the road.

 

[RedSled]

Thanks for posting that info. nice legwork.

 

[AntleredRuin]

I'm assuming the answer is no, but could the 4 wire connector in the harness be 'grounded' to the 3 wire TPS? Kinda like a 4 to 3 prong clothers drier outlet adapter?

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I'm assuming the answer is no, but could the 4 wire connector in the harness be 'grounded' to the 3 wire TPS? Kinda like a 4 to 3 prong clothers drier outlet adapter?

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

If you found the schematics for the 3 and 4 prong, then made sure the 3 prong would fit into the throttle body (located on the rear of the TB), and lined up the wires. That COULD work. I would rather take a chance on the 4 prong Supra TPS honestly.

 

[Amusement]

If you found the schematics for the 3 and 4 prong, then made sure the 3 prong would fit into the throttle body (located on the rear of the TB), and lined up the wires. That COULD work. I would rather take a chance on the 4 prong Supra TPS honestly.

I'll save you the grief, 89452-35020 is NOT a substitute for 89452-35030.
Details; 2001 4Runner with 3.4 V6, automatic, 4x4.

Here's my write up [MENTION=22515]yotatech[/MENTION] from July 25 after hours of playing with throttle positioning sensor. 2001 4runner Throttle position sensor 89452-35030 - YotaTech Forums

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I'll save you the grief, 89452-35020 is NOT a substitute for 89452-35030.
Details; 2001 4Runner with 3.4 V6, automatic, 4x4.

Here's my write up [MENTION=22515]yotatech[/MENTION] from July 25 after hours of playing with throttle positioning sensor. 2001 4runner Throttle position sensor 89452-35030 - YotaTech Forums

That's a great try. I would try the Supra TPS that Toyodiy.com says will work. I was lucky and found a damaged throttle body from an 03 Tacoma for $50 that had less than 100k miles. All that was wrong with it is where the cable connects was broke. Otherwise it was in great shape. I just swapped mine over.

 

[Amusement]

That's a great try. I would try the Supra TPS that Toyodiy.com says will work. I was lucky and found a damaged throttle body from an 03 Tacoma for $50 that had less than 100k miles. All that was wrong with it is where the cable connects was broke. Otherwise it was in great shape. I just swapped mine over.

Please post the Toyodiy.com link, thanks.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Please post the Toyodiy.com link, thanks.

See #6 in the first post. Supra TPS

Sorry didn't mention in my first post that this part number was originally designed for the Supra.

 

[Amusement]

Purchased 89452-22080 at Ebay It doesn't work for 2001 4runner with 3.4 V6 4x4 automatic.

High idle, throttle pedal is close to 3/4 down to get throttle response VSC errors.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Purchased 89452-22080 at Ebay It doesn't work for 2001 4runner with 3.4 V6 4x4 automatic.

High idle, throttle pedal is close to 3/4 down to get throttle response VSC errors.

Good to know. Then the only options are junkyard or alibaba.com.

 

[Rock Slide]

Stir_Fry, long time no talk! Wanted to revive a some what old thread of yours and ask a question...maybe just confirm my research too-

So in 11 yrs of ownership, my '02 finally caused me to pull onto the shoulder of the highway due to no pedal response what so ever and see the dash light up like a Christmas tree. (Def a weird feeling to hear your engine running, yet get absolutely no response when pressing the accelerator.) The scangauge said I had code P1121 - Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Range/Performance Problem. I turned off the truck, let it sit for a few mins, restarted it and praise the Lord, the accelerator began to work properly again. Was able to drive 10 miles back home w/o issue.

Now, after much research, I see that the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the rear of the Throttle Body & the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) on the front of the TB cannot be purchased independently.

I've looked at Alibaba.com...although they sell (albeit in bulk), the proper 4-pin TPS for the '01-'02 4Runners, I'm just not sure how well they're built. Besides, I believe my front APPS is what has failed, so looks as though I need to just replace my TB and be done with it.

Very odd this APPS would fail though. Oh well. Thanks Toyota for making me buy an entire used TB for just one sensor.

 

[Amusement]

Disable Over Drive

Temporary relief from the destructive TPS failure is to
disable over drive. I know..I know, TPS and transmission over drive have nothing in common. Well it's true, and false.

Computer seems to be content when OD is disable.

Still have the same problem with the TPS. Still looking for a solution that doesn't cast near $2,000, buying a new throttle
body.

 

[Magmotor]

Still have the same problem with the TPS. Still looking for a solution that doesn't cast near $2,000, buying a new throttle
body.

Found this on Amayama. It may help...UAE is $70 for the sensor....
https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/8945222080

never mind..just saw your post it won't work....sorry

 

[Amusement]

and the beat goes on..

Purchased a new throttle body and things didn't go well after a week.

VSC Off and Trac lights lit up along with engine light. P1125 code.

There's a sour spot 1/3 pedal.
VSC relays click away during hestitation.

Exploring the idea of blue tooth ODB II device and data log to see if the TPS voltage is a problem, or :lookout: ECM or ECM connector.

 

[PJP71]

Stir_Fry, long time no talk! Wanted to revive a some what old thread of yours and ask a question...maybe just confirm my research too-

So in 11 yrs of ownership, my '02 finally caused me to pull onto the shoulder of the highway due to no pedal response what so ever and see the dash light up like a Christmas tree. (Def a weird feeling to hear your engine running, yet get absolutely no response when pressing the accelerator.) The scangauge said I had code P1121 - Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Range/Performance Problem. I turned off the truck, let it sit for a few mins, restarted it and praise the Lord, the accelerator began to work properly again. Was able to drive 10 miles back home w/o issue.

Now, after much research, I see that the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the rear of the Throttle Body & the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) on the front of the TB cannot be purchased independently.

I've looked at Alibaba.com...although they sell (albeit in bulk), the proper 4-pin TPS for the '01-'02 4Runners, I'm just not sure how well they're built. Besides, I believe my front APPS is what has failed, so looks as though I need to just replace my TB and be done with it.

Very odd this APPS would fail though. Oh well. Thanks Toyota for making me buy an entire used TB for just one sensor.

Purchased a new throttle body and things didn't go well after a week.

VSC Off and Trac lights lit up along with engine light. P1125 code.

There's a sour spot 1/3 pedal.
VSC relays click away during hestitation.

Exploring the idea of blue tooth ODB II device and data log to see if the TPS voltage is a problem, or :lookout: ECM or ECM connector.

So did either of you resolve this issue? A friend of mine has the same problem. TIA

 

[Rock Slide]

So did either of you resolve this issue? A friend of mine has the same problem. TIA

I was able to fix my problem. Over a year now and still good.

I ended up replacing my TB with a used OEM TB out of an '01 4Rr from a local Toyota Salvage yard. I went to 3 different salvage yards, and no one was willing to sell me just the 4-pin connector on the TB (they know as I did...you have to have the 4-pin connector to make the '01-'02 4Rr TBs work; without the connector, the TB is nothing).

The TB on pre 01 4Runners comes with a 3-pin connector. Salvage yards and most any site on the internet will sell you just a 3-pin connector all day...but not a 4-pin connector. If they will sell you a 4-pin one, they're lying as they think they have a 4-pin, but it's really a 3-pin.

Good luck.

 

[capubu]

TPS 89452-35030 made by Aisan in Japan

I'll save you the grief, 89452-35020 is NOT a substitute for 89452-35030.
Details; 2001 4Runner with 3.4 V6, automatic, 4x4.

Here's my write up [MENTION=22515]yotatech[/MENTION] from July 25 after hours of playing with throttle positioning sensor. 2001 4runner Throttle position sensor 89452-35030 - YotaTech Forums

For anybody looking for TPS 89452-35030 4 pin, you can get them at Discount Auto Parts Online -- PartsGeek.com - Domestic & Import Car Parts Warehouse they are about $ 65.00 OEM made by Aisan in Japan.
I had an iddle problem with my 2002 4Runner, Installed this part and now the iddle is just perfect

 

[plcfcng]

Thanks will order one and keep it handy 65 dollars a steal:uzi:

 

[BoomerBob]

For anybody looking for TPS 89452-35030 4 pin, you can get them at Discount Auto Parts Online -- PartsGeek.com - Domestic & Import Car Parts Warehouse they are about $ 65.00 OEM made by Aisan in Japan.
I had an iddle problem with my 2002 4Runner, Installed this part and now the iddle is just perfect

Is this the right one with the 4 pin for 2001-2002 3.4L?

2001 Toyota 4Runner Throttle Position Sensor - Aisan W0133-2744128

Discount Auto Parts and Accessories - PartsGeek

 

[Chris311L]

TPS 2001 4runner

For anybody looking for TPS 89452-35030 4 pin, you can get them at Discount Auto Parts Online -- PartsGeek.com - Domestic & Import Car Parts Warehouse they are about $ 65.00 OEM made by Aisan in Japan.
I had an iddle problem with my 2002 4Runner, Installed this part and now the iddle is just perfect

Thanks for sharing! I have a TPS on the way. Is this just a plug and play or does it require adjustments?

Thanks in advance!