This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, which monitors throttle plate position for engine control.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throttle Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• TPS mounting screws (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover clips
5. Locate throttle body assembly on top of intake manifold, driver side

Procedure

1. 1

   Access throttle body area
   Remove air intake duct from throttle body by loosening hose clamp at throttle body connection. Disconnect any vacuum lines or breather hoses attached to the intake duct. Move duct aside to provide clear access to throttle body.
2. 2

   Locate Throttle Position Sensor
   Identify the TPS on the side of the throttle body. It is a black plastic sensor with an electrical connector, mounted with two small screws on the throttle shaft. On the 2.5L I4, this is typically on the driver side of the throttle body.
3. 3

   Disconnect TPS electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the TPS electrical connector and carefully pull connector straight away from sensor. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Remove TPS mounting screws
   Using a 10mm socket or appropriate screwdriver, carefully remove the two TPS mounting screws. These screws are very low torque - apply steady, controlled pressure to avoid stripping. Keep screws in a safe location for reinstallation.
   ⚠TPS screws are only torqued to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft) - use very light pressure during removal
   Torque spec

   TPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old TPS
   Gently pull TPS away from throttle body. The sensor shaft engages with the throttle plate shaft - it may require slight wiggling to disengage. Inspect mounting surface on throttle body for debris or damage.
6. 6

   Clean mounting area
   Use electrical contact cleaner and shop towel to clean the TPS mounting surface on throttle body. Ensure no debris enters the throttle body bore. Inspect throttle shaft for smooth rotation and proper return to closed position.
7. 7

   Install new TPS
   Align new TPS with throttle shaft, ensuring the D-shaped shaft engagement is properly oriented. The sensor should slide onto shaft without force. Align mounting holes with throttle body.
8. 8

   Install and torque TPS screws
   Start both TPS mounting screws by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using torque wrench, tighten screws in a cross pattern to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft). Do not over-torque as this can crack the sensor housing.
   ⚠Critical torque specification - over-torquing will damage sensor housing
   Torque spec

   TPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push electrical connector firmly onto TPS until locking tab clicks into place. Verify connector is fully seated and secure. Gently tug on connector to confirm lock engagement.
10. 10

    Reinstall air intake components
    Reposition air intake duct onto throttle body and tighten hose clamp securely. Reconnect any vacuum lines or breather hoses removed during disassembly. Reinstall engine cover by pressing onto mounting clips.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and initialize
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) for 30 seconds to allow ECU to recognize new TPS. Cycle ignition off, wait 10 seconds, then start engine.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify air intake system is properly sealed with no vacuum leaks
3. Confirm engine cover is securely clipped in place

Verification

• Start engine and verify it idles smoothly without surging or stalling
• With engine running, verify throttle response is immediate and smooth when accelerator is pressed
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) - no TPS-related codes should be present
• Perform test drive to confirm normal acceleration and no hesitation during throttle application
• Verify Check Engine Light remains off after several drive cycles

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