Toyota Highlander 2015 - No Trac - error codes p0328, c1280

[ModernCarsSUCKS2025]

my bluedriver scanner said p0328 stands for knock sensor issue and needs replacement but it is all the way within the engine. The c1280 code said to replace throttle ignition sensor, good thing this one isnt so hard but i dont know where it is exactly.

ii tried removing the negative terminal on my battery to reset the ecm but it didnt work, the codes still remains as permanent. My battery wasnt the problem either since the voltage is tested to be healthy.

as of now my cars all wheel drive is disabled and there is a " no TRAC " and " check awd " notifications on my info screen. Whenever i stop and drive, my car would hesitate/jitter EVERY single time when im at the light, or stop to make a turn.

ive checked the parts cost for throttle position sensor and this one seems cheap - only 15 bucks on amazon but the other one is over 120 dollars on amazon and the labor cost to replace this might be 2-300 i think.

not sure what else i can do, my cars only 76k miles and i barely drive since i work from home.

whats the next best solution?

 

[The Critic]

Check for signs of rodent damage. Buy a boroscope camera if needed.

 

[JMJNet]

Whatever you do, my suggestion is to buy OEM part especially if it cost that much to install.
Trust me, you don't want to ask somebody to install it and it does not work.
Don't ask me how I know.

 

[rijndael]

I wouldn't buy parts just because you have a code. You should start with verifying wire integrity, 5v references, and grounds.

When you do determine a sensor is bad, OEM only, and not from ebay or Amazon.

 

[D60]

As @The Critic said, inspect wiring carefully. And I'd test each connector for whatever they're supposed to be receiving (5VREF, switched ground, etc) before spending $ on expensive sensors

Toyota seems particularly bad about setting ALL the lights at the slightest problem. It's feels like saying "I stubbed my toe so no way I can type at a keyboard".....but ultimately I understand why they do it, obnoxious as it may be.

edit: @rijndael replied as I was typing ^^ what he said

 

[kschachn]

Please screen shot the codes and post them.

 

[LazyDog]

Look at a wiring diagram to see if the 2 items share a common power or ground feed.

 

[JavierH19]

Could be as simple as a bad ground which could cause that. Had something similar happen to me, bad ground caused throttle issues.

 

[clinebarger]

P0328 is a "Fix First DTC", The C1280 will likely clear once the P0328 is repaired.

All V6 & V8 Toyotas are susceptible to rodent damage to the knock sensor harness if the vehicle sits a lot!!

 

[ModernCarsSUCKS2025]

Whatever you do, my suggestion is to buy OEM part especially if it cost that much to install.
Trust me, you don't want to ask somebody to install it and it does not work.
Don't ask me how I know.

so you want me to go to my dealership and have them do the labor?

 

[Danno]

so you want me to go to my dealership and have them do the labor?

The conscenus I see is to do the proper diagnosis before changing parts.
Very knowledgeable people on this blog have recommended checking wiring integrity first.

 

[ModernCarsSUCKS2025]

The conscenus I see is to do the proper diagnosis before changing parts.
Very knowledgeable people on this blog have recommended checking wiring integrity first.

yah i was told to do so by chatgpt too but the problem is i cant even find a diagram of the sensor location.

 

[rijndael]

I'll see if I have the factor service manual diagram for you.

You have a 2GR-FE, right?

 

[rijndael]

You'll see them in this video at 5:34:

The lower intake has to come out.

This is a big'ish job.

 

[ModernCarsSUCKS2025]

You'll see them in this video at 5:34:

The lower intake has to come out.

This is a big'ish job.


View attachment 266618

this was so helpful

so basically i would have to get it done at my dealership then?

 

[ModernCarsSUCKS2025]

You'll see them in this video at 5:34:

The lower intake has to come out.

This is a big'ish job.


View attachment 266618

and btw, my 2 codes came up at the same exact time, literally the very next day after 3 years of no issues and 3 days ago both just popped up out of no where.

right now my awd is disabled and my car jitters, i cannot stand this, do i have to replace both sensors in the worst case scenerio to restore my awd or do i just need to replace 1 of them?

im not sure how both just went out like this, there must be a source that caused both to be shown.

 

[rijndael]

do i have to replace both sensors in the worst case scenerio to restore my awd or do i just need to replace 1 of them?

You may not need to replace anything! It might be a wiring repair.

Your next step is a proper diagnosis and not to fire the parts canon.

If you can't do it, take it to a dealer and pay the diag fee. It's probably going to be under 2 hours of labor for the diag.

 

[kschachn]

Your next step is a proper diagnosis and not to fire the parts canon.

The repeated winner in this thread.

 

[ModernCarsSUCKS2025]

You may not need to replace anything! It might be a wiring repair.

Your next step is a proper diagnosis and not to fire the parts canon.

If you can't do it, take it to a dealer and pay the diag fee. It's probably going to be under 2 hours of labor for the diag.

i never diagnosed before, not even sure where to start.

so basically if im going to check it, i will check and make sure the sensors are properly connected, maybe clean it, and also check the wires.

 

[rijndael]

I think you'd be better served by taking it to the dealer.