lexusmdphd

I undertook what I thought would be an easy project in replacing the valve cover gaskets in a 05 RX330. After completing the painful project, I noticed this wire sitting just to the passenger side of the air intake manifold. It originates from the Engine wire harness, right next to the rear passenger side park plug wires. I can't figure out what this wire is or where it connects. I am hesitant to try restarting the car until I’ve figured this out. Does anyone know what this wire is?

This is the wire pulled toward the front of the car:




This is what the end of the wire looks like at its connector:



and this is the back of the wire where it originates from the engine wire harness:




Any insight would be greatly appreciated! thank you

lexusmdphd

Found it! Looks like a sensor for the power steering system.

MattRX

Power steering idle up (Tells engine to raise RPM if pressure is noticed in the PS pump while idling).

lexusmdphd

Thanks. Yeah I started the engine before I found that prong. The engine seemed to idle well without the wire connected, but the CEL came on quickly and it threw several codes. I then plugged that wire in, cleared the codes, and drove for about 40 miles. It ran great and the CEL didn’t come back.

I suspect the the idle-up function you describe is integral to the engine’s baseline idle.