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2012 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
2 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs410Labor564Torque3671Fluid6DTC921Battery1Maintenance0Recalls2
electrical

Airbag Module/Computer

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
13

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the airbag control module (ACM) located under the center console, including proper battery disconnect protocols and system reset procedures.

Warnings

⚠️The airbag system stores electrical energy. Battery must be disconnected for at least 90 seconds before working on any airbag component to prevent accidental deployment and serious injury or death.
⚠️Improper installation or programming of the airbag module can result in airbag system failure during a collision. If you are not completely confident in this procedure, seek professional service.
⚠️The replacement module must be programmed to match the vehicle VIN. Unprogrammed or incorrectly programmed modules will not deploy airbags in a crash.
Handle the airbag module carefully. Do not drop, strike, or expose to static discharge. Store with connector side facing up, away from body.
Ensure ignition is OFF and keys are removed from vehicle before disconnecting battery. Disconnecting battery with ignition on can damage electrical systems.
ℹ️This procedure will trigger airbag warning lights. A scan tool capable of clearing airbag codes and performing calibration is required to complete this job.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flat blade trim removal tool setEssential
Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)Essential
OBD-II scan tool with airbag system clear capabilityEssential
Insulated gloves
Flashlight or work light

Parts

  • Airbag control module (ACM) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota part number specific to VIN
  • Center console trim clips (if damaged) × 4 — 90467-09139

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition OFF and remove key from vehicle
  3. Ensure all doors are closed and no occupants are in vehicle
  4. Locate the airbag control module under the center console between the front seats
  5. Verify you have the correct replacement module matching your vehicle VIN

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect battery negative terminal
    Open hood and locate battery in engine bay. Using 10mm wrench, loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt and completely remove the cable from the battery post. Secure cable away from battery to prevent accidental contact. Do not disconnect positive terminal.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Wait for capacitor discharge
    Wait a minimum of 90 seconds (recommended: 3 minutes) for the airbag system backup capacitors to fully discharge. Set a timer and do not proceed until time has elapsed. This is critical to prevent accidental airbag deployment.
    ⚠️Do not skip or shorten this wait period. Capacitors retain charge that can deploy airbags even with battery disconnected.
  3. 3
    Remove center console front panel
    Locate the trim panel at the front base of the center console near the cupholders. Using trim removal tool, carefully pry out the panel starting from the bottom edge. Disconnect any electrical connectors for power outlets or USB ports if equipped. Set panel aside.
    Trim clips break easily. Use proper trim tools and apply even pressure to avoid cracking plastic.
  4. 4
    Remove console mounting bolts
    Locate two 10mm bolts securing the front of the center console (one on each side). Remove both bolts completely. Move to rear seat area and locate two additional 10mm bolts at the rear base of the console near the rear cupholders. Remove these bolts as well.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Lift and support center console
    Carefully lift the rear of the center console upward approximately 6 inches. Support console with one hand or have assistant hold it. You may need to slide front seats forward or backward for clearance. Do not force if resistance is felt - check for missed fasteners.
  6. 6
    Locate airbag control module
    With console lifted, use flashlight to locate the airbag control module mounted to the floor tunnel beneath the console. It is a rectangular aluminum box approximately 4x6 inches with a large yellow connector and multiple wire harnesses attached. Note the orientation and connector positions before removal.
  7. 7
    Disconnect module electrical connectors
    Press the locking tab on the large yellow airbag connector and carefully pull straight out to disconnect. If equipped with additional connectors (seatbelt pretensioner or occupant detection), disconnect these as well by pressing their locking tabs. Do not pull on wires - grip connector bodies only.
    Yellow connectors indicate airbag system components. Handle with care and never probe terminals with tools or fingers.
  8. 8
    Remove module mounting bolts
    Locate the module mounting bolts (typically two or three 10mm bolts) securing the module to the floor bracket. Remove all mounting bolts completely and set aside. Carefully lift the module away from the mounting bracket.
    Store removed module with connector side facing UP on a stable surface away from work area. Never place module connector-side down.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Install new airbag control module
    Remove new module from packaging. Verify part number matches old module and vehicle application. Position new module in mounting bracket with connectors oriented in same direction as original. Install mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    ⚠️Ensure module is correctly oriented and firmly seated in bracket before tightening bolts. Improper mounting can cause electrical issues or module damage.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect the large yellow airbag connector first, ensuring it clicks firmly into place and locking tab engages. Reconnect any additional connectors in reverse order of removal. Verify all connections are secure and no wires are pinched or strained.
  11. 11
    Reinstall center console
    Lower center console back into position, ensuring no wires are trapped underneath. Align mounting holes and install all four console mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specification starting with front bolts, then rear bolts.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Return to engine bay and reconnect negative battery terminal. Torque terminal bolt to specification - do not overtighten as this can crack the battery post. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Airbag warning light should illuminate for 6-8 seconds then remain ON indicating module needs programming.
    Battery terminal bolt is very low torque. Overtightening will damage battery post.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Program and calibrate airbag module
    Connect OBD-II scan tool to diagnostic port under driver dash. Navigate to airbag system menu. Perform VIN programming/registration procedure specific to your scan tool. This writes vehicle VIN and configuration to the new module. After programming, clear all airbag diagnostic codes. Perform airbag system test as directed by scan tool.
    ⚠️Module MUST be programmed with correct VIN. An unprogrammed or incorrectly programmed module will not function in a collision.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall center console front trim panel, ensuring all clips engage properly
  2. Reconnect any accessory power or USB connectors to trim panel
  3. Verify console is secure and does not rattle or move excessively
  4. Test all console features including cupholders, armrest, and storage compartments

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly (6-8 seconds) then turns OFF completely
  • Start engine and verify airbag light remains OFF during operation
  • Use scan tool to verify no active or pending airbag system codes are present
  • Verify scan tool shows all airbag components communicating properly (driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners)
  • Test that all other vehicle electrical systems function normally after battery disconnect
  • Take vehicle for short test drive and verify airbag light does not illuminate during normal operation
  • If airbag light remains ON or returns during driving, immediately recheck all connections and reprogram module, or seek professional diagnosis

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