Complete removal and reinstallation of the 2AR-FE 2.5L inline-4 engine from a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry, including disconnection of all mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil with filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90430-12031
• Coolant (pink Super Long Life) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine mount set (if worn) × 1 — Inspect before reuse
• Transmission mount (if worn) × 1 — Inspect before reuse
• Exhaust manifold gasket × 1 — 17173-0V030
• Exhaust pipe gasket × 1 — 17457-0H010
• Various hose clamps × 1 — Replace as needed
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use copper-based

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt
• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 10 qt
• Toyota WS ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Chock rear wheels.
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive terminal. Remove battery and battery tray for access.
3. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump relay (EFI1 in engine bay fuse box) and running engine until it stalls.
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners at frame contact points.
5. Remove engine under covers and splash shields.
6. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter.
7. Drain coolant from radiator drain cock and engine block drain plug.
8. Remove hood after marking hinge positions with paint pen for reinstallation alignment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake system and accessories
   Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clips. Disconnect MAF sensor connector. Loosen hose clamps and remove complete air intake assembly from air filter box to throttle body. Remove air filter box assembly. Disconnect accelerator cable (if equipped) and throttle body connectors.
2. 2

   Disconnect cooling system components
   Disconnect upper and lower radiator hoses from engine. Disconnect heater hoses at firewall connections. Remove radiator by disconnecting cooling fan connectors, removing upper radiator support brackets, and lifting radiator assembly out with fans attached. Label and disconnect all remaining coolant hoses including bypass hoses.
3. 3

   Remove accessory drive components
   Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner clockwise and sliding belt off pulleys. Remove alternator by disconnecting electrical connections and removing mounting bolts. Support AC compressor and disconnect electrical connector, then remove compressor mounting bolts without disconnecting refrigerant lines - secure compressor to frame with wire. Remove power steering pump with lines attached and secure to frame.
   Torque spec

   Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   AC Compressor Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect fuel and vacuum systems
   Using fuel line disconnect tools, disconnect fuel supply and return lines at the fuel rail. Plug all open fuel lines immediately with clean rags or caps. Disconnect vacuum lines from intake manifold including brake booster vacuum line. Label each vacuum connection. Disconnect EVAP canister lines from intake.
5. 5

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Disconnect engine wiring harness main connectors at firewall (typically 2-3 large multi-pin connectors on passenger side). Disconnect alternator harness, starter wiring, knock sensors, oil pressure sensor, coolant temperature sensors, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, oxygen sensors, injector harness, ignition coil connectors, and all remaining engine electrical connections. Release harness clips from engine.
6. 6

   Remove exhaust system connection
   From underneath vehicle, spray exhaust manifold nuts with penetrating oil. Remove exhaust pipe-to-manifold nuts working from center outward (hot to cold pattern). Separate exhaust front pipe from manifold and support pipe or remove completely. Disconnect oxygen sensor connectors if not already done.
   ⚠Exhaust fasteners are prone to seizing. Use penetrating oil and allow time to soak. Apply heat carefully if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect transmission connections
   From underneath, disconnect transmission cooler lines (if automatic) and plug immediately. Disconnect shift cable from transmission by removing clip and sliding cable end off ball stud. Disconnect transmission electrical connectors including neutral safety switch, speed sensors, and solenoid harness. Remove starter motor after disconnecting wiring and removing mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Separate transmission from engine
   Support transmission with transmission jack or floor jack with wood block. Remove all transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts - there are typically 6-7 bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter. Note bolt locations as they differ in length. Leave transmission supported on jack in vehicle.
   ⚠️Transmission must be properly supported before removing bellhousing bolts to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Support engine and remove mounts
   Attach engine hoist to factory lifting eyes on engine using appropriate chains or lifting bracket. Take up slack so hoist is supporting engine weight. Remove right side engine mount (passenger side) by first removing through-bolt, then mount-to-frame bolts. Remove front engine mount through-bolt and mounting bolts. Remove left side mount (driver's side transmission mount) through-bolt. Verify all mounts are disconnected.
   ⚠️Ensure engine hoist is securely attached and supporting full engine weight before removing final mount bolts.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

   Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final disconnection check
    Walk around engine compartment and verify all connections are disconnected: coolant hoses, vacuum lines, fuel lines, electrical connectors, exhaust, transmission, mounts, accessory drives. Check underneath vehicle for any remaining connections. Gently pull engine forward slightly to verify nothing is still attached.
11. 11

    Remove engine from vehicle
    Using engine hoist, carefully lift engine while angling it forward and upward. Use engine leveler to adjust angle as needed to clear transmission input shaft and frame rails. Guide engine slowly upward and forward out of engine bay. Have assistant guide engine to prevent contact with body panels. Once clear, lower onto engine stand or suitable work surface.
    ⚠️Move engine slowly and deliberately. Watch clearances at firewall, fenders, and radiator support. Never position yourself under suspended engine.
12. 12

    Inspect and prepare for reinstallation
    Inspect all engine mounts for cracks, tears, or excessive wear - replace if necessary. Inspect transmission input shaft seal for leaks. Clean engine and transmission mating surfaces. If installing replacement engine, transfer all necessary components: sensors, brackets, motor mounts, exhaust manifold, throttle body, fuel rail, ignition coils, etc. Replace rear main seal if accessible.

Reassembly

1. Installation is reverse of removal with the following notes:
2. Before lowering engine into bay, ensure transmission input shaft is clean and lightly greased.
3. Guide engine down slowly, aligning engine with transmission while adjusting angle with leveler. May need to rotate crankshaft slightly to align splines.
4. Install engine mount bolts finger-tight first, then torque all mounts to specification in this order: front mount, right mount, left mount. This ensures proper engine alignment.
5. When reconnecting transmission bellhousing bolts, start all bolts by hand before tightening any. Torque in cross pattern to specification.
6. Apply anti-seize compound to exhaust manifold studs before installing nuts. Torque in hot-to-cold pattern (center outward).
7. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged.
8. Refill coolant system using proper Toyota pink coolant. Bleed air from system by running engine with heater on high.
9. Refill engine oil with correct 0W-20 specification using new filter. Install drain plug with new crush washer.
10. Check transmission fluid level and top off as needed with Toyota WS ATF.
11. Before starting engine for first time, rotate crankshaft by hand several revolutions to verify no binding.
12. Prime fuel system by cycling ignition on/off 3-4 times before cranking.

Verification

• Start engine and verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds.
• Check for any coolant, oil, fuel, or exhaust leaks while engine idles.
• Verify all warning lights on instrument cluster are functioning normally.
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fans cycle on/off properly.
• Check coolant level after engine reaches temperature and top off as needed.
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal operation: smooth acceleration, proper transmission shifting, no abnormal noises or vibrations.
• After test drive, recheck all fluid levels and inspect for any new leaks.
• Verify engine mounts are secure and no excessive engine movement during acceleration.
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and clear any codes related to battery disconnection.

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