Complete removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 automatic transmission, requiring transmission removal from the engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Flexplate bolts (if not reusable) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota 0W-20
• Shop towels/rags × 1 — N/A

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt
• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from battery post
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels
5. Remove engine splash shields and under covers
6. Place drain pan under transmission and drain ATF from transmission oil pan
7. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front subframe and drivetrain components
   Remove both front axle shafts from transmission and support aside. Remove exhaust front pipe from manifold. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket. Disconnect transmission cooler lines and plug openings. Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including neutral safety switch, solenoid harness, and speed sensors.
2. 2

   Support engine and remove motor mounts
   Install engine support bar across engine compartment or attach engine hoist to lifting points. Support engine weight from above. Remove left and right engine mount through-bolts. Remove front engine mount bracket bolts from subframe.
3. 3

   Support transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission oil pan with wood block to distribute load. Secure transmission to jack with safety chain or strap. Raise jack slightly to take weight off transmission mounts.
4. 4

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect starter motor electrical connections. Remove starter mounting bolts and remove starter motor from bellhousing. Set aside in safe location.
5. 5

   Access torque converter bolts
   Through starter motor opening, rotate crankshaft pulley to access each torque converter bolt. Remove all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts one at a time while rotating engine. There are typically 6 bolts. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove transmission-to-engine bolts
   Remove all transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts. Note bolt lengths and positions as they may vary. Support transmission firmly on jack as you remove final bolts.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Separate transmission from engine
   Carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine using transmission jack. Ensure torque converter stays with transmission and does not fall. Move transmission clear of engine and lower to ground or secure on suitable stand. Do not allow transmission to hang on input shaft.
8. 8

   Lock crankshaft and remove flexplate
   Use flywheel holding tool or insert large pry bar between flexplate teeth and bellhousing to lock crankshaft rotation. Mark flexplate position relative to crankshaft with paint pen if reusing. Remove all flexplate-to-crankshaft bolts in crisscross pattern. Carefully remove flexplate from crankshaft flange. Inspect crankshaft flange and rear main seal for damage or leaks.
   ⚠Flexplate bolts may be installed with threadlocker. Use breaker bar if necessary but ensure crankshaft is properly locked to prevent engine rotation.
   Torque spec

   Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new flexplate
   Clean crankshaft flange thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Inspect new flexplate for any damage or defects. Align flexplate to crankshaft ensuring proper orientation (dowel pin or alignment feature if present). Install all flexplate bolts hand-tight first. Torque bolts in proper star/crisscross sequence per service manual to specified torque. Verify flexplate is seated flush against crankshaft flange with no gaps.
   ⚠️Flexplate must be torqued in correct sequence to prevent cracking or warping. Consult service manual for exact tightening sequence.
   Torque spec

   Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Apply small amount of high-temperature grease to torque converter hub. Verify torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump (should be recessed, not flush with bellhousing). Raise transmission on jack and align with engine. Carefully guide transmission onto engine dowel pins while ensuring torque converter hub engages with flexplate center pilot. Push transmission forward until bellhousing contacts engine block evenly.
    ⚠Torque converter must be fully seated in transmission before mating to engine. If transmission will not slide forward easily, do not force it - torque converter may not be properly engaged.
11. 11

    Install transmission mounting bolts
    Install all transmission-to-engine bolts in correct positions. Hand-tighten all bolts first to ensure proper alignment. Torque bolts to specification in service manual sequence, working from center outward.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install torque converter bolts
    Rotate crankshaft to access each torque converter bolt hole through starter opening. Apply threadlocker to bolt threads if specified by manufacturer. Install and torque each torque converter bolt to specification while preventing crankshaft rotation. Rotate engine to access all bolts.
    ℹ️Torque converter bolts must be tightened in proper sequence per service manual to ensure even loading.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall starter and connections
    Install starter motor to bellhousing and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect starter electrical connections ensuring proper routing and no interference with moving parts.
14. 14

    Reinstall mounts and subframe components
    Reinstall engine mount brackets and through-bolts to specification. Remove engine support equipment. Reconnect transmission cooler lines with new sealing washers. Reconnect shift cable to transmission lever and bracket. Reconnect all electrical connectors to transmission. Install front axle shafts with new retaining clips. Reinstall exhaust front pipe with new gasket.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill fluids and final assembly
    Install new transmission oil pan gasket and pan if removed. Install drain plug with new gasket. Fill transmission with Toyota WS ATF to proper level (approximately 4 quarts initially). Check engine oil level and top off if necessary. Reinstall engine splash shields and under covers. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower vehicle to ground.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Start engine and check for unusual noises or vibrations
3. With engine at operating temperature and transmission in Park, check ATF level and add fluid as necessary through dipstick tube
4. Cycle transmission through all gear ranges and verify smooth operation
5. Recheck all fluid levels after test drive

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth acceleration with no vibration, particularly during torque converter lockup
• Verify transmission shifts smoothly through all gears without slipping or harsh engagement
• Check for any fluid leaks around bellhousing, transmission pan, and cooler lines
• Verify no abnormal noises from transmission or flexplate area during acceleration and deceleration
• Confirm starter motor engages properly and flexplate ring gear is not damaged
• Recheck ATF level after test drive with transmission at operating temperature

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