ignition
Ignition Coil - Single
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
7
Steps
12
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a single ignition coil on the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, including access to the coil and spark plug inspection.
Warnings
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
⚠Never disconnect ignition coils while engine is running as this can damage the ignition system
ℹ️Ignition coils are cylinder-specific; note which cylinder you are working on for diagnosis purposes
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension bar (6-inch)Essential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Dielectric greaseEssential
Anti-seize compound
Spark plug socket (16mm)
Compressed air or clean cloth
Parts
- Ignition coil × 1 — 90919-02260 or equivalent
- Spark plug (if replacement needed) × 1 — 90919-01253 (Denso) or equivalent
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes to allow residual voltage to dissipate
- Identify which cylinder requires coil replacement (cylinders numbered 1-4 from timing belt end to firewall)
Procedure
- 1Access the ignition coilThe ignition coils are mounted directly on top of the valve cover. Remove the plastic engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on the cover to release the retaining clips. Set aside.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on top of the ignition coil. Press down on the release tab while pulling the connector straight up and away from the coil. Do not pull on the wiring harness.
- 3Remove ignition coil boltUsing a 10mm socket and extension, remove the single bolt securing the ignition coil to the valve cover. Store the bolt in a safe location.Torque specIgnition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 4Extract the ignition coilGrasp the ignition coil firmly and pull straight upward with steady pressure. The coil may require slight twisting motion to break the seal with the spark plug boot. Once free, remove the coil from the spark plug well.⚠If excessive force is required, stop and verify the bolt has been completely removed to avoid breaking the coil
- 5Inspect spark plug wellInspect the spark plug well for any oil, coolant, or debris. If oil is present, valve cover gasket replacement may be necessary. Use compressed air or a clean cloth to remove any debris from around the spark plug before proceeding.
- 6Inspect spark plug (optional)If spark plug inspection or replacement is desired, use a 16mm spark plug socket to remove the spark plug. Inspect electrode wear and gap. If replacing the spark plug, apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads before installation.⚠Do not over-torque spark plugs in aluminum heads as this can strip threads and require costly head repairTorque specSpark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- 7Prepare new ignition coilRemove the new ignition coil from packaging. Inspect the rubber boot at the bottom of the coil for any damage. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug boot to ensure proper seal and ease future removal.
- 8Install new ignition coilCarefully align the new ignition coil with the spark plug well and insert it straight down. Apply gentle pressure while rotating slightly to ensure the boot fully seats onto the spark plug terminal. The coil should sit flush with the valve cover mounting surface.⚠Ensure the coil boot is fully seated on the spark plug to prevent misfires and arcing
- 9Install coil mounting boltInsert the 10mm mounting bolt through the ignition coil bracket and thread it into the valve cover by hand. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten to specification.Torque specIgnition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect electrical connectorPush the electrical connector firmly onto the top of the ignition coil until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating it is fully seated. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
- 11Reinstall engine coverIf an engine cover was removed, align the mounting clips with their receptacles on the engine and press down firmly until all clips are fully seated.
- 12Reconnect batteryReconnect the negative battery terminal. The vehicle may require a brief drive cycle for the engine computer to relearn idle and fuel trim parameters.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Verify ignition coil mounting bolt is torqued to specification
- Confirm engine cover is properly installed if equipped
Verification
- Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
- Check for any Check Engine Light illumination; clear codes if previous misfire codes were stored
- Listen for any arcing sounds that might indicate improper coil seating
- Perform a test drive and verify normal engine performance under acceleration