ignition

Ignition Coils - All

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.5 h
Tools
8
Steps
12

This procedure covers the replacement of all four ignition coils on the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, including removal of the engine cover and access to the coil-on-plug assemblies.

Warnings

Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot engine components can cause severe burns.
Do not disconnect battery on this procedure unless you have radio and security codes available.
ℹ️Mark or photograph coil positions and harness routing before removal to ensure correct reinstallation.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential
16mm spark plug socketEssential
Extension bar (6-inch)Essential
Dielectric greaseEssential
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Small flathead screwdriver
Compressed air

Parts

  • Ignition coil (2AR-FE engine) × 4 — 90919-02260 or equivalent
  • Spark plugs (iridium) × 4 — 90919-01253 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
  2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  3. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning
  4. Take photos of engine cover and coil harness routing for reference

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove engine cover
    Grasp the engine cover firmly at the front and rear edges. Pull upward with steady force to disengage the rubber grommets from the mounting posts. The cover is held only by friction-fit grommets and requires no tools. Set the cover aside in a clean area.
  2. 2
    Disconnect ignition coil connectors
    Locate all four ignition coil electrical connectors on top of the engine. Press down on the locking tab of each connector while pulling the connector straight up and away from the coil. Use a small flathead screwdriver if needed to release stubborn tabs. Ensure connectors are completely free before proceeding.
  3. 3
    Remove ignition coil bolts
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing each ignition coil. There is one bolt per coil located at the top of each coil assembly. Keep bolts organized as they will be reused. Note the bolt length and position for reassembly.
  4. 4
    Extract ignition coils
    Grasp each ignition coil firmly and pull straight up with a twisting motion to break the seal. The coil boot may stick to the spark plug. If resistance is encountered, gently twist while pulling upward. Do not pry against the valve cover. Inspect each coil boot for tears, cracks, or carbon tracking before discarding.
  5. 5
    Clean spark plug wells
    Use compressed air to blow out any debris, dirt, or oil from each spark plug well. Ensure no foreign material can fall into the cylinders during spark plug removal. Inspect wells for oil accumulation which may indicate valve cover gasket leakage requiring separate attention.
    Debris falling into cylinders can cause severe engine damage. Ensure wells are completely clean before removing spark plugs.
  6. 6
    Remove old spark plugs
    Using a 16mm spark plug socket with extension, carefully loosen and remove each spark plug. Turn counterclockwise with steady pressure. Once loose, unthread by hand if possible to avoid cross-threading. Inspect old plugs for wear, fouling, or abnormal deposits which may indicate engine issues.
  7. 7
    Prepare and install new spark plugs
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of each new spark plug, avoiding the electrode area. Verify the gap on new plugs matches specification (typically 0.043 inches for this engine). Start each spark plug by hand, threading clockwise until finger-tight to prevent cross-threading. Use the spark plug socket and torque wrench to tighten to specification.
    ⚠️Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads can destroy the cylinder head threads, requiring expensive repair. Always start plugs by hand.
    Torque spec
    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Prepare new ignition coils
    Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of each new ignition coil boot. This prevents moisture intrusion and makes future removal easier. Ensure no grease contacts the metal terminals. Inspect each new coil for shipping damage before installation.
  9. 9
    Install ignition coils
    Align each ignition coil with its corresponding spark plug well. Push down firmly with a twisting motion until the coil seats fully onto the spark plug. The coil should drop into position and sit flush with the valve cover mounting surface. Verify proper seating before installing bolts.
  10. 10
    Secure ignition coil bolts
    Install the mounting bolt for each ignition coil by hand first. Once all bolts are started, use a torque wrench with 10mm socket to tighten each bolt to specification. Tighten in a cross-pattern if possible to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the terminals inside each coil connector. Push each connector onto its corresponding coil until you hear and feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently pull on each connector to verify it is securely locked.
  12. 12
    Reinstall engine cover
    Align the engine cover grommets with the mounting posts on the cylinder head and intake manifold. Press down firmly at each grommet location until the cover seats completely. Verify the cover is secure and sits evenly.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  2. Verify engine cover is properly installed on all mounting grommets
  3. Double-check that no tools or parts have been left in the engine bay

Verification

  • Start the engine and listen for smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
  • Check that the check engine light does not illuminate after starting
  • Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify smooth acceleration
  • Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no misfire codes (P0300-P0304) are present
  • Perform a test drive to confirm normal operation under load

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