ignition
Ignition Control Module
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
8
Steps
14
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ignition control module (igniter assembly) on the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine.
Warnings
⚠️Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 90 seconds before beginning work to prevent airbag deployment and electrical shock.
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before starting this procedure. Ignition components and surrounding areas can retain heat for extended periods.
⚠Never disconnect ignition coils while the engine is running as this can damage the ignition control module.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
14mm spark plug socketEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Flat blade screwdriver
Needle nose pliers
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Dielectric grease
Parts
- Ignition control module (igniter assembly) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours if recently operated)
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
- Remove engine cover by pulling upward on the four corners to release retaining clips
Procedure
- 1Disconnect ignition coil electrical connectorsPress down on the locking tab of each ignition coil connector and pull straight up to disconnect. There are four ignition coils, one per cylinder. Label each connector position if desired to ensure proper reassembly order.
- 2Remove ignition coil hold-down boltsUsing a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing each of the four ignition coils to the valve cover. Keep bolts organized by position.Torque specIgnition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 3Extract ignition coilsGrasp each ignition coil firmly and pull straight up with a slight twisting motion to remove from the spark plug tube. Inspect the spark plug tube seals on each coil for deterioration or damage. Set coils aside in order.
- 4Remove spark plugsUsing a 14mm spark plug socket with extension, carefully remove all four spark plugs. Inspect spark plugs for wear and fouling. This is a good opportunity to replace spark plugs if they are due for service according to the maintenance schedule.Torque specSpark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- 5Locate ignition control moduleThe ignition control module (igniter) is mounted on the passenger side of the engine block, below the ignition coils. It is a rectangular metal box with a large multi-pin connector and four individual ignition coil output connectors.
- 6Disconnect ignition control module connectorsPress the locking tab on the main ECM connector to the ignition control module and pull to disconnect. Then disconnect the four individual ignition coil output connectors by pressing their locking tabs and pulling straight up.
- 7Remove ignition control module mounting boltsUsing a 10mm socket, remove the two or three mounting bolts securing the ignition control module to its bracket on the engine block. Note the location and orientation of any ground straps or wiring harness brackets that may be secured by these bolts.Torque specMounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
- 8Remove ignition control moduleCarefully lift the ignition control module away from the engine. Inspect the mounting surface and bracket for corrosion or damage. Clean the mounting area with a clean rag if necessary.
- 9Install new ignition control modulePosition the new ignition control module onto the mounting bracket, ensuring proper alignment with the mounting holes. Verify that any ground straps or wiring brackets are properly positioned before installing bolts.Torque specMounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect ignition control module connectorsConnect the four individual ignition coil output connectors to the module, ensuring each clicks firmly into place. Then connect the main ECM connector to the module until the locking tab engages with an audible click.
- 11Reinstall spark plugsApply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of each spark plug. Thread each spark plug by hand into its cylinder to prevent cross-threading, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.Torque specSpark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall ignition coilsInstall new spark plug tube seals onto each ignition coil boot if replacing. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot. Insert each ignition coil into its spark plug tube, pressing down firmly until fully seated. Install and torque the hold-down bolt for each coil.Torque specIgnition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 13Reconnect ignition coil electrical connectorsPress each ignition coil electrical connector firmly onto its respective coil until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify each connection by gently pulling on the connector.
- 14Reinstall engine cover and reconnect batteryAlign the engine cover with the four mounting posts and press down firmly until all clips engage. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before starting the engine
- Double-check that all ignition coil hold-down bolts are properly torqued
- Verify the engine cover is fully clipped into place on all four corners
Verification
- Turn the ignition to ON position (without starting) and verify no warning lights appear related to the ignition system
- Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
- Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the ignition system
- Test drive the vehicle and confirm normal acceleration and no hesitation or misfire under load
- After initial test drive, inspect all connections and the module mounting area for any signs of vibration or looseness