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2012 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
2 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs420Labor595Torque3702Fluid6DTC921Battery1Maintenance0Recalls2
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

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours if recently operated)
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
  4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on the four corners to release retaining clips

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect ignition coil electrical connectors
    Press 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.
  2. 2
    Remove ignition coil hold-down bolts
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing each of the four ignition coils to the valve cover. Keep bolts organized by position.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Extract ignition coils
    Grasp 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.
  4. 4
    Remove spark plugs
    Using 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 spec
    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Locate ignition control module
    The 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.
  6. 6
    Disconnect ignition control module connectors
    Press 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.
  7. 7
    Remove ignition control module mounting bolts
    Using 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 spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Remove ignition control module
    Carefully 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.
  9. 9
    Install new ignition control module
    Position 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 spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect ignition control module connectors
    Connect 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.
  11. 11
    Reinstall spark plugs
    Apply 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 spec
    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reinstall ignition coils
    Install 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 spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reconnect ignition coil electrical connectors
    Press 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.
  14. 14
    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Align 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

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before starting the engine
  2. Double-check that all ignition coil hold-down bolts are properly torqued
  3. 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

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