This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ignition switch assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including proper steering column disassembly and reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to ACC position, then back to LOCK and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds minimum
4. Adjust steering wheel to full down and full out position for maximum access
5. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Remove the two screws securing the lower steering column cover on each side. Carefully pull the lower cover down and away from the column. Remove the upper cover by releasing the retaining clips at the rear and lifting upward.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect combination switch connectors
   Locate the electrical connectors on the right side of the steering column behind where the covers were removed. Press the locking tabs and disconnect the two combination switch connectors. Label them with tape if desired for easier reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove combination switch assembly
   Remove the two screws securing the combination switch assembly to the steering column. Carefully slide the combination switch assembly off the column and set aside. This provides access to the ignition switch area.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower steering column
   Locate the two steering column mounting bolts beneath the dash. Support the column with one hand and loosen both bolts completely but do not remove them. Lower the column carefully to provide better access to the ignition switch mounting area.
   ⚠Support the steering column weight when loosening mounting bolts to prevent sudden dropping
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect ignition switch connector
   Locate the ignition switch electrical connector on the right side of the column near the lock cylinder housing. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
6. 6

   Remove ignition switch mounting screws
   Locate the two small screws securing the ignition switch to the lock cylinder housing. These are typically on the side or bottom of the housing. Remove both screws completely and retain them if reusing. Note the orientation of the switch before removal.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove ignition switch assembly
   With screws removed, carefully slide the ignition switch away from the lock cylinder housing. The switch has a slot that engages with the lock cylinder actuator rod, so pull straight out to disengage. Inspect the actuator rod for wear or damage.
8. 8

   Install new ignition switch
   Position the new ignition switch so the slot aligns with the lock cylinder actuator rod. Ensure the key is in LOCK position. Slide the switch onto the housing, ensuring the actuator rod fully engages with the switch slot. The switch should sit flush against the housing.
   ⚠Verify actuator rod engagement before installing screws - improper engagement will cause switch malfunction
9. 9

   Secure ignition switch
   Install both ignition switch mounting screws and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the switch does not shift position during tightening. Verify the switch is firmly seated against the housing.
   Torque spec

   Switch Mounting Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect ignition switch connector
    Reconnect the ignition switch electrical connector, ensuring it clicks firmly into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Clean connector terminals with electrical contact cleaner if any corrosion was noted during removal.
11. 11

    Raise and secure steering column
    Raise the steering column back to its original position, aligning the mounting bolt holes. Install both steering column mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. These are critical safety fasteners.
    ⚠️Steering column bolts must be torqued to exact specification - improper torque can affect steering safety and airbag function
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall combination switch
    Slide the combination switch assembly back onto the steering column, ensuring it seats properly. Install the two mounting screws and tighten to specification. Reconnect both combination switch electrical connectors until they click into place.
    Torque spec

    Switch Mounting Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the upper steering column cover and press down until the retaining clips engage. Install the lower cover by aligning the tabs and pressing into place. Install the cover screws on both sides and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before reconnecting battery
2. Verify steering column covers are properly secured with no gaps or loose clips
3. Double-check that steering column mounting bolts were torqued to specification

Verification

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal
• Without starting the engine, turn the key through all positions (LOCK, ACC, ON, START) and verify smooth operation with no binding
• Verify all dash warning lights illuminate in the ON position and extinguish appropriately
• Verify accessories operate correctly in ACC position (radio, power windows)
• Start the engine and verify it cranks and starts normally
• Test that the key can be removed only in LOCK position and steering lock engages properly
• Verify all steering column-mounted switches (turn signals, wipers, etc.) function correctly
• Check for any unusual noises or resistance when turning the ignition key

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