engine
Intake Manifold
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
17
Remove and replace the intake manifold on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnection of fuel system, throttle body, and associated sensors.
Warnings
⚠️Fuel system is under pressure. Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting fuel lines to prevent fire hazard and fuel spray.
⚠️Perform this work only when engine is completely cold. Hot coolant and components can cause severe burns.
⚠Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require throttle body relearn procedure after reassembly.
⚠Do not overtorque intake manifold bolts as this can warp the manifold or crack the mounting surface.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
14mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Fuel line disconnect tool setEssential
Extension set (3-inch and 6-inch)Essential
Flat-blade screwdriver
Pick set or wire removal tool
Shop towelsEssential
Drain pan for coolantEssential
Socket organizer or labeled bags
Parts
- Intake manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- PCV valve grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Fuel injector O-rings (if disturbed) × 4 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 2 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and ensure engine is completely cold (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system discharge
- Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover (friction fit)
- Place drain pan under radiator and drain approximately 2 quarts of coolant from radiator petcock to below intake manifold level
- Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump relay (EFI relay) and cranking engine until it stalls, then crank for 3 additional seconds
- Label all vacuum hoses, electrical connectors, and fuel lines with tape or take reference photos
Procedure
- 1Remove air intake systemDisconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Loosen the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body. Remove the air filter housing bolts and lift the entire air intake assembly away from the engine bay. Disconnect any breather hoses attached to the air box.
- 2Disconnect throttle body connectionsDisconnect the throttle position sensor electrical connector and the throttle body coolant bypass hoses (two small hoses). Use pliers to slide the spring clamps back and remove the coolant hoses. Have a shop towel ready to catch coolant spillage.⚠Coolant will drain from bypass hoses. Keep drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
- 3Remove throttle bodyRemove the four throttle body mounting bolts. Carefully pull the throttle body away from the intake manifold and set aside. Inspect the throttle body gasket and replace if damaged or reusing.Torque specThrottle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 4Disconnect fuel systemUsing fuel line disconnect tools, disconnect the fuel feed line from the fuel rail. Press the disconnect tool into the quick-connect fitting while pulling the fuel line away. Cap the open fuel line with a plug or shop towel to prevent contamination and fuel spillage.⚠️Even with pressure relieved, residual fuel will drain from fuel lines. Have shop towels and drain pan ready.
- 5Disconnect fuel injector harness and remove fuel railDisconnect the fuel injector wiring harness (single connector for all four injectors). Remove the two fuel rail mounting bolts. Carefully pull the fuel rail with injectors straight up and away from the intake manifold. Wiggle gently if resistance is felt. Set the fuel rail assembly aside in a clean area.Torque specFuel Rail Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 6Disconnect vacuum lines and PCV systemDisconnect the brake booster vacuum line from the intake manifold. Disconnect the EVAP purge line if equipped. Remove the PCV valve from the valve cover by twisting counterclockwise and pulling upward. Disconnect the PCV hose from the intake manifold.Torque specPCV Valve8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 7Disconnect remaining sensors and hosesDisconnect the intake manifold pressure sensor electrical connector. Disconnect any remaining vacuum hoses attached to the intake manifold, referring to your labels or photos. Remove the engine ground strap if it interferes with manifold removal.
- 8Remove intake manifold support bracketLocate the intake manifold support bracket on the passenger side of the manifold. Remove the mounting bolts securing the bracket to both the intake manifold and the engine block. Remove the bracket.Torque specMounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 9Remove intake manifold boltsRemove the six intake manifold mounting bolts/nuts in reverse sequence (working from outside toward center). Note that bolts may be different lengths - keep track of which bolt goes in which location. Carefully lift the intake manifold away from the cylinder head.ℹ️Manifold bolts should be removed in reverse of tightening sequence. Consult service manual for exact pattern.Torque specIntake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 10Clean mating surfacesThoroughly clean the intake manifold mating surface on the cylinder head using a plastic scraper. Remove all traces of old gasket material. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Inspect for damage, warping, or cracks. Clean the intake manifold mating surface if reusing the manifold.⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Use only plastic scrapers to avoid gouging the sealing surface.
- 11Install new intake manifold gasketPosition the new intake manifold gasket onto the cylinder head. Ensure all port openings align correctly and gasket locating pins (if equipped) are properly seated. Do not use gasket sealant unless specified by manufacturer.
- 12Install intake manifoldCarefully lower the intake manifold onto the cylinder head, aligning all bolt holes. Start all six intake manifold bolts/nuts by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten the bolts in sequence from center outward to 25.0 Nm (18 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify tightening sequence with factory service manual.⚠Follow proper tightening sequence to prevent manifold warping. Consult service manual for exact pattern before torquing.Torque specIntake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall support bracket and reconnect sensorsReinstall the intake manifold support bracket and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect the intake manifold pressure sensor electrical connector. Reconnect all vacuum hoses and the engine ground strap.Torque specMounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 14Reinstall PCV systemInstall new PCV valve grommet into valve cover if needed. Install PCV valve into valve cover, turning clockwise until seated, and torque to 8.0 Nm (6 lb-ft). Connect PCV hose to intake manifold. Reconnect brake booster vacuum line and EVAP purge line.Torque specPCV Valve8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 15Reinstall fuel rail and injectorsInspect fuel injector O-rings and replace if worn or damaged. Lubricate new O-rings with clean engine oil. Carefully press the fuel rail with injectors straight down into the intake manifold until fully seated. Install the two fuel rail mounting bolts and torque in proper sequence to 12.0 Nm (9 lb-ft). Reconnect the fuel injector wiring harness. Reconnect the fuel feed line until the quick-connect fitting clicks into place.ℹ️Verify fuel rail bolt tightening sequence with service manual before torquing to ensure even injector seating.Torque specFuel Rail Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 16Reinstall throttle bodyInstall new throttle body gasket onto intake manifold. Position throttle body onto the manifold and install the four mounting bolts. Torque bolts in proper sequence to 10.0 Nm (7 lb-ft). Reconnect throttle body coolant bypass hoses and secure spring clamps. Reconnect throttle position sensor electrical connector.Torque specThrottle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 17Reinstall air intake systemReinstall the air filter housing and air intake assembly. Tighten the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body. Reconnect all breather hoses. Reconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector.
Reassembly
- Refill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) to proper level
- Reconnect negative battery terminal
- Reinstall engine cover
- Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) for 2 seconds, then OFF. Repeat three times to prime fuel system
- Check for fuel leaks around fuel rail and fuel line connections before starting engine
Verification
- Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature while monitoring for coolant leaks at throttle body bypass hoses
- Check for fuel leaks at fuel rail and injector seals during warm-up
- Check for vacuum leaks by listening for hissing sounds around intake manifold gasket and vacuum connections
- Verify smooth idle with no rough running or surging (may require throttle body relearn procedure via diagnostic tool or drive cycle)
- Test drive vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and no check engine light illumination
- Recheck coolant level after engine cools and top off if necessary