transmission

Overdrive Solenoid

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
10
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace the overdrive solenoid in the U660E automatic transmission by removing the transmission oil pan, valve body cover, and installing a new solenoid assembly.

Warnings

Transmission fluid may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow transmission to cool for at least 2 hours before starting work.
Keep all work area extremely clean. Even small particles of dirt entering the transmission can cause valve body damage.
ℹ️Only use genuine Toyota WS ATF. Other fluids will cause transmission damage and shift problems.
Do not mix old and new ATF types. If fluid is dark or burnt-smelling, consider complete flush.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
14mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrench (10-80 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain pan (minimum 6 quart capacity)Essential
RTV silicone gasket remover/scraperEssential
Clean lint-free ragsEssential
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Magnetic parts tray
Transmission fluid pump
Nitrile gloves

Parts

  • Overdrive solenoid (SL1) × 1 — 35250-02040 or equivalent
  • Transmission oil pan gasket × 1 — 35168-02020 or Use OEM specification
  • Valve body cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • O-rings for solenoid × 1 — Typically included with solenoid

Fluids

  • Toyota WS ATF — 4.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
  3. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
  4. Place oil drain pan under transmission pan area
  5. Verify you have the correct replacement solenoid - SL1 overdrive solenoid is typically mounted on the valve body

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using a 14mm socket, loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or burnt smell which may indicate larger transmission issues.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove transmission oil pan
    Using a 10mm socket, remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. There are typically 19 bolts securing the pan. Once all bolts are removed, carefully lower the pan. Some residual fluid will drain out. Clean the pan thoroughly and inspect the magnet for excessive metal debris.
    Torque spec
    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove transmission oil filter
    Locate the internal oil filter (screen type) which is secured by three 10mm bolts. Remove these bolts and carefully pull the filter straight down. Clean the filter with fresh ATF or replace if damaged or excessively dirty. Inspect the filter mounting surface on the valve body.
  4. 4
    Remove valve body cover
    Locate the valve body cover which is secured by multiple screws. Using a 10mm socket, remove all cover screws in a criss-cross pattern. Keep screws organized as they may be different lengths. Carefully remove the cover to expose the valve body and solenoid assembly. Do not allow the cover gasket material to fall into the transmission.
    Do not drop any fasteners or debris into the open transmission case. This will require complete transmission disassembly to retrieve.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Locate and remove overdrive solenoid
    Identify the SL1 overdrive solenoid on the valve body - it is typically located on the driver's side of the valve body with a wire connector. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the solenoid retaining bolt using a 10mm socket. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out to avoid damaging the bore or O-rings.
  6. 6
    Install new overdrive solenoid
    Inspect the new solenoid and ensure O-rings are properly seated and lightly lubricated with fresh ATF. Insert the new solenoid straight into the valve body bore, ensuring proper alignment. Install the retaining bolt and tighten to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place.
    Ensure solenoid O-rings are not twisted or pinched during installation. Lubricate with clean ATF before inserting.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Reinstall valve body cover
    Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with RTV gasket remover. Install new valve body cover gasket ensuring proper alignment. Position the cover carefully and install all screws hand-tight first, then torque in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to ensure even sealing.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Reinstall oil filter
    Position the oil filter (or new filter if replacing) onto the valve body. Install the three mounting bolts and tighten evenly in a triangular pattern. Ensure the filter is seated flush against the valve body.
  9. 9
    Reinstall transmission pan
    Thoroughly clean the pan and transmission case mating surfaces, removing all old gasket material. Install new pan gasket onto the pan or transmission case per gasket manufacturer instructions. Position the pan carefully and install all bolts hand-tight. Torque bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center working outward.
    Over-tightening pan bolts can warp the pan and cause leaks. Use proper torque wrench and pattern.
    Torque spec
    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reinstall drain plug and refill transmission
    Install drain plug with new crush washer if equipped and torque to specification. Lower vehicle. Remove transmission dipstick (if equipped) or overflow plug and add approximately 4.5 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through the fill tube. For models without dipstick, fill through overflow plug hole until fluid reaches bottom of threads.
    ℹ️2012-2017 Camry may have sealed transmission without dipstick. Reference owner's manual for your specific model year.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
  2. Verify drain plug and all pan bolts are torqued to specification
  3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the transmission work area
  4. Clean any spilled ATF from underneath vehicle

Verification

  • Start engine and allow to idle. Cycle through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 3 seconds in each position
  • Return to Park and check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed
  • Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears including overdrive engagement on highway
  • Check for leaks around transmission pan and drain plug after test drive
  • Use scan tool to verify no transmission fault codes are present and solenoid is functioning properly
  • Monitor shift quality over next 50-100 miles as transmission adapts to new solenoid
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