This procedure covers the complete removal and installation of the radiator on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including coolant drainage, hose disconnection, and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radiator drain plug O-ring × 1 — 90301-06012 or equivalent
• Upper radiator hose clamp × 1 — Replace if damaged
• Lower radiator hose clamp × 1 — Replace if damaged
• Radiator mounting cushions × 2 — Replace if deteriorated

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent cooling fan activation
4. Remove engine under covers using 10mm socket
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate the radiator drain petcock on the driver's side lower corner of the radiator. Carefully turn counterclockwise to open and drain coolant into drain pan. Remove radiator cap to speed drainage. Once drained, remove drain plug completely and inspect O-ring for damage.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper components
   Remove the two plastic clips securing the upper radiator air baffle using flathead screwdriver. Lift and remove the air baffle. Disconnect the radiator overflow hose from the radiator neck by squeezing the clamp and sliding off.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the radiator. Use pliers to squeeze and slide the hose clamp back several inches from the radiator neck. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull firmly to disconnect. Have a rag ready as residual coolant will drain.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect lower radiator hose
   Access the lower radiator hose from underneath the vehicle. Squeeze and slide the hose clamp back from the radiator connection. Twist and pull the hose to disconnect. Allow remaining coolant to drain into pan.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines (if equipped with automatic transmission)
   Locate the two transmission cooler lines connected to the right side of the radiator. Place a rag underneath to catch ATF spillage. Use a 14mm flare nut wrench to loosen the cooler line fittings. Cap or plug the lines and radiator ports immediately to prevent contamination.
   ⚠ATF will spill from the transmission cooler lines. Have rags ready and plug lines to minimize fluid loss.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan electrical connector on the fan shroud assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector apart. Ensure the connector is completely free and will not snag during radiator removal.
7. 7

   Remove radiator mounting bolts
   Locate the two upper radiator mounting brackets. Remove the two 12mm mounting bolts (one per side) that secure the radiator to the radiator support. Keep these bolts and brackets for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove radiator assembly
   Carefully lift the radiator and cooling fan assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. The radiator sits on two lower mounting cushions that remain in the radiator support. Angle the assembly toward the engine slightly to clear the hood latch support, then lift clear. The cooling fan shroud is attached to the radiator and comes out as one unit.
   ⚠The radiator and fan assembly is awkward and heavy. Get assistance if needed to avoid damage or injury.
9. 9

   Inspect and transfer components
   Inspect the lower radiator mounting cushions in the radiator support and replace if cracked or deteriorated. If the new radiator does not include the cooling fan assembly, transfer the fan and shroud from the old radiator. Install new drain plug O-ring on the drain petcock.
10. 10

    Install new radiator
    Guide the new radiator assembly into position, ensuring the lower mounting pins align with the cushions in the radiator support. Lower the radiator fully onto the mounting cushions. Install the upper mounting brackets and bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification. Do not overtighten as the mounting tabs are plastic.
    ⚠Plastic radiator mounting tabs will break if bolts are overtightened. Use torque wrench and do not exceed 12 Nm.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect transmission cooler lines
    If equipped with automatic transmission, remove the plugs from the cooler lines and radiator ports. Thread the cooler line fittings into the radiator by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to specification using a 14mm flare nut wrench and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect hoses and components
    Connect the lower radiator hose to the radiator outlet and position the clamp 1/4 inch from the bead on the radiator neck, then tighten to specification. Connect the upper radiator hose and position clamp similarly, tighten to specification. Reconnect the overflow hose. Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connector until it clicks.
    Torque spec

    Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install drain plug and refill coolant
    Install the drain petcock with new O-ring and tighten hand-tight only to specification. Fill the radiator slowly through the radiator cap opening with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water until coolant reaches the filler neck. Fill the overflow reservoir to the FULL line.
    ℹ️Fill slowly to allow air to escape. It may take 10-15 minutes to fill completely.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Bleed cooling system
    Start the engine with the radiator cap off and allow it to warm up to operating temperature. The thermostat will open and coolant level will drop. Add coolant as needed to maintain level at the filler neck. Squeeze the upper radiator hose several times to help purge air. Once the cooling fan cycles on and no more air bubbles emerge, install the radiator cap.
    ⚠Keep hands away from cooling fan during bleeding process. Fan will activate automatically when coolant reaches operating temperature.
15. 15

    Final checks and reinstallation
    With engine at operating temperature, check for leaks at all hose connections, drain plug, and transmission cooler lines if equipped. Top off coolant overflow reservoir to FULL line. Reinstall upper radiator air baffle. Reinstall engine under covers. Reconnect negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

1. Install the upper radiator air baffle and secure with plastic clips
2. Reinstall all engine under covers using 10mm fasteners
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal and verify cooling fan operation by starting engine and allowing it to reach operating temperature

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator hoses, drain plug, or transmission cooler lines
• Confirm coolant level in overflow reservoir is at FULL line when engine is cold
• Verify cooling fan activates when engine reaches operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge for normal operation
• Recheck coolant level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Check transmission fluid level if cooler lines were disconnected and add ATF if needed

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