This procedure covers removal and replacement of the automatic transmission shift cable on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including adjustment procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission shift cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable retaining clips × 2 — Often included with cable

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning
5. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent inadvertent starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove center console trim panels
   Remove the shift knob trim bezel by gently prying upward. Remove screws securing the center console side panels and carefully lift to disconnect any electrical connectors for power outlets or switches. Store all trim screws in a container to prevent loss.
2. 2

   Access shifter assembly
   Remove the center console upper tray and cup holder assembly. Locate and remove the screws or bolts securing the shifter boot and trim surround. Carefully lift the shifter boot to expose the shift cable connection point at the shifter mechanism.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect cable from shifter
   At the shifter assembly, locate the white cable retaining clip. Using needle nose pliers, carefully squeeze and remove the retaining clip. Disconnect the shift cable end from the shifter lever by pulling it straight out. Note the routing and orientation of the cable for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove cable bracket at firewall
   From inside the vehicle, locate where the shift cable passes through the firewall. Remove the cable bracket mounting bolts securing the cable housing to the firewall. Push the cable and grommet through the firewall into the engine compartment.
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access transmission from above
   Remove the engine cover if equipped. Remove the air intake duct and air filter housing to improve access to the top of the transmission. Locate the shift cable where it connects to the transmission shift lever on the driver's side of the transmission.
6. 6

   Disconnect cable from transmission lever
   At the transmission shift lever, locate the cable end connection. Pry off the cable retaining clip using a flat blade screwdriver. Disconnect the cable end from the transmission shift lever ball stud by pulling straight off. Take note of cable routing.
7. 7

   Remove cable bracket from transmission
   Locate the adjustment nut that secures the cable housing to the transmission bracket. Loosen and remove the adjustment nut completely. Remove the cable bracket mounting bolts from the transmission case and extract the cable assembly.
   Torque spec

   Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

   Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Carefully pull the cable assembly from the engine compartment side, feeding it through the firewall grommet. Remove the entire cable assembly and inspect the firewall grommet for damage. Replace grommet if torn or deteriorated.
9. 9

   Install new cable at transmission
   Route the new shift cable from the engine compartment through the firewall grommet into the passenger compartment. At the transmission, position the cable bracket and install the mounting bolts to the specified torque. Thread the adjustment nut onto the cable housing but do not tighten fully yet.
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect cable to transmission lever
    Snap the cable end onto the transmission shift lever ball stud firmly until it clicks into place. Install the retaining clip to secure the cable end. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the cable.
11. 11

    Install cable at firewall and shifter
    From inside the vehicle, secure the cable bracket to the firewall using the mounting bolts torqued to specification. Route the cable to the shifter assembly following the original path. Connect the cable end to the shifter lever and install the retaining clip.
    Torque spec

    Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Adjust shift cable
    With the shifter in Park position, verify the transmission lever is fully in Park detent. Adjust the cable housing position at the transmission bracket adjustment nut until there is no slack but no tension on the cable. Tighten the adjustment nut to the specified torque of 10.0 Nm.
    ⚠Improper cable adjustment can prevent transmission from fully engaging Park or prevent key removal
    Torque spec

    Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify shift operation
    Before reinstalling trim panels, reconnect the battery and start the engine. With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S-L) verifying smooth engagement and proper gate positions. Ensure the shifter returns to Park and the key can be removed. Shut off engine.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air filter housing and intake duct if removed
2. Reinstall engine cover if equipped
3. Reinstall shifter boot and trim surround with cover screws torqued to specification
4. Reinstall center console panels and trim pieces in reverse order of removal
5. Reconnect all electrical connections for console accessories
6. Verify all trim panels are properly seated and secured

Verification

• With engine running and brake applied, verify smooth shifting through all gear positions
• Confirm transmission shift indicator matches actual shifter position in all gears
• Verify vehicle will only start in Park and Neutral positions
• Confirm ignition key can be removed only when shifter is in Park position
• Test that transmission engages properly in Reverse and Drive with vehicle movement
• Check that parking pawl engages when shifter is placed in Park on an incline

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