This procedure covers the replacement of the starter solenoid on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with a 2.5L I4 engine by removing and replacing the starter assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter assembly with integrated solenoid × 1 — 28100-0V010 or equivalent
• Battery terminal protector spray × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise and secure front of vehicle on jack stands
5. Remove engine splash shield (if equipped) using 10mm socket

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the negative battery terminal nut. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and secure it away from the battery. Wait a minimum of 90 seconds for airbag system capacitors to discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access starter from underneath
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the starter motor on the rear of the engine block, between the engine and firewall on the driver's side. The starter is mounted vertically with electrical connections at the top.
3. 3

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the two electrical connections on the starter solenoid. First, press the tab and disconnect the smaller push-on connector from the S-terminal. Then, using a 12mm socket, remove the nut securing the battery cable to the B-terminal and carefully remove the cable. Support the cable to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Mark or photograph the electrical connections before removal to ensure correct reassembly
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Using a 14mm socket with a 6-inch extension, locate and remove the upper starter mounting bolt. This bolt is accessed from above or below depending on visibility. The bolt threads into the transmission bell housing.
   ℹ️The upper bolt may be difficult to access - use a universal joint or swivel socket if needed
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Using a 14mm socket with extension, remove the lower starter mounting bolt from underneath the vehicle. This bolt also threads into the transmission bell housing. Keep track of any shims or spacers that may be present.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove starter assembly
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully guide the starter assembly downward and out from between the engine and chassis. Maneuver the starter through the available space, rotating as needed. The starter exits from the bottom of the vehicle.
   ⚠Support the starter weight with both hands to prevent dropping - the unit weighs approximately 8 pounds
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area and prepare new starter
   Clean the starter mounting surface on the transmission bell housing using a wire brush. Remove any dirt, corrosion, or old gasket material. Inspect the ring gear through the starter opening for damage. Verify the new starter matches the old unit exactly, with solenoid orientation and mounting bolt positions identical.
8. 8

   Install new starter assembly
   Guide the new starter assembly into position from underneath the vehicle, aligning the mounting bolt holes with the transmission bell housing. Ensure the starter pinion gear properly meshes with the ring gear opening. Support the starter firmly while beginning installation of the mounting bolts.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Thread the lower mounting bolt by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Install the upper mounting bolt hand-tight. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten both starter mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern (alternate between upper and lower).
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Attach the battery cable to the B-terminal on the starter solenoid. Install the terminal nut and torque to specification using a 12mm socket and torque wrench. Connect the smaller push-on connector to the S-terminal until it clicks into place. Ensure both connections are secure and properly seated.
    ⚠Ensure the battery cable does not contact any sharp edges or moving parts
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall splash shield and lower vehicle
    If the engine splash shield was removed, reinstall it using the 10mm bolts. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands and remove the stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Clean the battery terminal and cable end with a wire brush if corrosion is present. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Apply terminal protector spray if desired.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections to the starter are tight and properly routed
2. Verify starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Confirm engine splash shield is properly secured if removed
4. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment

Verification

• Turn the ignition key to the START position and verify the engine cranks normally without unusual noises
• Listen for smooth engagement of the starter pinion gear with the ring gear - there should be no grinding or clicking
• Verify the starter disengages immediately when the key is released from START position
• Start the engine and confirm normal operation
• Check for any fluid leaks around the starter mounting area
• Verify all warning lights function normally and no new trouble codes are present

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