transmission
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
6.0 h
Tools
15
Steps
12
✓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.
This procedure replaces the torque converter clutch solenoid in the U760E automatic transmission, requiring removal of the transmission valve body to access the solenoid.
Warnings
⚠️Transmission fluid will drain rapidly when pan is removed. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned and has adequate capacity.
⚠The valve body contains multiple solenoids and small components. Keep work area clean and organize all bolts by location during disassembly.
⚠Do not use aftermarket ATF. Only use genuine Toyota WS transmission fluid to prevent transmission damage and warranty issues.
ℹ️This procedure requires the vehicle to be level during fluid refill to ensure proper fill level.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
3/8 and 1/2 inch drive socket setsEssential
10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 17mm socketsEssential
Extension set (3-inch, 6-inch, and 10-inch)Essential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Plastic or rubber mallet
Transmission fluid pump or funnelEssential
Magnet or pick toolEssential
Clean lint-free ragsEssential
Gasket scraper (plastic preferred)Essential
Wire brush
Brake cleaner or contact cleanerEssential
Oil filter wrench
Parts
- Torque converter clutch solenoid (SL1/SLT) × 1 — 35230-42010 or equivalent
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 35168-33010 or equivalent
- Valve body gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
- O-rings for solenoids × 1 — Typically included with solenoid
- Transmission drain plug washer (if equipped) × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent
- Transmission filter (optional but recommended) × 1 — 35330-20050 or equivalent
Fluids
- Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours if recently driven)
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
- Remove engine undercover and any splash shields blocking access to transmission pan
- Place drain pan under transmission pan
- Have all replacement parts, gaskets, and fluids ready before beginning disassembly
Procedure
- 1Drain transmission fluidIf equipped with a drain plug, remove the transmission drain plug using a 10mm socket and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. If no drain plug is present, carefully loosen all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, leaving two bolts at opposite corners slightly tight. Gradually loosen these final bolts to allow pan to tilt and drain fluid in a controlled manner. Remove all pan bolts and carefully lower pan, being prepared for additional fluid release.Torque specTransmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 2Remove transmission panOnce fluid has drained, fully remove transmission pan and gasket. Inspect pan interior for metal shavings or debris (minor residue is normal; excessive metal indicates internal wear). Clean pan thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Remove and inspect transmission filter if accessible from pan area. Replace filter if heavily contaminated or if performing preventive maintenance.
- 3Remove valve body coverLocate the valve body cover on the bottom of the transmission. Remove all cover screws in a criss-cross pattern, keeping track of screw locations as some may be different lengths. Carefully remove the cover and gasket. Inspect the valve body harness connector and disconnect it by releasing the locking tab and pulling straight down.⚠The valve body cover screws are different lengths in different positions. Label or photograph their locations before removal.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 4Remove valve body assemblyLocate and remove all valve body mounting bolts. There are typically 16-18 bolts of varying lengths securing the valve body. Carefully note the position and length of each bolt as they must be reinstalled in the exact same locations. Support the valve body with one hand while removing the final bolts. Carefully lower the valve body assembly, keeping it level to prevent internal valve components from shifting. Place valve body on a clean work surface with the solenoid side facing up.⚠The valve body is heavy and contains precision components. Lower it carefully and keep it level at all times.Torque specMounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
- 5Identify and remove torque converter clutch solenoidWith the valve body removed, locate the torque converter clutch solenoid (SL1 or SLT solenoid). It is typically positioned on the side of the valve body and secured with one or two bolts. Disconnect the electrical connector if not already disconnected. Remove the solenoid mounting bolts and carefully extract the solenoid by pulling straight out. Inspect the old solenoid for damage, carbon buildup, or fluid contamination.ℹ️The torque converter clutch solenoid may be labeled SL1, SLT, or have a specific marking. Verify solenoid identity before removal.Torque specSensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 6Clean and prepare valve bodyClean the solenoid mounting area on the valve body using brake cleaner or contact cleaner. Inspect the solenoid bore for scoring or damage. Replace the O-ring on the new solenoid (if not pre-installed) and lightly lubricate with clean ATF. Ensure all gasket mating surfaces on the valve body and transmission case are clean and free of old gasket material. Use a plastic scraper to remove old gasket without scratching surfaces.
- 7Install new torque converter clutch solenoidInsert the new solenoid into the valve body bore, ensuring it is fully seated and aligned correctly. Install the solenoid mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Connect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place and is secure. Verify the solenoid is flush with the valve body surface and does not have any gaps.Torque specSensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 8Reinstall valve body assemblyInstall new valve body gaskets in the correct orientation. Carefully lift the valve body assembly and position it into the transmission case, ensuring all alignment pins engage properly. Start all valve body mounting bolts by hand, ensuring each bolt goes into its original position (refer to notes or photos from disassembly). Tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even seating. Use the appropriate torque specification based on bolt size and location.⚠Installing valve body bolts in incorrect locations can cause transmission damage. Verify each bolt position carefully.Torque specMounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
- 9Reinstall valve body coverConnect the valve body wiring harness connector, ensuring it locks into place. Install a new valve body cover gasket. Position the cover and install all cover screws in their original locations. Tighten screws in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even compression of the gasket.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 10Reinstall transmission panIf transmission filter was removed, install new filter now. Install new transmission pan gasket on the pan or transmission case as designed. Position pan carefully and start all pan bolts by hand. Tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern to specification to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks. If equipped with a drain plug, install new crush washer and reinstall drain plug.Torque specPan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 11Refill transmission fluidLower vehicle to ensure it is level. Locate the transmission dipstick tube (if equipped) or fill plug. Using a transmission fluid pump or funnel, add approximately 4-5 quarts of Toyota WS ATF initially. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position, then return to Park. Check fluid level with engine running and transmission at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to bring level to the HOT range on dipstick. Total capacity is approximately 10 quarts, but actual amount needed depends on how much was drained.⚠Add fluid slowly and check level frequently to avoid overfilling. Overfilled transmission can cause aeration and shifting problems.
- 12Reinstall undercovers and lower vehicleReinstall all engine undercovers and splash shields that were removed. Ensure all fasteners are tight. Lower vehicle from jack stands. Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine bay or under vehicle.
Reassembly
- All valve body bolts must be reinstalled in their exact original positions to prevent transmission damage
- Ensure valve body harness connector is fully seated and locked before reinstalling cover
- Use only genuine Toyota WS ATF - do not substitute with generic or universal transmission fluid
- Check for fluid leaks around pan and valve body cover after initial start-up and after test drive
Verification
- Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan or valve body cover area
- With engine at idle, shift through all gear positions and verify smooth engagement with no harsh shifts or slipping
- Perform a test drive and verify torque converter lock-up occurs smoothly (typically at 40-50 mph in steady-state cruising)
- Check for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner - there should be no transmission-related codes
- Monitor transmission temperature and fluid level after test drive - recheck level with transmission at operating temperature
- Verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or shuddering during torque converter lock-up operation
- After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck transmission fluid level and inspect for any leaks