This procedure covers removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring transmission removal and proper fluid refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (if accessible) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels for access to subframe if needed
5. Remove engine undercover and splash shields
6. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated
7. Mark driveshaft and differential positions with paint pen for reassembly alignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan under transmission. Remove transmission drain plug and drain fluid completely. Remove transmission pan bolts in crisscross pattern and lower pan to drain remaining fluid. Remove and discard old gasket and filter if accessible.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect external transmission components
   Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission (have rags ready for residual fluid). Disconnect electrical connectors from transmission including vehicle speed sensor, shift solenoids, and input/output speed sensors. Remove wire harness brackets from transmission case. Label all connections for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove exhaust components
   Disconnect front exhaust pipe from manifold. Remove exhaust hangers and lower front exhaust section to gain access to transmission bellhousing. May require oxygen sensor removal depending on clearance.
4. 4

   Support engine and remove transmission mounts
   Position floor jack with wood block under engine oil pan to support engine weight. Remove rear transmission mount and crossmember. Remove left and right transmission mounting bolts. Keep transmission jack ready to support transmission weight.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access torque converter bolts
   Remove lower bellhousing access cover or inspection plate. Rotate crankshaft using 19mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt to expose each torque converter bolt through access opening. Mark flexplate and torque converter relationship with paint pen before removal.
   ℹ️There are typically 6 torque converter bolts spaced evenly around the flexplate. Ensure all are removed before attempting transmission separation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove torque converter mounting bolts
   Remove all six torque converter bolts by rotating crankshaft to access each bolt individually. Keep bolts organized as they may have specific positioning. Once all bolts are removed, push torque converter back slightly away from flexplate.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove transmission-to-engine bolts
   Support transmission securely with transmission jack. Remove all bellhousing bolts connecting transmission to engine block. There are typically 8-10 bolts of varying lengths around the bellhousing perimeter. Note bolt locations and lengths for reinstallation.
   ⚠Ensure transmission jack is positioned securely and transmission weight is fully supported before removing final bellhousing bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Separate transmission from engine
   Carefully slide transmission straight back away from engine using transmission jack. Maintain slight upward tilt at front of transmission to prevent torque converter from sliding out. Continue pulling back until input shaft clears engine and transmission is free. Lower transmission on jack and move away from vehicle.
   ⚠️Keep transmission tilted back approximately 10-15 degrees during removal to prevent torque converter from falling out and causing injury.
9. 9

   Remove old torque converter
   With transmission on bench or secured on transmission jack, carefully pull torque converter straight out from transmission input shaft. Inspect transmission input shaft seals for damage or leaks. Clean mounting surface on transmission front housing with wire brush. Drain any remaining fluid from old torque converter into drain pan.
10. 10

    Install new torque converter
    Add approximately 1 quart of fresh Toyota WS ATF into new torque converter before installation. Align torque converter splines with transmission input shaft and pump gears. Push converter in carefully while rotating slightly until it engages first position with a click. Continue pushing and rotating until second click, then third click. Measure from bellhousing mounting surface to torque converter ear - should be approximately 20-25mm recessed indicating full engagement.
    ⚠Torque converter must fully engage through three distinct positions. Incomplete engagement will cause transmission damage upon installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Position transmission on transmission jack with slight upward tilt at front. Carefully align transmission to engine while keeping torque converter pushed fully back against transmission. Guide input shaft into crankshaft pilot bearing. Once aligned, slide transmission forward until bellhousing contacts engine block. Install all bellhousing bolts finger-tight first, then torque in crisscross pattern.
    ⚠Do not use bellhousing bolts to draw transmission to engine. Transmission should slide in smoothly when properly aligned.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install torque converter bolts
    Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter mounting holes with flexplate. Ensure alignment marks match original position. Install all six torque converter bolts finger-tight first. Rotate crankshaft and tighten bolts evenly in star pattern to specified torque. Rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions to verify smooth operation.
    ℹ️Tighten torque converter bolts evenly in multiple stages to prevent warping flexplate or misaligning converter.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission mounts and accessories
    Install transmission mounting brackets and bolts to specified torque values. Reinstall transmission crossmember and rear mount. Reconnect all electrical connectors and wire harness brackets. Reinstall transmission cooler lines with new seals if applicable. Install bellhousing inspection cover.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall exhaust and undercarriage components
    Reinstall front exhaust pipe with new gaskets. Reconnect oxygen sensors if removed. Install engine undercovers and splash shields. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification.
15. 15

    Refill transmission fluid
    Install new transmission pan gasket and filter. Install transmission pan and torque bolts evenly in crisscross pattern. Install drain plug with new washer. Add approximately 4 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through dipstick tube or fill port. Start engine and allow to idle. Shift through all gear positions, pausing in each for 5 seconds. Return to Park and check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to bring to proper level on dipstick. Total capacity is approximately 10 quarts including torque converter.
    ⚠Overfilling transmission can cause foaming and damage. Add fluid gradually and check level frequently.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are firmly seated and wire harness brackets are secured
2. Double-check all transmission mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Ensure transmission cooler lines are properly routed and secured with clips
4. Verify exhaust system has proper clearance and is not contacting transmission or drivetrain components

Verification

• Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan, cooler lines, or bellhousing
• With engine at operating temperature, verify proper transmission fluid level on dipstick
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears with no slipping or shuddering
• Check for proper torque converter lockup at highway speeds (should feel smooth engagement around 40-50 mph)
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Scan for transmission-related fault codes and verify none are present

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