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2012 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
2 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs420Labor595Torque3702Fluid6DTC921Battery1Maintenance0Recalls2
maintenance

TPMS Sensor

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
8
Steps
10

This procedure covers the replacement of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry, including sensor removal, installation, and relearn procedure.

Warnings

Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working. Never rely solely on a floor jack.
If tire has been driven recently, allow tire and wheel to cool before breaking bead to avoid burns.
ℹ️TPMS sensors contain batteries and cannot be serviced separately. The entire sensor must be replaced.
ℹ️After sensor replacement, the TPMS system must be reinitialized using the proper relearn procedure or the warning light will remain on.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Tire valve core toolEssential
TPMS sensor installation tool or plastic tire spoonsEssential
Tire bead breaking tool or tire machineEssential
TPMS relearn tool or scan toolEssential
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
Soapy water solution in spray bottle

Parts

  • TPMS sensor × 1 — 42607-02031 or aftermarket equivalent
  • TPMS valve core × 1 — Included with most sensors
  • TPMS valve nut × 1 — Included with most sensors
  • Valve stem seal/grommet × 1 — Included with most sensors

Preparation

  1. Identify which wheel has the faulty TPMS sensor using a scan tool or TPMS diagnostic tool
  2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
  4. Raise vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands
  5. Remove wheel completely

Procedure

  1. 1
    Deflate tire completely
    Remove the valve cap and use a valve core tool to remove the valve core from the TPMS sensor. Allow tire to deflate completely. Store valve core in a clean location if reusing.
  2. 2
    Break tire bead
    Use a tire bead breaker or tire machine to break both beads (inner and outer) of the tire from the wheel rim. Work around the entire circumference to ensure the bead is fully separated.
  3. 3
    Remove top bead from wheel
    Using tire spoons or a tire machine, carefully work the top bead of the tire over the rim edge. Take care not to damage the wheel finish or tire bead.
  4. 4
    Remove old TPMS sensor
    Locate the TPMS sensor mounted to the valve stem hole on the inside of the wheel. Remove the retaining nut from the valve stem (inside the wheel). Carefully pull the sensor and valve stem assembly out through the valve hole from the inside of the wheel. Inspect the valve hole for any damage or corrosion.
    Handle the old sensor carefully as the plastic housing can be brittle and may break if dropped.
  5. 5
    Install new TPMS sensor
    Install the new rubber grommet/seal onto the new TPMS sensor valve stem. Insert the new sensor assembly through the valve hole from inside the wheel, ensuring the valve stem protrudes through the hole. Thread the valve nut onto the stem from the outside and hand-tighten, then snug firmly with a wrench. Do not overtighten the valve nut as this can damage the sensor or valve stem.
    Ensure sensor is positioned correctly inside the wheel so it will not contact the tire or be damaged during tire installation.
  6. 6
    Reinstall tire bead
    Lubricate the tire bead with tire mounting lubricant if available. Carefully work the top bead back over the rim using tire spoons or a tire machine, being extremely careful not to pinch, damage, or dislodge the TPMS sensor during installation.
    Keep tire tools away from the TPMS sensor location. Striking the sensor will destroy it and require replacement of the new sensor.
  7. 7
    Install valve core and inflate tire
    Install a new valve core into the TPMS sensor valve stem and tighten securely with the valve core tool. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure (typically 32-35 PSI for Camry, check door jamb sticker). Spray soapy water solution around the valve stem to check for leaks.
  8. 8
    Balance wheel and tire assembly
    Mount the wheel on a balancing machine and balance the assembly. The TPMS sensor weight will affect balance, so rebalancing is necessary after sensor replacement.
  9. 9
    Reinstall wheel
    Position the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it sits flush. Install all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specified torque using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Perform TPMS relearn procedure
    Lower vehicle to ground. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Use a TPMS relearn tool to activate each sensor in sequence: LF, RF, RR, LR. Alternatively, use the Toyota TPMS initialization procedure: with vehicle stationary and engine off, hold the TPMS reset button (located below steering column near hood release) until the TPMS warning light blinks 3 times, then release. Drive vehicle above 25 MPH for 10-30 minutes to complete initialization.
    ℹ️The specific relearn procedure may vary. Consult a scan tool or Toyota service information for the exact procedure for your model year.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all lug nuts are torqued to specification in star pattern
  2. Install valve stem cap to prevent dirt and moisture entry
  3. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands

Verification

  • Check tire pressure with accurate gauge and adjust to specification on door jamb label
  • Start engine and verify TPMS warning light turns off after a few seconds or after driving
  • Use a scan tool to verify the new sensor is communicating properly and reading correct pressure
  • Test drive vehicle and confirm TPMS light remains off and all sensors are reading correctly

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