This procedure covers the removal, replacement, and reinstallation of the transmission valve body on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine and automatic transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission valve body assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve body gasket/seal kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
3. Disconnect negative battery cable
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove front splash shield and engine under covers to access transmission pan
6. Place drain pan under transmission
7. Have all replacement parts, gaskets, and fluids ready before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Remove the drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. This may take 10-15 minutes. Once drained, remove and discard the old crush washer from the drain plug. Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission oil pan
   Remove all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from the outside toward the center. Carefully lower the pan, being prepared for residual fluid (approximately 1-2 quarts may remain). Remove the old gasket material from both the pan and transmission case mating surfaces. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter
   If equipped with a replaceable filter, remove the filter mounting bolts and carefully pull the filter straight down. Some fluid will drain from the filter cavity. Inspect the filter for metal debris or excessive contamination. Clean the filter mounting surface on the valve body.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors and sensors
   Locate all solenoid electrical connectors on the valve body. Press the release tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Label or photograph connector positions for reassembly reference. Remove any sensor bolts securing sensors to the valve body.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; always grasp the connector body to prevent damage to terminals.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove valve body bolts
   Locate all valve body mounting bolts. There are typically 15-20 bolts of varying lengths. Note the position and length of each bolt as they are not interchangeable. Remove bolts in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the outside and working inward. Keep bolts organized by location.
   ⚠Bolts are different lengths. Installing the wrong bolt in a location can cause internal transmission damage.
6. 6

   Remove valve body assembly
   Carefully lower the valve body assembly, keeping it level to prevent internal components from falling out. Be aware that check balls, springs, and separator plates may be positioned between the valve body and transmission case. Use a magnetic pickup tool to retrieve any loose components. Place valve body on a clean work surface with the solenoid side up.
   ⚠️Check balls and springs will fall if the valve body is tilted. Keep assembly level and note the position of all loose components during removal.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean transmission case
   With the valve body removed, inspect the transmission case interior for metal debris, clutch material, or damage. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect all fluid passages for blockage. Remove any debris from the case using a lint-free cloth. Do not allow any contaminants to enter open passages.
8. 8

   Prepare new valve body
   Unpack the new valve body assembly. Verify all solenoids are properly installed and all electrical connections are intact. If transferring components from the old valve body, work carefully and ensure all parts are clean. Install new seals and gaskets included in the valve body gasket kit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9. 9

   Install valve body assembly
   Position any separator plates, check balls, and springs in their correct locations in the transmission case (refer to service manual diagram or photos taken during disassembly). Carefully raise the new valve body into position, keeping it level. Align all bolt holes and ensure the valve body seats fully against the transmission case. Hand-start all mounting bolts before tightening any.
   ⚠Verify all check balls and springs are in correct positions before installing valve body. Missing or misplaced components will cause transmission malfunction.
10. 10

    Torque valve body bolts
    Tighten all valve body mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern from the center outward. Ensure the correct length bolt is installed in each location. Tighten bolts in three progressive passes: first to finger-tight, then to 50% of final torque, then to final torque specification. Use mounting bolts torque values based on bolt size (refer to torque specifications provided).
    ℹ️Some valve body bolts use 20 lb-ft specification while others use 45 lb-ft. Consult service manual for specific bolt locations and torque values.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all solenoid electrical connectors to their correct positions. Ensure each connector clicks into place and is fully seated. Verify connectors are secured and cannot be pulled loose by hand.
12. 12

    Install transmission filter
    Install the new transmission filter with new seals. Ensure the filter is properly aligned and seated. Install filter mounting bolts and tighten to specification.
13. 13

    Install transmission pan
    Install the new transmission pan gasket on the transmission case or pan (depending on gasket design). Position the pan carefully to avoid disturbing the gasket. Install all pan bolts hand-tight, then torque in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward.
    ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts can distort the pan and cause leaks. Use a torque wrench and follow criss-cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install drain plug and fill transmission
    Install a new crush washer on the drain plug. Install the drain plug and torque to specification. Remove the transmission fill plug (typically located on the side of the transmission case). Add approximately 4-5 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through the fill hole using a fluid pump. The exact quantity will be verified during final fill procedure.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers and front splash shield
2. Lower vehicle to ground
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Start engine and allow to idle while monitoring for leaks
5. With engine running and transmission in Park, add additional ATF through dipstick tube or fill plug until proper level is reached
6. Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature per manufacturer procedure
7. Total fluid capacity is approximately 10 quarts, but actual fill amount depends on what remained in torque converter and cooler lines

Verification

• Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan or drain plug
• With engine at idle, shift through all gear positions (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) pausing 3-5 seconds in each position
• Return to Park and check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature
• Perform a test drive, verifying smooth shifting in all gears with no slipping, harsh engagement, or delayed shifts
• After test drive, recheck fluid level and inspect for leaks
• Clear any stored transmission codes if check engine light is illuminated
• Verify all transmission solenoids are responding properly using a scan tool if available

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