electrical
Washer Reservoir
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
6
Steps
12
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Remove and replace the windshield washer fluid reservoir, including disconnecting the pump motor and fluid level sensor.
Warnings
⚠Washer fluid may spill during removal. Protect painted surfaces and use a drain pan.
ℹ️Inspect the washer pump and fluid level sensor for damage during removal. Replace if cracked or corroded.
Tools required
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Washer reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Washer pump grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Reservoir mounting grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Drain washer fluid by operating the washer system until reservoir is as empty as possible
- Place drain pan or bucket under the left front fender area to catch residual fluid
Procedure
- 1Remove left front wheel well liner clipsTurn the steering wheel fully to the right for access. Remove the plastic push clips securing the front portion of the left front wheel well liner. Pull the liner back to access the washer reservoir from below. You do not need to remove the entire liner, just the forward section.
- 2Disconnect washer pump electrical connectorReach behind the reservoir and locate the washer pump electrical connector on the bottom of the reservoir. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the pump motor.
- 3Disconnect fluid level sensor connectorLocate the fluid level sensor connector on the side of the reservoir near the top. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector.
- 4Disconnect washer hosesLocate the washer fluid outlet hose connected to the pump at the bottom of the reservoir. Use pliers to squeeze and slide the hose clamp back, then pull the hose off the pump outlet. Allow any remaining fluid to drain into your drain pan.
- 5Remove reservoir mounting boltsLocate the two 10mm mounting bolts securing the reservoir to the fender inner structure. One bolt is at the top front of the reservoir, and one is at the rear lower section. Remove both bolts completely using a 10mm socket and ratchet with extension.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 6Remove washer reservoirCarefully lift the reservoir up and out of the mounting location. You may need to angle it to clear the fender and hood latch area. Watch for any remaining fluid and guide it into your drain pan.
- 7Remove pump and sensor from old reservoirIf reusing the pump and sensor, pull the washer pump straight out of the rubber grommet at the bottom of the old reservoir. Remove the fluid level sensor by rotating it counterclockwise and pulling it out. Inspect both components and the grommets for cracks or damage.
- 8Install pump and sensor in new reservoirInstall a new grommet in the bottom of the new reservoir if provided. Push the washer pump firmly into the grommet until it seats completely. Install the fluid level sensor into the side of the new reservoir and rotate clockwise to lock in place.
- 9Install new reservoirPosition the new reservoir into the mounting location, angling it past the hood latch area. Align the mounting holes with the fender brackets. Install both 10mm mounting bolts and tighten to specification.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect washer hoses and electrical connectorsPush the washer fluid outlet hose firmly onto the pump outlet and slide the hose clamp into position. Reconnect the electrical connector to the washer pump until it clicks. Reconnect the fluid level sensor electrical connector until it clicks.
- 11Reinstall wheel well linerPush the wheel well liner back into position and reinstall all plastic push clips. Ensure all clips are fully seated.
- 12Fill and test washer systemFill the reservoir with approximately 3.5 quarts of windshield washer fluid. Operate the washer system to prime the pump and check for leaks at all connections. Check fluid level sensor operation by observing the low washer fluid warning light with ignition on and reservoir empty, then verify it turns off when filled.
Reassembly
- Torque mounting bolts to 27.0 Nm (20.0 lb-ft) as specified
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Verify hose clamp is properly positioned on pump outlet
- Confirm wheel well liner clips are secure
Verification
- Fill reservoir to full level and verify no leaks around pump, sensor, or hose connections
- Operate washer system and confirm fluid sprays properly on windshield
- Check that fluid level sensor warning light operates correctly when reservoir is low
- Verify no fluid leaks after operating system multiple times
Related trouble codes on this vehicle
Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.
Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →