electrical

Power Window Motor - Rear

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
7
Steps
13
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 covers the removal and replacement of a rear power window motor on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require window auto-up/down re-initialization after repair
Handle the door glass carefully once the window regulator is disconnected to prevent glass from falling
ℹ️Work on the rear door that requires motor replacement (driver or passenger side)

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flat blade trim removal toolEssential
Torx T20 bitEssential
Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential
Door panel clip set (replacement)
Painter's tape

Parts

  • Rear power window motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Door panel clips (if broken) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes before proceeding
  3. Roll the affected rear window to the full up position before disconnecting battery
  4. Protect exterior paint around door handle area with painter's tape if desired

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove door panel lower trim
    Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw located in the door pull handle cup. Remove the screw cover behind the interior door handle by gently prying with a trim tool. Remove the Phillips screw behind the cover.
  2. 2
    Detach door panel
    Starting at the bottom rear corner of the door panel, carefully insert the trim removal tool between the panel and door frame. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing each plastic clip. There are approximately 8-10 clips around the panel. Lift the door panel upward to disengage it from the window sill, then pull away from the door.
    Clips break easily - use steady pressure and work methodically around the panel
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connectors
    Locate and disconnect the electrical connectors for the window switch assembly and any other components (child safety lock switch if equipped). Press the locking tabs while pulling the connectors apart. Set the door panel aside in a safe location.
  4. 4
    Remove moisture barrier access
    Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet in the area around the window motor location (lower rear section of door). You only need to access the motor mounting area - do not remove the entire barrier. Use caution to avoid tearing the barrier.
  5. 5
    Disconnect window motor electrical connector
    Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector from the motor. Note the routing of the wire harness for reinstallation.
  6. 6
    Support the window glass
    Since the window is in the up position, secure it with painter's tape from the outside of the door, taping the glass to the door frame to prevent it from dropping when the motor is removed. Alternatively, have an assistant hold the window in place.
    The window glass can drop suddenly once the motor is disconnected from the regulator
  7. 7
    Remove window motor mounting bolts
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the three bolts securing the window motor to the door frame and regulator assembly. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt. Note the orientation of the motor for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Extract window motor
    Carefully maneuver the window motor out through the service hole in the door frame. You may need to rotate and angle the motor to clear the internal door structure. Remove the old motor from the door.
  9. 9
    Install new window motor
    Insert the new window motor through the service hole, positioning it to align with the mounting holes on the regulator and door frame. Ensure the motor gear properly engages with the regulator mechanism. Start all three mounting bolts by hand before tightening.
  10. 10
    Torque motor mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the three window motor mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical and test
    Connect the window motor electrical connector. Reconnect the negative battery terminal temporarily. Test the window operation by using the master switch in the driver's door to verify the motor operates in both up and down directions smoothly. Once verified, disconnect the battery again.
    ℹ️If window does not operate correctly, verify motor mounting and connector engagement before proceeding
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reseal moisture barrier
    Press the moisture barrier back into place, ensuring complete adhesion around all edges of the area you accessed. The barrier must seal properly to prevent water intrusion into the door panel.
  13. 13
    Reinstall door panel
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel (window switch, etc.). Position the door panel at the top of the door frame and slide it down onto the window sill to engage the upper clips. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all panel clips. Install the Phillips screws in the door handle area and pull handle cup. Reinstall screw covers.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all door panel clips are properly seated before driving to prevent rattles
  2. Replace any broken clips with new ones from a door panel clip kit
  3. Verify the moisture barrier is fully adhered to prevent water damage

Verification

  • Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification
  • Test window operation from both rear door switch and master switch - verify smooth operation in both directions
  • Re-initialize window auto-up/down feature if equipped: with ignition on, hold window switch in up position for 2 seconds after window fully closes, then hold down position for 2 seconds after window fully opens
  • Check for proper door panel fit and ensure no gaps or misalignment
  • Listen for any unusual noises during window operation
  • Verify all door panel switches and controls function properly
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