This procedure addresses inspection and adjustment of the throttle valve cable, as the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 with automatic transmission does not use a traditional kickdown cable but rather electronic throttle control.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine air filter (if dirty) × 1 — 17801-0H050
• Throttle body cleaner × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Ensure engine is completely cool
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes
4. Gather all tools and materials

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover firmly and pull upward to disengage the retention clips. The cover is held by rubber grommets and does not require tools for removal. Set cover aside in clean area.
2. 2

   Remove air intake components
   Loosen the hose clamp at the throttle body using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector by pressing the tab and pulling straight out. Remove the four 10mm bolts securing the air filter housing. Lift the entire air intake assembly away from the engine bay.
3. 3

   Inspect throttle body connection
   With the air intake removed, visually inspect the throttle body for any physical damage, cracks, or carbon buildup around the butterfly valve. Check that the throttle position sensor connector is fully seated and locked. Verify the connector has no corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Check electronic throttle operation
   Manually rotate the throttle plate by pressing gently on the butterfly valve with your finger. It should move smoothly and return to the closed position under spring tension. Any binding, sticking, or rough movement indicates throttle body service is needed.
   ⚠Do not force the throttle plate. Excessive force can damage the electronic throttle control motor.
5. 5

   Clean throttle body if necessary
   If carbon buildup is present, spray throttle body cleaner onto a shop towel and wipe the throttle plate and bore. Do not spray cleaner directly into the throttle body with engine off. Rotate the throttle plate gently to access all surfaces. Allow to dry completely before reassembly.
   ⚠Never spray throttle cleaner directly onto electronic throttle position sensor or motor components.
6. 6

   Inspect accelerator pedal assembly
   From inside the vehicle, check the accelerator pedal for smooth operation throughout its full range of motion. Listen for any clicking or grinding sounds. Verify the pedal returns fully to rest position when released. Check pedal position sensor connector security under the dash.
7. 7

   Reinstall air intake assembly
   Position the air filter housing back onto its mounting points. Install and tighten the four 10mm bolts securely. Reconnect the MAF sensor electrical connector until it clicks. Slide the intake tube onto the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp firmly.
8. 8

   Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
   Align the engine cover grommets with their mounting posts and press down firmly until all clips are seated. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify air intake hose clamp is tight to prevent air leaks
3. Confirm engine cover is properly seated on all mounting points

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle. The idle should be smooth and stable at approximately 600-700 RPM
• Press the accelerator pedal slowly and verify immediate, smooth throttle response without hesitation
• Check for any diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner. Clear any P0121, P0122, or P0123 codes that may have set during service
• Road test the vehicle to verify smooth acceleration and throttle response under load
• Verify no air leaks are present around the throttle body or intake connections

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