Complete removal and reinstallation of the automatic transmission from a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including all necessary disconnections and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90471-32088 or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front axle shaft seal (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front axle shaft seal (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Torque converter seal × 1 — Use OEM specification if replacement needed

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels and engine under covers
5. Install engine support fixture across engine bay or attach hoist to engine lift points
6. Place drain pan under transmission and drain ATF by removing drain plug
7. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front axle shafts
   Remove the front axle shaft nuts (32mm). Separate lower ball joints from steering knuckles. Remove stabilizer bar end links. Pull axle shafts from transmission using slide hammer or axle puller. Plug open transmission holes with clean rags or caps to prevent contamination and fluid loss.
2. 2

   Disconnect shift linkage and electrical connections
   Disconnect the shift cable from the transmission lever and remove the cable bracket. Disconnect all electrical connectors including neutral safety switch, speed sensors, and solenoid connectors. Label each connector for reassembly. Remove ground straps from transmission case.
3. 3

   Remove cooler lines and breather hose
   Disconnect transmission cooler lines at the transmission using a flare nut wrench to prevent damage. Plug lines and transmission ports immediately to prevent contamination. Remove the transmission breather hose from the top of the transmission.
4. 4

   Support transmission and remove crossmember
   Position transmission jack under transmission oil pan with wooden blocks or saddle adapter to distribute load. Raise jack slightly to take weight off crossmember. Remove rear transmission mount bolts and the transmission crossmember mounting bolts. Lower and remove crossmember.
5. 5

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect starter electrical connections. Remove the two starter mounting bolts and remove starter motor. This provides access to lower torque converter bolts and bell housing bolts.
6. 6

   Remove torque converter cover and mark converter
   Remove the torque converter access cover from the bottom of the bell housing. Mark the relationship between torque converter and flexplate with paint or marker. Rotate crankshaft using 19mm socket on crankshaft bolt to access all torque converter bolts.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove torque converter to flexplate bolts
   Remove all torque converter to flexplate bolts (typically 6 bolts) by rotating crankshaft to access each bolt. Push torque converter back toward transmission and verify it is fully disengaged from flexplate before proceeding.
   ⚠Ensure torque converter remains fully seated in transmission pump during removal to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove transmission mounting bolts
   Remove all bell housing to engine block bolts. There are typically 8-10 bolts of varying lengths around the perimeter. Note bolt locations as they are different lengths. Remove upper and lower transmission mounting bolts while supporting transmission weight with jack.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Separate and lower transmission
   Verify all connections are disconnected. Carefully slide transmission straight back away from engine using transmission jack. Ensure torque converter remains in transmission and does not fall. Once clear of engine, carefully lower transmission jack and remove transmission from under vehicle. Secure torque converter to transmission with wire or strap.
   ⚠️Maintain control of transmission weight at all times. Have assistant help guide transmission clear of engine bay.
10. 10

    Inspect and prepare for installation
    Inspect flexplate for cracks or damage. Check crankshaft rear seal for leaks. Inspect transmission input shaft seal and replace if necessary. On replacement transmission, verify torque converter is fully seated by measuring depth from bell housing face to converter - should be at least 20mm recessed. Lubricate torque converter hub and seal with ATF.
11. 11

    Install transmission to engine
    Raise transmission into position using transmission jack. Ensure torque converter remains fully seated. Align transmission with engine and slide forward carefully, ensuring transmission input shaft engages with torque converter. Transmission should slide forward smoothly without excessive force. Install all bell housing bolts and tighten in a cross pattern.
    ⚠If transmission does not slide forward easily, do not force. Verify torque converter is properly seated and input shaft is aligned.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install torque converter to flexplate
    Verify torque converter to flexplate alignment marks match. Install all torque converter bolts, rotating crankshaft to access each position. Tighten bolts in a star pattern to specification. Install torque converter access cover.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall crossmember and mounts
    Raise transmission slightly with jack. Install transmission crossmember and mount bolts. Torque all mounting fasteners to specification. Remove transmission jack carefully.
14. 14

    Reconnect all connections
    Install starter motor and torque bolts to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors, ground straps, and shift cable per original routing. Install transmission cooler lines and torque fittings properly. Install breather hose. Double-check all connections.
15. 15

    Install axle shafts and fill transmission
    Install new axle seals in transmission. Install axle shafts into transmission and hub assemblies. Reconnect ball joints and stabilizer links. Install axle shaft nuts. Remove fill plug and fill transmission with Toyota WS ATF through fill hole until fluid runs out. Install fill plug with new washer. Install drain plug with new crush washer if not already installed.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

    Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers and front wheels
2. Torque wheel lug nuts to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) in star pattern
3. Lower vehicle to ground
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Perform final ATF level check with engine at operating temperature and shifter cycled through all gears

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from transmission, cooler lines, or axle seals
• With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions and verify smooth engagement
• Check ATF level with engine at operating temperature - adjust if necessary
• Road test vehicle and verify normal transmission operation in all gears
• Recheck all mounting bolts and axle shaft nuts after test drive
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster
• Check ATF level again after test drive and top off if needed

More procedures for this vehicle