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2021 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs435Labor595Torque4685Fluid6DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
electrical

Backup Camera

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
12

This procedure covers the diagnosis, removal, and replacement of the backup camera on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds before working on any electrical components to prevent airbag deployment and electrical shorts.
ℹ️The backup camera harness routing differs slightly between models with and without power liftgate. Ensure proper routing during reinstallation.
Do not force trim clips. Use proper trim removal tools to prevent breakage of retaining clips.

Tools required

Trim removal tool setEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Torque wrench (2-25 Nm range)Essential
Electrical contact cleaner
Multimeter

Parts

  • Backup camera assembly × 1 — Toyota 86790-06180 or equivalent
  • Trim panel clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
  3. Open trunk/liftgate for access to interior trim panels
  4. Clean the area around the backup camera to prevent debris from entering connectors

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove trunk interior trim panel
    Using trim removal tools, carefully pry off the trunk interior trim panel covering the camera wiring harness. Start from the bottom corners and work your way around. Remove any clips securing the panel and set aside. On models with power liftgate, you may need to remove additional garnish trim first.
  2. 2
    Access camera connector
    Locate the backup camera wiring harness running from the camera through the trunk/liftgate structure. Trace the harness to find the main connector, typically located near the trunk hinge area. Remove any wire loom tape or securing clips holding the harness in place.
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press the locking tab on the camera electrical connector and carefully pull apart the connector halves. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion, bent pins, or damage. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry before proceeding.
    ℹ️Take a photo of the connector orientation before disconnecting to ensure proper reconnection.
  4. 4
    Remove exterior trim or garnish around camera
    From outside the vehicle, locate the backup camera mounted in the trunk/liftgate handle or trim. Use a trim removal tool to carefully release the trim piece or garnish surrounding the camera. On some models, the camera is integrated into the trunk handle assembly which may require removal of the entire handle trim.
  5. 5
    Remove camera mounting fasteners
    Locate and remove the camera mounting screws or clips. Most Camry models use two small Phillips screws accessible from the rear. Support the camera with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
    Torque spec
    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Extract camera assembly
    Carefully pull the camera assembly out of its mounting location while feeding the wiring harness through the trunk/liftgate panel. Note the routing path and any grommets or seals that the harness passes through. Remove and inspect any rubber grommet or seal for damage.
  7. 7
    Inspect and clean mounting location
    Clean the camera mounting area, removing any dirt, debris, or old sealant. Inspect the mounting surface for damage or corrosion. Ensure the drainage channels around the camera location are clear to prevent water accumulation.
  8. 8
    Install new camera assembly
    Feed the new camera wiring harness through the trunk/liftgate panel, ensuring it follows the original routing path. Install any rubber grommets or seals in their proper locations. Position the camera assembly in the mounting location, ensuring proper alignment and that the lens faces the correct direction.
  9. 9
    Secure camera mounting fasteners
    Install the camera mounting screws and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the camera is seated flush against the mounting surface with no gaps that could allow water intrusion.
    Torque spec
    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Route the camera harness back through the interior and connect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Verify the locking tab engages properly. Secure the harness with any original clips or wire loom tape.
  11. 11
    Reinstall trim panels
    Reinstall the exterior trim or garnish around the camera, ensuring all clips are fully seated. Reinstall the trunk interior trim panel, pressing firmly on all clip locations to ensure proper engagement. Replace any damaged clips with new ones.
  12. 12
    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten to specification. Start the vehicle and allow the infotainment system to fully boot. The backup camera system may require a few seconds to initialize on first use.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify all trim panels are properly secured with no gaps or misalignment
  2. Ensure the camera lens is clean and free of fingerprints or debris
  3. Check that all wiring harnesses are properly routed and secured away from moving parts
  4. Confirm no tools or parts were left in the trunk or liftgate area

Verification

  • Shift the transmission into Reverse and verify the backup camera image appears on the display screen
  • Verify the camera image is properly oriented (not upside down or mirrored incorrectly)
  • Check that the dynamic guidelines appear correctly when turning the steering wheel
  • Inspect the camera mounting area externally for proper alignment and no water leaks after a car wash or rain
  • Verify all warning lights on the dashboard are off and no diagnostic trouble codes are present
  • Test the camera in various lighting conditions (daylight, low light, nighttime) to ensure proper operation

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