Back to 2021 Toyota Camry

2021 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs425Labor564Torque4648Fluid6DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
ignition

Coil Pack

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
8
Steps
12

Replacement of ignition coil pack(s) on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, including spark plug inspection and reinstallation.

Warnings

Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before starting work to prevent burns from hot components
Never pull on ignition coil wires - always grasp the boot connector itself to prevent damage
ℹ️Replacing coils in pairs or all four is recommended if vehicle has over 100,000 miles to prevent repeat failures

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension bar (3-6 inch)Essential
Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential
16mm spark plug socketEssential
Dielectric greaseEssential
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Compressed air or shop vacuum
Plastic trim tool

Parts

  • Ignition coil pack × 1 — 90919-02260 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
  3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
  4. Open hood and secure with prop rod

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove engine cover
    Grasp the front and rear edges of the plastic engine cover and pull upward firmly to release the integrated grommets from the mounting posts. The cover is not bolted and uses friction-fit rubber grommets. Set cover aside in clean area.
  2. 2
    Locate target ignition coil
    Identify which cylinder's coil needs replacement. Cylinders are numbered 1-4 from timing belt end (passenger side) to transmission end (driver side). Each coil sits directly on top of its spark plug and has an electrical connector on top.
  3. 3
    Disconnect coil electrical connector
    Press down on the locking tab of the electrical connector while pulling upward on the connector body (not the wires). The connector should release with moderate force. If stuck, gently rock side to side while pulling.
  4. 4
    Remove ignition coil retaining bolt
    Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the ignition coil to the valve cover. Keep bolt in a safe location for reinstallation. The bolt is approximately 75mm long.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Extract ignition coil
    Grasp the coil body firmly and pull straight upward with steady pressure. The coil has a rubber boot that seals into the spark plug well and may resist removal. Twist gently while pulling if needed, but do not bend or lever against valve cover. Once free, inspect the rubber boot for cracks, oil contamination, or damage.
  6. 6
    Clean spark plug well
    Use compressed air or shop vacuum to remove any debris, dirt, or oil from the spark plug well before proceeding. This prevents contamination from entering the combustion chamber. Inspect for oil pooling which may indicate valve cover gasket failure requiring separate repair.
    Never allow debris to fall into spark plug well - it can damage cylinder walls if it enters combustion chamber
  7. 7
    Inspect or replace spark plug
    If replacing coil due to misfire, inspect the spark plug. Using 16mm spark plug socket, carefully loosen and remove spark plug. Inspect electrode wear, gap, and insulator condition. If replacing spark plug, apply anti-seize compound to threads (avoiding electrode end) and hand-thread carefully to prevent cross-threading in aluminum head.
    ⚠️Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum head will cause expensive cylinder head damage - always hand-thread first several turns
    Torque spec
    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Prepare new ignition coil
    Remove new coil from packaging and inspect rubber boot for damage. Apply thin layer of dielectric grease inside the rubber boot where it contacts the spark plug terminal. This prevents moisture intrusion and ensures good electrical contact.
  9. 9
    Install new ignition coil
    Align coil with spark plug well and press down firmly with steady pressure until the coil is fully seated. The rubber boot must seal completely into the well. You should feel the boot snap onto the spark plug terminal. Ensure coil mounting hole aligns with threaded boss in valve cover.
  10. 10
    Torque coil retaining bolt
    Install the 10mm retaining bolt and hand-tighten first. Using torque wrench, tighten to specification. Do not overtighten as valve cover is aluminum and threads can strip.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push electrical connector firmly onto coil terminal until locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on connector (not wires) to verify it is fully locked. Apply small amount of dielectric grease to connector if desired for corrosion protection.
  12. 12
    Reinstall engine cover
    Align engine cover grommets with mounting posts on valve cover and intake manifold. Press down firmly on all grommet locations until cover seats completely. Ensure cover is secure and not loose.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully locked into place with audible click
  2. Verify engine cover is properly seated on all mounting grommets
  3. Double-check no tools or parts are left in engine bay

Verification

  • Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires - check engine light should not illuminate
  • Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes and listen for unusual sounds or rough running
  • If misfire code was present, clear codes with scan tool and perform test drive to confirm repair
  • Visually inspect for any spark arcing around coil boots in darkness if misfire concerns remain
  • Monitor for return of symptoms over next several drive cycles

More procedures for this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →