Back to 2021 Toyota Camry

2021 TOYOTA CAMRY

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

Combination Switch

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
14

Replace the combination switch assembly (turn signal, wiper, and cruise control stalk) on the steering column of a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require initialization of power window auto functions after reconnection.
Do not force steering wheel covers or trim pieces as clips break easily. Work slowly and methodically.
Ensure ignition is OFF and key is removed before beginning any work on steering column components.
ℹ️The combination switch contains delicate connectors. Handle with care and avoid bending pins.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Trim panel removal toolsEssential
Torque wrench (5-35 Nm range)Essential
Flathead screwdriver
Electrical contact cleaner

Parts

  • Combination switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
  2. Turn ignition OFF and remove key from ignition
  3. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position
  4. Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment
  5. Wait at least 90 seconds after battery disconnection before starting work to allow airbag system to fully discharge

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect battery negative terminal
    Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt and disconnect the negative cable. Secure cable away from battery post to prevent accidental reconnection.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Wait for airbag system discharge
    Wait a minimum of 90 seconds to allow the airbag system capacitors to fully discharge. This is critical for safety when working near the steering wheel and column.
  3. 3
    Remove lower steering column covers
    Locate the lower steering column cover beneath the steering wheel. Remove the retaining screws (typically 2-3 screws) using a Phillips screwdriver. Gently pull the lower cover away from the column and set aside.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Remove upper steering column cover
    With the lower cover removed, locate the upper steering column cover screws (typically 2 screws at the bottom edge). Remove screws and carefully separate the upper cover from the column. Note the position of any clips or alignment tabs for reassembly.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Disconnect combination switch connectors
    Locate the electrical connectors on the back of the combination switch assembly. There are typically 2-3 connectors (one for turn signals, one for wipers, and one for cruise control). Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Note their positions for reassembly.
    Do not pull on wires. Press the connector lock tabs firmly and pull only on the connector body.
  6. 6
    Remove combination switch mounting screws
    Locate the mounting screws securing the combination switch to the steering column (typically 2-3 Phillips head screws). Remove all screws completely and keep them in a safe location. If screws have washers, note their position.
    Torque spec
    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove combination switch assembly
    With all screws removed, carefully slide the combination switch assembly away from the steering column. The stalks should pull straight out from the column housing. If resistance is felt, verify all screws and connectors have been removed.
    Support the switch assembly during removal to prevent dropping and damaging connectors or internal components.
  8. 8
    Inspect steering column and connectors
    Before installing the new combination switch, inspect the steering column mounting surface for damage. Check all electrical connectors for corrosion, bent pins, or debris. Clean connector pins with electrical contact cleaner if necessary and allow to dry completely.
  9. 9
    Install new combination switch assembly
    Position the new combination switch assembly onto the steering column, aligning the mounting holes and ensuring the stalks are properly oriented (turn signal on left, wiper on right for LHD vehicles). Slide the assembly fully onto the column until it seats against the mounting surface.
  10. 10
    Install combination switch mounting screws
    Insert all mounting screws with any washers that were present on the original installation. Hand-tighten screws first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Tighten in a cross pattern if multiple screws are present.
    Torque spec
    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect each electrical connector to the combination switch, matching each connector to its proper location as noted during removal. Push connectors firmly until they click into place and verify the locking tabs are fully engaged.
  12. 12
    Reinstall upper steering column cover
    Position the upper steering column cover over the switch assembly, aligning any clips or tabs. Install the retaining screws and torque to specification. Ensure the cover sits flush and does not interfere with switch stalk movement.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reinstall lower steering column cover
    Position the lower steering column cover and align with the upper cover. Install all retaining screws and torque to specification. Verify both covers fit together properly with no gaps.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative battery post. Torque the terminal bolt to specification. Ensure the connection is clean and secure.
    ℹ️Do not overtighten battery terminal bolt as this can damage the battery post or terminal.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify all steering column covers are properly secured and aligned
  2. Check that combination switch stalks move freely through their full range of motion
  3. Ensure no gaps exist between upper and lower steering column covers
  4. Verify battery connection is secure and terminal is clean

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ON position (engine OFF) and verify instrument cluster lights illuminate
  • Test turn signal function in both left and right positions, verify indicator lights flash on instrument cluster
  • Test high beam and low beam headlight functions using the combination switch
  • Test windshield wiper function in all positions (intermittent, low, high) and verify washer function
  • Test cruise control functions (if equipped): set, resume, cancel
  • Verify hazard lights function properly using the hazard switch
  • Check for any warning lights on instrument cluster related to lighting or switch malfunction
  • If applicable, reset power window auto-up/down functions per owner's manual procedure

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 →