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2021 TOYOTA CAMRY

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

Ignition Control Module

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
8
Steps
13

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ignition control module (igniter) on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds before beginning work to prevent accidental airbag deployment and electrical shorts
Only perform this procedure on a completely cooled engine to avoid burns from hot components
Do not force electrical connectors - improper removal can damage locking tabs
ℹ️The ignition control module is located on the driver's side of the engine near the ignition coils on this vehicle

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Trim panel removal tool set
Dielectric grease
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Wire brush (non-metallic)

Parts

  • Ignition Control Module (Igniter) × 1 — 89621-02150 or equivalent OEM
  • Engine cover clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
  4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on all four corners to release clips

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access ignition coil area
    Remove any plastic covers or harness clips obstructing access to the ignition coils on cylinders 1-4. The ignition control module is mounted near the ignition coils on the driver's side of the engine block.
  2. 2
    Disconnect ignition coil connectors
    Press the locking tab on each ignition coil electrical connector and carefully pull straight up to disconnect. There are four coil connectors that may need to be moved aside to access the ignition control module.
    Do not pull on wires - only pull on the connector body to avoid damaging the harness
  3. 3
    Remove ignition coils if necessary
    If the ignition control module is blocked by ignition coils, remove the 10mm bolt from each coil and pull the coil straight up with a twisting motion to break the seal. Mark coil positions if needed for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Locate ignition control module
    Identify the ignition control module mounted to the engine block or bracket on the driver's side. It is a rectangular electronic unit with a multi-pin connector attached. Note the orientation and routing of the wiring harness.
  5. 5
    Disconnect module electrical connector
    Press down on the connector lock tab while pulling the connector away from the ignition control module. The connector may be tight due to the seal - work it gently side to side if needed.
    Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage - clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary
  6. 6
    Remove module mounting hardware
    Remove the two mounting bolts securing the ignition control module to its bracket or engine block using a 12mm socket. Support the module as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove ignition control module
    Carefully pull the ignition control module away from its mounting location. If there is thermal paste or adhesive present, work the module gently to break the seal. Note the position of any alignment pins or brackets.
  8. 8
    Prepare mounting surface
    Clean the mounting surface on the engine block or bracket using a non-metallic brush or clean cloth. Remove any old thermal paste, dirt, or corrosion. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before installing the new module.
  9. 9
    Install new ignition control module
    Position the new ignition control module onto the mounting location, ensuring any alignment pins or tabs are properly seated. Verify the module is flush against the mounting surface before installing hardware.
    ℹ️Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the electrical connector seal if recommended by the replacement part manufacturer
  10. 10
    Install mounting hardware
    Install both mounting bolts and tighten by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Then torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect module electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the ignition control module and press firmly until you hear and feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked.
  12. 12
    Reinstall ignition coils
    If ignition coils were removed, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot. Install each coil into its correct cylinder, press down firmly until seated, and install the mounting bolt. Torque each bolt to specification.
    Ensure each coil is fully seated in the spark plug well before tightening the bolt to prevent damage
    Torque spec
    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reconnect ignition coil connectors
    Reconnect each ignition coil electrical connector by pressing down firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify each connection is secure.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly at all four corners until seated
  2. Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely
  3. Verify no tools or parts remain in engine compartment

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify it starts normally without extended cranking
  • Check for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner - there should be no ignition system codes present
  • Allow engine to idle and verify smooth operation with no misfires or rough running
  • Perform a test drive and verify normal acceleration and engine performance under load
  • Recheck all electrical connections are fully seated after the test drive

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