This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a single shift solenoid in the transmission valve body of a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Shift solenoid (specify which solenoid: SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SLT, or SLU) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — 35168-33010 or equivalent
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent
• Valve body cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle has cooled for at least 2 hours if recently operated
2. Raise vehicle on lift or securely support on jack stands at all four corners
3. Remove front undertray and engine splash shields for access to transmission pan
4. Clean exterior of transmission pan and surrounding area thoroughly to prevent contamination
5. Position drain pan under transmission drain plug

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Remove transmission drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely. This will take 10-15 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or burnt smell indicating internal transmission damage. Install new crush washer on drain plug and reinstall drain plug finger-tight (will torque after refill).
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   Remove transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Once bolts are removed, carefully lower pan and pour remaining fluid into drain pan. Expect an additional 1-2 quarts to drain. Remove and discard old pan gasket.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Identify target solenoid
   Locate the specific solenoid to be replaced on the valve body. Solenoids are labeled or can be identified by position: SL1 and SL2 are shift solenoids, SL3 and SL4 control lock-up, SLT is line pressure, SLU is lock-up. Take photos for reference before disconnection. Note the electrical connector orientation.
4. 4

   Disconnect solenoid electrical connector
   Carefully press release tab on electrical connector and pull straight out from solenoid. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector shows damage, entire wire harness may need replacement.
5. 5

   Remove valve body cover (if required)
   Some solenoids are accessible directly, others require valve body cover removal. If cover removal is needed, remove cover screws in sequence from outside to inside. Lift cover carefully and note orientation. Remove and inspect cover gasket for damage.
   ⚠Valve body contains spring-loaded components. Keep cover pressure even as you remove to prevent springs from dislodging.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove target solenoid
   Remove solenoid mounting bolts (typically 2 per solenoid). Gently wiggle solenoid while pulling straight out to remove from valve body bore. Do not pry or use excessive force. Note the orientation and any alignment pins or dowels. Inspect O-rings on old solenoid.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Prepare and install new solenoid
   Verify new solenoid part number matches old unit. Lubricate O-rings on new solenoid with clean ATF. Insert solenoid into valve body bore, ensuring proper alignment with dowel pins. Push firmly but gently until fully seated. Solenoid should sit flush with valve body surface.
8. 8

   Secure solenoid and reconnect electrical
   Install solenoid mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place. Gently tug on connector to verify secure connection. If valve body cover was removed, install new gasket and reinstall cover with screws torqued in criss-cross pattern from inside to outside.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Clean and inspect transmission pan
   Thoroughly clean transmission pan with brake cleaner or parts cleaner. Inspect magnet in pan for excessive metal particles. Small amounts of fine metal dust are normal, but chunks or excessive material indicate internal wear. Clean magnet thoroughly and reinstall in pan.
10. 10

    Install transmission pan
    Position new gasket on transmission case (not on pan). Carefully lift pan into position, ensuring gasket stays aligned. Start all pan bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque pan bolts in criss-cross pattern from center outward to specification.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque drain plug and refill transmission
    Torque transmission drain plug to specification with new crush washer installed. Remove transmission fill plug. Using fluid pump or long funnel, add approximately 4.5 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through fill hole. Fluid should begin to drip from fill hole when full. Install fill plug and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

    Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall undertray and lower vehicle
    Reinstall engine splash shields and undertray. Lower vehicle to ground. Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes. With foot on brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 3 seconds in each position. Return to Park.

Reassembly

1. Verify no tools or parts were left in transmission pan area before closing
2. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Ensure transmission pan bolts are torqued in proper sequence to prevent leaks

Verification

• Check for fluid leaks around pan and drain plug with engine running
• Check transmission fluid level using fill plug - fluid should drip slowly from hole when at proper level
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting in all gears with no harsh engagements or slipping
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes with OBD-II scanner - all solenoid-related codes should be cleared
• Monitor transmission temperature and shift quality during first 50 miles of operation

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