Replace the torque converter clutch solenoid on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 to restore proper torque converter lock-up function and eliminate transmission slipping or shuddering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter clutch solenoid × 1 — Use OEM Toyota specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Toyota specification
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM Toyota specification
• Transmission valve body cover gasket (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after driving)
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system discharge
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove engine under covers and splash shields to access transmission
6. Clean area around transmission pan and drain plug with degreaser

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan under transmission. Remove the transmission drain plug using appropriate socket and allow fluid to drain completely. This will take 10-15 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris that may indicate other transmission problems. Once drained, install drain plug with NEW crush washer and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan
   Loosen all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, leaving two bolts at opposite corners loosely threaded. Carefully pry pan loose and allow remaining fluid to drain. Remove final two bolts and lower pan. Inspect pan for metal shavings or excessive debris. Remove and discard old gasket material from both pan and transmission housing using gasket scraper. Clean both mating surfaces thoroughly.
   ⚠Up to 2 quarts of fluid may remain in pan. Lower carefully to avoid spillage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove transmission filter (if applicable)
   Remove transmission filter by unbolting or unclipping from valve body, depending on model year configuration. Some 2018-2024 Camry transmissions use an internal filter that may not be serviceable during this procedure. If filter is accessible, replace with new unit. Clean filter mounting area.
4. 4

   Access valve body
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors from solenoids on the valve body. Take photos or mark connector positions for reassembly reference. Remove valve body cover screws in a criss-cross pattern. Carefully lower valve body cover, noting the position of any check balls or springs that may be present. Keep cover oriented properly to prevent dislodging internal components.
   ⚠Check balls and springs may fall out when cover is removed. Note positions carefully or refer to service manual diagram.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Locate torque converter clutch solenoid
   Identify the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid on the valve body. It is typically located on the upper section of the valve body assembly and will have an electrical connector. On the U760E transmission used in this vehicle, the TCC solenoid is part of the solenoid assembly and may be labeled as SL1, SL2, or SLT depending on specific function. Verify identification using service manual diagrams.
6. 6

   Remove torque converter clutch solenoid
   Disconnect electrical connector from TCC solenoid if not already done. Remove solenoid mounting bolts and carefully extract solenoid from valve body. Note orientation and any O-rings or seals. Inspect valve body bore for debris or damage. Clean bore with clean ATF and lint-free cloth.
   ℹ️Do not allow debris to enter open valve body passages. Keep area clean and covered when solenoid is removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new torque converter clutch solenoid
   Lubricate new solenoid O-rings with clean Toyota WS ATF. Install new TCC solenoid into valve body bore, ensuring proper orientation and alignment. Install solenoid mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect electrical connector, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall valve body cover
   Verify all check balls and springs are in correct positions if they were present. Install new valve body cover gasket if applicable. Carefully position valve body cover and install cover screws finger-tight. Torque cover screws in a criss-cross pattern to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors to valve body solenoids.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall transmission pan
   Install new transmission pan gasket on pan or transmission housing as designed. Position pan carefully and install all pan bolts finger-tight. Torque pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward to specification. Double-check all bolts are torqued properly.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate transmission fill plug on side of transmission case. Remove fill plug. Using transmission fluid pump, add approximately 8 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through fill hole. Fluid should begin to trickle out of fill hole when at proper level. Install fill plug and torque to specification. Add remaining fluid as needed during warm-up procedure.
    ⚠Initial fill is approximate. Final level adjustment must be performed at operating temperature per verification steps.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Complete installation
    Reinstall transmission splash shields and engine under covers. Lower vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect negative battery terminal. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes using scan tool if available.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify transmission pan bolts are torqued in proper sequence
3. Confirm no tools or rags were left in transmission
4. Double-check drain and fill plugs are installed with new washers and properly torqued

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle. Check for leaks around transmission pan and plugs
• With engine running and parking brake applied, cycle through all gear positions, pausing 3 seconds in each position
• Return to Park and allow transmission to reach operating temperature (160-180°F ATF temp)
• With engine running and transmission at operating temperature, remove fill plug. Fluid should trickle slowly from fill hole. Add or drain fluid as necessary until proper level is achieved
• Install fill plug with proper torque once level is correct
• Road test vehicle through all gears, verify smooth shifts and proper torque converter lock-up (typically occurs at 40+ mph in higher gears)
• Check for transmission codes using scan tool. Verify no TCC-related codes are present
• Recheck fluid level after road test and verify no leaks are present
• Monitor transmission performance for first 50-100 miles to ensure proper operation

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