engine
Throttle Body
for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
9
Steps
12
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the throttle body on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including proper cleaning and torque specifications.
Warnings
⚠Ensure engine is completely cool before starting work to avoid burns
⚠Do not use carburetor cleaner or harsh solvents on throttle body internals as this can damage the coating
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will require radio code re-entry and clock reset on some models
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
8mm socketEssential
Extension setEssential
Flathead screwdriverEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Throttle body cleaner
Clean lint-free ragsEssential
Gasket scraper (plastic)Essential
Nitrile gloves
Parts
- Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Throttle body assembly (if replacing) × 1 — Toyota OEM 22030-0V020
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
Procedure
- 1Remove engine coverLift up on the engine cover at the front corners to release the retaining clips. The cover pulls straight up and off. Set aside in a clean area.
- 2Disconnect air intake systemLoosen the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body inlet using a flathead screwdriver or 8mm socket. Disconnect the air intake hose from the throttle body and move aside. If equipped, disconnect the breather hose from the air intake tube.Torque specAir Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect throttle body electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the right side of the throttle body. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wires. Move the harness aside to provide clearance.
- 4Remove throttle body mounting boltsRemove the four 10mm mounting bolts securing the throttle body to the intake manifold. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Support the throttle body with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.ℹ️Bolts may have threadlocker applied from factoryTorque specThrottle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 5Remove throttle bodyCarefully pull the throttle body away from the intake manifold. Twist gently if needed to break the gasket seal. Remove the old gasket from the intake manifold mounting surface and discard. Inspect throttle body mounting surface for damage.
- 6Clean mounting surfacesUse a plastic gasket scraper to carefully remove all old gasket material from the intake manifold mating surface. Wipe clean with a lint-free rag. Ensure no debris falls into the intake manifold opening. If cleaning the throttle body for reuse, use throttle body cleaner on the bore and plate, wiping gently with a clean rag. Do not force the throttle plate open.⚠Cover the intake manifold opening with a clean rag to prevent debris from entering
- 7Install new gasketPosition the new throttle body gasket onto the intake manifold mounting surface. Ensure the gasket is properly aligned with all bolt holes and the throttle bore opening. The gasket should sit flat without wrinkles or gaps.
- 8Install throttle bodyCarefully position the throttle body (new or cleaned) onto the gasket and intake manifold. Ensure proper alignment before installing bolts. Start all four mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not cross-thread.
- 9Torque throttle body boltsUsing a torque wrench, tighten the four throttle body mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 14.0 Nm (10 lb-ft). Start with the top two bolts, then bottom two, going in an X-pattern. Make a second pass in the same pattern to ensure even torque.Torque specThrottle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect electrical connectorPush the throttle body electrical connector firmly onto the throttle body until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
- 11Reinstall air intake systemReconnect the air intake hose to the throttle body inlet. Ensure the hose is fully seated onto the throttle body. Tighten the hose clamp to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft). If equipped, reconnect any breather hoses.Torque specAir Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall engine cover and reconnect batteryAlign the engine cover clips with their mounting points and press down firmly until all clips engage. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with audible clicks
- Verify air intake hose clamp is tight and hose is not kinked
- Confirm no tools or rags were left in engine bay
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify check engine light cycles normally without staying on
- Start engine and allow to idle. Listen for any vacuum leaks (hissing sounds)
- Verify idle is smooth and stable after initial throttle relearn period (30-60 seconds)
- Blip throttle several times to verify responsive throttle operation
- Check for any air leaks around throttle body mounting surface
- Test drive vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and throttle response
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes if check engine light illuminates