This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, requiring transmission removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification for U660E/F transmission
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — 90430-18008
• Transmission oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front exhaust pipe gaskets × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels and engine under covers
5. Install engine support bar or attach engine hoist to support engine weight
6. Place drain pan under transmission and remove drain plug with new washer ready for installation
7. Drain transmission fluid completely (may require removing fill plug to vent)
8. Remove front exhaust pipe from manifold and mid-pipe

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect axle shafts and linkage
   Remove both front axle shaft nuts (32mm). Disconnect both axle shafts from transmission using appropriate puller or pry bar technique. Support axle shafts with wire to prevent hanging. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and remove cable bracket. Disconnect transmission wiring harness connectors including vehicle speed sensor and solenoid connector.
2. 2

   Remove transmission cooler lines and accessories
   Disconnect transmission oil cooler lines at transmission using flare nut wrench. Cap lines immediately to prevent contamination. Remove starter motor (two bolts and wiring connections). Remove transmission oil dipstick tube if equipped.
3. 3

   Remove transmission oil pan
   Remove transmission oil pan bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Lower pan carefully as residual fluid will drain. Remove old gasket and clean mating surfaces thoroughly. Inspect pan for debris indicating internal damage.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access torque converter bolts
   Rotate crankshaft using 19mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt to access each torque converter bolt through pan opening. There are six torque converter bolts connecting converter to flexplate. Use crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation while removing each bolt. Remove all six bolts and retain.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support and remove transmission mounting
   Position transmission jack under transmission with safety chain secured. Remove rear transmission crossmember bolts and lower crossmember. Remove left and right transmission mounting bolts. Support transmission weight on jack.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove bell housing bolts
   Remove all bell housing bolts connecting transmission to engine block. There are multiple bolts of varying lengths around perimeter - note locations for reinstallation. Remove any ground straps or brackets attached to bell housing bolts.
7. 7

   Separate transmission from engine
   Carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine using transmission jack. Maintain alignment to avoid binding. Once input shaft clears engine, secure torque converter to transmission using wire or converter holding tool to prevent it from sliding out. Lower transmission on jack and move clear of vehicle.
8. 8

   Remove and inspect torque converter
   With transmission on bench, remove torque converter by pulling straight out. Inspect flexplate on engine for cracks or damage. Inspect torque converter pilot bore and hub for wear. Check converter for leaks or damage. Verify new torque converter is correct part number for U660E/F transmission.
9. 9

   Install new torque converter
   Apply thin coat of Toyota WS ATF to torque converter hub and pilot. Install torque converter into transmission, rotating while pushing until it engages oil pump. Converter must seat through three distinct stages. Use dial indicator or straightedge to verify converter is recessed minimum 15mm below bell housing face. Insufficient depth will damage oil pump during installation.
10. 10

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Secure torque converter to transmission with wire to prevent sliding out. Raise transmission on jack and align with engine. Ensure torque converter stays fully seated. Guide transmission onto engine, ensuring input shaft enters crankshaft pilot bearing. Install all bell housing bolts finger tight, then torque in star pattern. Do not use bolts to draw transmission to engine.
11. 11

    Install transmission mounts and crossmember
    Install left and right transmission mounting bolts. Install rear transmission crossmember and secure. Torque all mounting bolts to specification. Remove transmission jack once all mounts are secured.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect torque converter to flexplate
    Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate. Install all six torque converter bolts finger tight. Torque bolts evenly in star pattern to specification while holding crankshaft with holding tool.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission pan
    Install new transmission pan gasket. Position pan and install bolts finger tight. Torque pan bolts in proper sequence starting from center and working outward.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect accessories and axles
    Install starter motor and torque bolts. Reconnect transmission cooler lines and torque fittings. Reconnect transmission wiring harness. Install both axle shafts into transmission ensuring they click into place. Install axle shaft nuts and torque. Reconnect shift cable and bracket. Install front exhaust pipe with new gaskets.
15. 15

    Fill transmission and perform initial checks
    Install drain plug with new washer and torque to specification. Add approximately 4 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through fill plug hole. Install fill plug and torque to specification. Remove engine support. Install engine under covers and wheels. Lower vehicle. Add remaining ATF through dipstick tube if equipped, or through fill plug after warm-up cycle. Reconnect battery.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

    Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in correct sequence
2. Ensure torque converter is fully seated before mating transmission to engine
3. Use new drain plug washer and transmission pan gasket
4. Verify all wiring connectors and cooler lines are properly secured
5. Double-check that axle shafts are fully seated in transmission

Verification

• Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan, drain plug, or cooler lines
• Check transmission fluid level per Toyota procedure (engine at operating temperature, shift through all gears)
• Perform test drive and verify all gear shifts are smooth with no slipping or abnormal sounds
• Check for proper torque converter lockup during light acceleration in 6th-8th gear
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster and scan for transmission codes
• Re-check fluid level after test drive and top off as needed to reach proper level on dipstick or at fill plug
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive

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