This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission oil cooler, including draining transmission fluid, disconnecting cooler lines, and refilling the system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission oil cooler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — 90430-18008 or equivalent
• Transmission cooler line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission oil cooler mounting bracket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 4.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely (minimum 1 hour)
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove front undertray/splash shield to access transmission and cooler lines
5. Place large drain pan beneath transmission

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using a 14mm socket, loosen the drain plug slowly. Once loose, remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take 5-10 minutes. Remove and discard the old crush washer from the drain plug.
   Torque spec

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

   Locate transmission oil cooler
   The transmission oil cooler is mounted on the front lower section of the radiator or as a standalone unit in front of the condenser. Trace the cooler lines from the transmission forward to identify the cooler location. Clean the area around the cooler connections with shop towels.
   ℹ️On 2018-2024 Camry models, the cooler is typically a separate unit mounted in front of the AC condenser with metal lines running to the transmission.
3. 3

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the transmission cooler line fittings at the cooler. These are typically 14mm or 16mm. Turn fittings counterclockwise while holding the cooler fitting stationary with another wrench to prevent twisting. Remove both inlet and outlet lines. Cap or plug line ends immediately to prevent contamination. Expect residual fluid to drain from lines.
   ⚠Use flare nut wrenches to prevent rounding off the soft brass or aluminum fittings. Standard open-end wrenches will likely damage the fittings.
4. 4

   Remove cooler mounting hardware
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the transmission oil cooler to its bracket or the radiator support. These are typically two to four bolts depending on configuration. Support the cooler with one hand while removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove transmission oil cooler
   Carefully pull the cooler assembly forward and down, maneuvering it out from between the radiator and condenser. Tilt as needed to clear any obstructions. Place the old cooler in the drain pan to catch remaining fluid. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage or corrosion.
   ⚠Avoid contact with the radiator and AC condenser fins as they are fragile and easily damaged.
6. 6

   Prepare new cooler for installation
   Remove the new transmission oil cooler from packaging. Install new O-rings on both cooler line fittings, lubricating them lightly with fresh ATF. Verify all mounting points align with the bracket. Compare new cooler to old unit to confirm correct part.
   ℹ️Do not reuse old O-rings as they will leak. Always install new O-rings provided with the cooler or purchased separately.
7. 7

   Install new transmission oil cooler
   Maneuver the new cooler into position between the radiator and condenser, reversing the removal process. Align mounting holes with bracket. Install mounting bolts and tighten hand-tight initially. Verify cooler is positioned correctly before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect transmission cooler lines
   Thread the transmission cooler line fittings into the new cooler by hand to ensure proper alignment and prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use flare nut wrenches to tighten the fittings securely. Do not overtighten as this can damage the O-rings and cause leaks. Typical tightness is snug plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
9. 9

   Install drain plug with new washer
   Install the new crush washer on the transmission drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the transmission pan by hand until seated. Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten to specification. Do not overtighten as this can strip the aluminum threads in the transmission pan.
   ⚠Always use a new crush washer. Reusing the old washer will result in leaks.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case. Remove the fill plug using a 24mm socket or hex key (varies by model year). Using a fluid transfer pump and funnel, pump approximately 4.5 quarts of Toyota WS ATF into the fill hole. Fluid should reach the bottom of the fill hole. Reinstall fill plug and torque to specification.
    ⚠The vehicle must be level during fill procedure or fluid level will be incorrect. Add fluid slowly and check level frequently.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall undertray and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front undertray and splash shield, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly seated. Lower the vehicle from jack stands and remove jack stands before final lowering. Start the engine and verify no leaks at the cooler connections or drain plug.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Double-check all cooler line connections for tightness before starting engine
3. Ensure undertray is fully secured to prevent rattling or aerodynamic issues

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes. Check for leaks at cooler connections, drain plug, and fill plug
• With engine running and parking brake set, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 3 seconds in each
• Return to Park and recheck fluid level at fill plug with engine running. Add fluid if necessary until it drips from fill hole
• Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, including highway speeds if possible, to circulate fluid through cooler
• After test drive, recheck fluid level when warm and inspect all connections for leaks
• Monitor transmission operation for 100-200 miles. Check fluid level again and inspect for leaks after first drive cycle

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