Modern vehicles need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still need fluid changes, inspections, and adjustments. You no longer need to do a tune-up every six months or change the oil every three months, but regular service and check-ups are still essential to your vehicle’s longevity. What follows is our quick reference guide for the sixth generation Toyota Camry, which shares its platform with the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES350 as well , taken directly from Haynes manual 92009.
Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Oil Change
| Engine Oil Type | API “certified for gasoline engines” |
| Viscosity | |
| 2011 and earlier models (2012 Avalon and ES350 models) | |
| Four-cylinder engines | SAE 0W-20 (preferred), 5W-20 |
| V6 engine | SAE 5W-30 (preferred), 10W-30 |
| 2012 and later models except 2012 Avalon and ES350 models | SAE 0W20 (preferred), 5W-20 |
| Engine Oil Capacity (including filter) | |
| Four-cylinder engines | |
| 2AZ-FE (2009 and earlier models) | 4.3 qts |
| 2AR-FE (2010 and later models) | 4.6 qts |
| V6 engine | 6.4 qts |
| Recommended Fastener Torque | |
| Oil Drain Plug | |
| Four-cylinder engines | |
| 2AZ-FE (2009 and earlier models) | 80 in-lbs |
| 2AR-FE (2010 and later models) | 30 ft-lbs |
| V6 engine | 30 ft-lbs |
| Engine oil filter (2010 and later four-cylinder and all V6) | |
| Filter cap | 18 ft-lbs |
| Filter cap drain plug | |
| All models except 2013 ES350 | 120 in-lbs |
| 2013 ES350 models | 108 in-lbs |
Transmission Fluid Change
| Automatic transaxle fluid type | Toyota ATF WS automatic transmission fluid |
| Manual transaxle lubricant type | API GL-4 or GL-5 75W-90 gear oil |
| Transaxle fluid capacity | |
| Automatic | |
| U250E (2009 and earlier four-cylinder models, drain and refill) | 3.7 qts |
| U760E (2010 and later four-cylinder models, dry fill**) | 6.9 qts |
| U660E (V6 models, dry fill**) | 6.94 qts |
| Manual (EB62) | 2.6 qts |
| **This is a dry-fill specification so the amount required for a routine fluid change will be substantially less. Determine the amount of fluid to add by measuring the amount drained, initially add 1/3 of that amount. Then, with the engine running, add 1/2-pint at a time (shifting through each gear position between additions) until the level is correct. It is important to not overfill the transaxle. | |
| Recommended fastener torque | |
| Automatic transaxle | |
| Pan bolts | 62 in-lbs |
| Strainer bolts | |
| U250E transaxle | 96 in-lbs |
| U660E/U760E transaxles | 85 in-lbs |
| Drain/fill plugs | 36 ft-lbs |
| Overflow plug (U660E/U760E transaxles) | 30 ft-lbs |
| Manual transaxle drain and filler plugs | 29 ft-lbs |
Cooling System Flush and Fill
| Coolant type | Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent. |
| Caution: In order to avoid internal damage and other problems, only use high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. | |
| Coolant capacity | |
| Four-cylinder engines | |
| 2AZ-FE (2009 and earlier models) | 6.6 qts |
| 2AR-FE (2010 and later models) | 7.5 qts |
| V6 engine | |
| 2011 and earlier models | 7.9 qts |
| 2012 and later models | 9.7 qts |
Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types
| Brake fluid type | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Clutch fluid type | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Power steering system fluid (2011 and earlier models) | DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid |
Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs
| Drivebelt idler pulley bolts | |
| Idler pulley no. 1 bolt | 40 ft-lbs |
| Idler pulley no. 2 bolt | |
| 2011 and earlier models | 29 ft-lbs |
| 2012 and later models | 40 ft-lbs |
| Drivebelt tensioner mounting bolts (2012 and later models) | 32 ft-lbs |
| Spark plugs | |
| Four-cylinder engine | |
| 2011 and earlier models | 168 in-lbs |
| 2012 and later models | 18 ft-lbs |
| V6 engine | 156 in-lbs |
| Wheel lug nuts | 76 ft-lbs |
| Brake caliper mounting bolts | |
| Front caliper | 25 |
| Rear caliper | |
| All models (except 2007 Avalon) | 20 |
| 2007 Avalon | 32 |
| Caliper mounting bracket bolts | |
| Front | 79 |
| Rear | |
| 2011 and earlier models | 46 |
| 2012 and later models (except 2012 Avalon and ES350) | 58 |
| 2012 Avalon and ES350 | 46 |
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your car, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).
Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the engine coolant level
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check the brake and clutch fluid levels
- Check the power steering fluid level (2011 and earlier models)
- Check the tires and tire pressures
Every 3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Change the engine oil and oil filter
Every 5000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Check installation of driver’s floor mat
- Check the automatic transaxle fluid level (2009 and earlier four-cylinder models)
- Inspect the windshield wiper blades
- Check and service the battery
- Inspect all underhood hoses
- Check the cooling system
- Rotate the tires
- Inspect the brake system
Every 15,000 miles or 18 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Inspect the suspension and steering components and driveaxle boots*
- Inspect the exhaust system
- Check the engine drivebelt(s) (after the initial 60,000-mile or 72-month check)
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Check the automatic transaxle fluid level (2010 and later four-cylinder models and all V6 models)
- Replace the air filter*
- Inspect the fuel system
- Check the manual transaxle lubricant level**
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Check the clutch pedal for proper freeplay and height
- Inspect the evaporative emissions control system
- Check and tighten critical chassis and body fasteners*
Every 60,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
- Check and replace if necessary the fuel tank cap gasket
- Check and replace if necessary the PCV valve
- Change the automatic transaxle fluid**
- Change the manual transaxle lubricant**
- Check and replace if necessary the engine drivebelts
- Inspect and if necessary adjust the valve clearances (2009 and earlier four-cylinder engines)
100,000 miles or 120 months, whichever comes first - then every 50,000 miles or 60 months thereafter
- Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)
Every 120,000 miles or 144 months, whichever comes first
- Replace the spark plugs
* If your vehicle is mostly operated under “severe” conditions, inspect all maintenance indicated with an asterisk (*) at 5000 mile/6 month intervals and perform maintenance or replace parts as necessary. Severe conditions include the following:
- Operating in dusty areas
- Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
- Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing
** If used for trailer towing, change the automatic transaxle fluid or manual transaxle lubricant every 30,000 miles.