engine TOYOTA CAMRY 2020 Owners Manual (in English)
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4316-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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6
Maintenance and care
WARNING
The  engine  compartment  contains  many  mechanisms  and  fluids  that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
● Keep  hands,  clothing  and  tools  away  from  the  moving  fan  and  eng ine
drive belt.
● Be  careful  not  to  touch  the  engine,  radiator,  exhaust  manifold,  etc.  right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also  be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and r ags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do  not  smoke,  cause  sparks  or  expose  an  open  flame  to  fuel  or  t he  bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains  poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
■ When working near the electric  cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system: 
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in the  “ON” position,
the  electric  cooling  fan may  automatically  start to  run if  the  air conditioning
is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 440)
Vehicles with a smart key system: 
Be  sure  the  engine  switch  is  off.  With  the  engine  switch  in  IGN ITION  ON
mode, the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 440)
■ Safety glasses
Wear  safety  glasses  to  prevent  flying  or  falling  material,  fluid  spray,  etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive  engine wear
due to dirt in the air. 
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4346-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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2.5 L 4-cylinder (A25A-FKS) engine
Engine compartment
Fuse boxes (if equipped)( P. 472)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 437)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 436)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 441) Battery
( P. 442)
Radiator ( P. 440)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P. 440)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 439)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 445)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 
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4356-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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6
Maintenance and care
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine
Fuse boxes (if equipped)( P. 472)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 437)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 436)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 441)
Battery ( P. 442) Radiator (
P. 440)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P. 440)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 439)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 445)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 
Page 436 of 620
4366-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAMRY_U
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park  the  vehicle  on  level  ground.  After  warming  up  the  engine
and  turning  it  off,  wait  more  than  5  minutes  for  the  oil  to  dra in
back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding  a  rag  under  the  end,
pull  the  dipstick  out  and
check the oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The  shape  of  the  dipstick  may
differ  depending  on  the  type  of
vehicle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
2.5  L  4-cylinder  (A25A-FKS)
engine3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine
3
4
5
1
2
3
6 
Page 437 of 620
4376-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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6
Maintenance and care
■Adding engine oil
If  the  oil  level  is  below  or  near
the  low  level  mark,  add  engine
oil  of  the  same  type  as  that
already in the engine.
Make  sure  to  check  the  oil  type  and  prepare  the  items  needed
before adding oil.Remove the oil fille r cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly,  checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap  by turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving.  In the following
situations,  oil  consumption  may  increase,  and  engine  oil  may  ne ed  to  be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
● When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing t he vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When  driving  at  high  engine  speeds  or  with  a  heavy  load,  or  when  driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When  leaving  the  engine  idling  for  a  long  time,  or  when  driving   frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selection P. 548
Oil quantity 
(Low  Full)
2.5 L 4-cylinder (A25A-FKS) engine
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine
1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 lmp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3 
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4386-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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WARNING
■Used engine oil
● Used  engine  oil  contains  potentially  harmful  contaminants  which  may
cause  skin  disorders  such  as  inflammation  and  skin  cancer,  so  c are
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose  of  used  oil  and  filters  only  in  a  safe  and  acceptable  manner.  Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewe rs or onto the
ground. 
Call  your Toyota  dealer,  service  station  or  auto  parts  store  fo r  information
concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the v ehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
■ If oil is spilled on the engine cover (2.5 L 4-cylinder [A25A-F KS] engine)
To  prevent  the  engine  cover  from  being  damaged,  remove  any  engine  oil
from the engine cover as soon as possible using a neutral detergent.
Do not use an organic solvent such as brake cleaner. 
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4396-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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6
Maintenance and care
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If  the  level  is  on  or  below  the  “L”
line,  add  coolant  up  to  the  “F”  line.
(P. 538)
■ Coolant selection
Only  use  “Toyota Super  Long  Life Coolant”  or a  similar  high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-bora te coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota deal er.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually  check  the  radiator,  hoses,  engine  coolant  reservoir  ca ps,  drain  cock
and water pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap  and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
1
2
3 
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4406-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAMRY_U
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects. 
If  either  of  the  above  parts  is  extremely  dirty  or  you  are  not  sure  of
their condition, have your vehic le inspected by your Toyota dea ler.
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap. 
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The cor rect mixture of
water  and  antifreeze  must  be  used  to  provide  proper  lubrication ,  corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging p arts or paint.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and c ause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns. 
Page 443 of 620
4436-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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6
Maintenance and care
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sur e to disconnect
the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connectin g and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the battery.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with a smar t key sys-
tem)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possi ble imme-
diately  after  reconnecting  the  battery.  If  this  happens,  use  the  wireless
remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the engine with the engine switch  in ACCESSORY mode. The  engine
may  not  start  with  the  engine  switch  turned  off.  However,  the  e ngine  will
operate normally from the second attempt.
● The  engine  switch  mode  is  recorded  by  the  vehicle.  If  the  batte ry  is  recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the s tatus it was in
before  the  battery  was  disconnected.  Make  sure  to  turn  off  the  engine
before  disconnecting the  battery. Take extra care  when connecti ng  the  bat-
tery if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If  the  system  will  not  start  even  after  multiple  attempts,  contact  your  Toyota
dealer.
WARNING
■ Chemicals in the battery
Batteries  contain  poisonous  and  corrosive  sulfuric  acid  and  may   produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the ri sk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working  on or near the
battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tool s.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
● Keep children away from the battery.
■ Where to safely charge the battery
Always  charge  the  battery  in  an  open  area.  Do  not  charge  the  ba ttery  in  a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation. 
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4446-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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WARNING
■How to recharge the battery (batteries without vent plugs)
Only  perform  a  slow  charge  (5  A  or  less).  The  battery  may  explo de  if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush  your  eyes  with  clean  water  for  at  least  15  minutes  and  ge t  immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water wit h a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning,  get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink  a  large  quantity  of  water  or  milk.  Get  emergency  medical  attention
immediately.
■ When disconnecting the battery
Do  not  disconnect  the  negative  (-)  terminal  on  the  body  side.  T he  discon-
nected negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) termina l, which may
cause a short and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When recharging the battery
Never  recharge  the  battery  while  the  engine  is  running.  Also,  b e  sure  all
accessories are turned off.
■ When adding distilled water (batteries with vent plugs)
Avoid  overfilling.  Water  spilled  during  battery  recharging  may  cause  corro-
sion.