Trunk lid and rear spoiler- removal, installation and adjustment

Note: The trunk lid is heavy and somewhat awkward to remove and install — at least two people should perform this procedure.

Removal and installation

1. Open the trunk lid and cover the edges of the trunk compartment with pads or cloths to protect the painted surfaces when the lid is removed. Remove the trim fasteners all around the trunk lid trim panel (see illustration) and remove the trim panel.

Note: Slide the emergency trunk release handle through the trim panel.

13.1 Remove the plastic fasteners that secure the trunk trim panel

Toyota Camry Body | Trunk lid and rear spoiler- removal, installation and adjustment

2. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the backup lights, license plate lights, taillights and back up camera (if equipped), then unplug the harness at the front of the trunk lid.

3. Remove the hinge trim cover fasteners (see illustration) and covers (if equipped). Scribe or draw alignment marks around the trunk hinges (see illustration).

13.3a Remove the plastic hinge trim fasteners

Toyota Camry Body | Trunk lid and rear spoiler- removal, installation and adjustment

13.3b Draw around the trunk hinges with a marking pen before loosening the bolts to ensure proper alignment of the trunk lid when it’s reinstalled

Toyota Camry Body | Trunk lid and rear spoiler- removal, installation and adjustment

4. With the help of an assistant, remove the hinge-to-trunk lid bolts from both sides and lift off the trunk lid.

5. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to align the hinge flanges with the marks made on the trunk lid during removal.

Adjustment

6. After installation, close the lid and see if it’s in proper alignment with the adjacent body surfaces. Fore-and-aft and side-to side adjustments of the lid are controlled by the position of the hinge bolts in the slots. To adjust it, loosen the hinge bolts, reposition the lid and retighten the bolts.

7. The height of the rear of the lid in relation to the surrounding body panels when closed can be adjusted by loosening the lock striker bolts, moving the striker up/down or left/right then re-tightening the bolts (see illustration). Note: Make a reference mark around the striker before making adjustments.

13.7 Loosen the bolts and move the striker as necessary to adjust the trunk lid flush with the body in the closed position

Toyota Camry Body | Trunk lid and rear spoiler- removal, installation and adjustment

Rear spoiler

8. Open the trunk lid and remove the trim panel fasteners and trim panel (see illustration 13.1).

9. Working through the trunk lid opening, remove the spoiler mounting nuts.

10. Place masking tape around the edges of the spoiler and the body, then using a heavy gauge fishing line, feed the line around the edges of the spoiler and use a sawing motion to carefully cut the double-sided adhesive along the edges of the spoiler.

11. Once the adhesive has been cut, use a plastic trim tool to disengage the mounting clips and remove the spoiler.

12. Clean the surface of the trunk lid and spoiler, then apply new double-sided tape to the edges of the spoiler.

13. Align the mounting clips on the spoiler with the mounting holes. Verify the spoiler is straight, then install the spoiler to the trunk lid. Install the mounting nuts and tighten them securely.

14. Remaining installation is the reverse of removal.

  • Pages

    open all | close all