Is this engine braking?

[major_major]

My 2007 v6 camry le (auto transmission) was in the shop for engine flare issues. After i got it back i noticed that around speeds of 20-40 mph, when i released the accelerator, the car would decrease in speed as expected, and then suddenly spike up in speed for an instant, and then decrease again, then spike again. The spikes are very brief, but they're so unpredictable that it seems to be pretty dangerous to drive like this, especially when the accelerator is released and i'm ready to brake. Is this the result of some sort of downshifting, and the spikes in speed are when the car is changing gears?

[JSM1284]

When you say spike in speed, Are you referring to Engine Speed (RPM's) or actual Speed (MPH)?

[major_major]

You know, that's a good question...and i think it only spikes in RPM, but the speed remains stable, instead of slowing down like it should

[Rapid Roy]

Originally Posted by major_major

You know, that's a good question...and i think it only spikes in RPM, but the speed remains stable, instead of slowing down like it should

Automatic transmissions shouldn't slow down the car at all when you take your foot off the gas. It should go into coast mode. The spikes in RPM is the tranny downshifting and RPM matching. It really sounds like the TSB helped smooth things out.

[geoff5093]

I know the Gen 6 Camry's do downshift as you slow down, to assist in the braking. However it's not major like you would see people do in a manual, it shouldnt go above 2K RPM's unless you for instance are cruising at 40mph, come to a steep hill, apply the brakes, and your speed starts to rise, the transmission will downshift to a point where the RPM's are about 2.5K.

I know it does that on mine at least. Same thing when you use cruise control, if you go down a hill it will downshift to try and maintain that speed.