Harsh Downshifting in 2006 Camry LE (Automatic, 4 Cylinder w/75K miles)

[user398]

I just bought an automatic 2006 Camry LE 4 Cylinder with 75K miles from a private owner. He bought it from CarMax a little under a years ago. I noticed that when the car downshifts from say 5th to 4th then from 4th to 3rd (or maybe it's 3rd to 2nd- can't tell) it is very harsh and jerks the car a little. Also noticed that when I am stopped and the A/C compressor goes on or kicks in, and I am at a stop, it jerks the car too. Tranny fluid looks and smells good, but I am just frustrated that there is a big problem. I can answer any additional questions if you need to know something to help you give me the best answer. Thanks!

[user398]

Bump

[islandboy57]

Is there a record of any type of service to the transmission? It uses Toyota type T-IV and I would recommend a couple drain/refills if there's no history of anything being done. The fluid may LOOK okay but that doesn't mean it's still lubricating as well as it did when new. My '05 downshifts very smoothly.

As far as the AC thing, mine does that too. Unless you're one of those people who stop right up on the ass of the car in front of you, it shouldn't be more than a slight annoyance. Mine just moves a little bit forward if I'm not stepping on the brake firmly. They changed the compressor (or how the AC is setup anyway) on the newer Camrys because the compressor kicking in is not nearly as obvious and it doesn't inch forward like mine/ours. Like I said, not a big deal to me but I can see where it's annoying.

[user398]

Thanks for the info islandboy.