Hello, I'm new here and I apologize if this has previously been discussed. I own a 2005 Camry 4cyl and recently my transmission has had a rather hard downshift during deceleration. This happens at about 25mph. I've taken it (reluctantly) to the dealer for diagnosis and they told me they couldn't find any faults. The technician reset the transmission, and suggested that I do a drain and refill on the ATF. For a week the car didn't have the hard downshift, sometimes a little bump but nothing as bad as it was. I've since replaced my ATF and the problem has come back. I'm wondering if anyone has had this same problem with this year Camry, and more importantly what was the cause. I've read that the 2006 and 2007 models had TSB's about a harsh 5-4 downshift, but I can't find much on the 2005. Thanks in advance.

 

Here something off the internet that may fit your symptoms:

TC013-05 HARSH 5-4 DOWNSHIFT ON DECELERATION

2005 model year Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with the 2AZ-FE engine and 5-Speed ATM. Some 2005 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 2AZ-FE engine and U250E automatic transaxle (ATM) may exhibit a harsh 5–4 downshift under the following conditions:

ATM at normal operating temperature

After driving above 45 mph (72 km/h)

Decelerating through 28 mph (45 km/h)

The Line Pressure Control Solenoid Assembly (SLT) has been improved to reduce this condition on customer complaint vehicles.

 

That's exactly what my car does. Any idea where I can get something official on that TSB to take to the dealer with me? Thanks again.

 

If you sweet talk the dealer they may look it up together with your VIN number and determine if your car is effected OR if the TSB was already applied to the car (assuming a used car purchase).

AllData would have the TSB online but this cost money, try an internet search on the TSB number, ask at the Toyotanation website.

Sometimes the TSB has extended warranties, other times not. Any fix may or may not be covered by warranty.

 

I've been thinking about doing the Alldata thing. It seems like I may be able to use it beyond this particular issue. Thanks a bunch.

 

definitely a good idea!doing all datathing is better.

 

Purchased the Alldata 1 year subscription, and found the applicable TSB. I matched the VINs on the TSB to my car and took the TSB to the dealer. They say that they still can't find a TSB in the Toyota system. They said that they could still replace the Line pressure solenoid, and guesstimated it to range in the $600 range, but that they couldn't guarantee that it would alleviate the problem. Has anyone on here ever replaced this solenoid themselves, and if so what was the difficulty level? Anybody know what the long term effects of this rough downshift could be on the longevity of the transmission? Probably not good, but I'd hate to spend the cash and then still have the problem.

 

Might check at Toyotanation website for input.

The solenoid is a pull and replace items much like other trans electric solenoids. If you can drop the trans pan you should be able to see it. Comes out from the side of the shift body, if there is enough room to pull it out without removing the body, don't know.

There are a few trouble codes for this solenoid, have you checked for any codes?

Did the dealer state anything about a software upgrade?

It might also be the B3 accumulator, for access the shift body needs to be removed.

Or some kind of sticky valve in the throttle body.

 

Thanks for all of the input. I haven't had time to reply (hurricane). I'm still searching for the solution to my problem. I have noticed that when I disable my O/D that the car doesn't have the harsh downshift (obviously since it can't have a 5-4 downshift when it doesn't shift into 5th). Correct me if I'm wrong but driving my car with the O/D off won't hurt my car as long as I'm not highway driving, 55+?

 

Should be fine, just watch the engine rpm should you decide to go on the fwy.