I have the first year model of the Ford 500, Limited Edition, with 80,000 miles and the 6 speed transmission. In normal, light duty driving and braking the trans. seems to shift fine. But when I need to come to a quick stop it seems the trans does not shift down properly but instead causes the car to shutter and vibrate as the car comes to a stop as though it is hung up in a higher gear or perhaps not shifting down one gear at a time-possibly shifting down from fourth to first. Thats about the best explanation I can give.

I have changed the fluid in the transmission twice, trying to get most of the old fluid out. This trans uses a special fluid only available from Ford dealers. There is no filter for this trans, only a magnetized drain plug which had very little metal filings on the plug. There is no pan on this trans, but a removable front facing plate that I assume is where the shift solenoids are located.

Can anyone help me diagnose this problem. If it is a shift solenoid, should I attempt this myself? There is very little room to work on the solenoid area between the transmission and a part of the frame of the car.

I am told this is not a Ford transmission but is made by Asian (spelling??) and was originally designed for a Lexus.

Any help will be appreciated.