Transmission hard downshift

[gal54uk]

2004 LS V8 sport with 65K miles. Not driven hard. Occasionally I get a very hard downshift after hard braking. typical situation: Speed about 30 mph, coming up to a junction with a car in front. Car in front suddenly decides he/she wants to turn so jams on his brakes which makes me brake hard as well. Transmission downshifts with a real jerk - just like dropping into a low gear on a manual transmission and then lifting the clutch quickly.

I've read a number of threads about transmission problems and wonder if this is just a case of slow system response to the throttle. I see someone drives in D4 in town and my problem may be because I normally drive quite gently. (Saving the planet and my gas bill ) I'll give the D4 a try.

I also read somewhere that there was a recall about adding a special additive to the transmission, or replacing the fluid with Mercon V. Do I already have Mercon V?

Another question: how do dealers do a fluid exchange? Are there other Ford products that use the same no-dipstick type of transmission?

 

[joegr]

I can sometimes make mine do this by hitting the gas pretty hard right after hitting the brake hard. I think that's normal, however you seem to be describing something a little different.

Is engagement of reverse kind of harsh? If so, your solenoid assembly may be the problem.
I had the additive added to my 04, but two or three years later the solenoid valve assembly had to be replaced.
The transmission came from the factory with Mercon V.

The dealers have a fluid exchange machine. Yes, lots of Fords have no dipstick transmissions now.

 

[Gus_Mahn]

There's a plug within the plug on trans pan. The inner plug has a stand pipe that is used to check the fluid level. You fill the trans, warm the trans, remove the center plug until fluid stops running out, and it's full.

 

[gcwimmer]

The new BMW's don't even have a engine oil dip stick, sign of things to come.

 

[gal54uk]

I can sometimes make mine do this by hitting the gas pretty hard right after hitting the brake hard. I think that's normal, however you seem to be describing something a little different.

Is engagement of reverse kind of harsh? If so, your solenoid assembly may be the problem.
I had the additive added to my 04, but two or three years later the solenoid valve assembly had to be replaced.
The transmission came from the factory with Mercon V.

The dealers have a fluid exchange machine. Yes, lots of Fords have no dipstick transmissions now.

Thanks - it sounds as though the hard shifting is normal under those conditions. Shifting into reverse is OK unless parked on a slope without the parking brake on. Think I may get the tranny fluid changed anyway.

 

[joegr]

... Shifting into reverse is OK unless parked on a slope without the parking brake on. ...

Which is why you should always use your parking brake. It auto-releases. The only thing that could make it more convenient would be if it auto-set too.