1999 Taurus shifting issue

My brother decided to buy a 1999 Ford Taurus wagon with the 3.0l and when he took me for a drive in it it seemed to shift fine 1st thru overdrive BUT when we go to stop for a red light it felt like it had a hard shift into 1st gear when slowing to a stop is this the Vehicle Speed Sensor that could cause this or could this be more serious issue, I'm Sure someone has had this problem and found a solution and could help out he figures it's a trans service and band adjustment that could be the cause so if anyone has any insight please help

Did either of you check the level and condition of the transmission fluid? If the fluid has a strong odor or is more orange than pink, you might start by changing the transmission fluid and filter (don't flush it) and see if that helps. Otherwise my guess would be a worn valve body/shift solenoid pack.

-Rod

No i haven't checked it out as he doesn't live with me and he comes by every weekend and like i said he just bought it i don't think he checked it though as he said that he was going to take it in and get the fluid/filter changed and bands adjusted so i just went with it it seemed to drive fine when we took it onto the highway and local city driving just that seemed to have a hard downshift into first when stopping.

Thanks