Ford Repair: transmission filter, transmission filter, transaxle

Question
so i got a 96 contour with some shifting problems and sometimes a crazy signal from my overdrive light.
i bought a new filter, dropped the vertical trans pan, but ooops, no filter to be found.
if you know whats up please help.  do i need to continue to crack the trans from the front(inside the pan) or not?
keep in mind please im not a mechanic and i dont like springs, lol.
also, do you know if a cylinoid relay or somthing of that sort could be causing the prob?.

thanks,
brad

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
 The CD4E transaxle in the Contour/Mystique/Cougar has no service procedure for the transaxle pan and filter removal. The filter is located in the center of the transaxle and can only be removed at transaxle disassembly. the pan should only be removed for repair or adjustment of the transaxle if necessary.
As far as your light goes.....have a scan tool equiped garage check it out for fault codes.
Hope this helps,
Erik