Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly has a slidable valve member which responds to a selectively energizable solenoid coil and a spring to control the opening and closing of pressure and exhaust ports through movement of the valve member. When the pressure port is fully opened, the valve member is seated against a solenoid stop and port member. The solenoid stop and port member includes a central flow passage which serves as the exhaust passage for the valve assembly. The flow passage is surrounded by a valve seat area which includes a frusto-conical surface having a recess or groove formed therein. The frusto-conical surface and the groove therein reduces the flow forces imposed on the valve member which generally operate to assist seating of the valve member. By reducing the flow forces, the unseating force necessary to open the exhaust port is reduced resulting in lower spring and magnetic forces.