Harsh or Soft 2-3/3-2 Shift Feel

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Aztek and 2004 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Checks	Cause
DEFINITION: One of the two following conditions occurs during a second to third gear steady throttle upshift, or a third to second gear coast, or a light to moderate throttle detent downshift: Harsh shift feel - an unacceptable quick gear change occurs. Soft shift feel - an unacceptable long gear change occurs.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Level, soft shift only	Low fluid level
Transmission Main Line Pressure	Low or high transmission main line pressure
Oil Filter Assembly, soft shift only	The oil filter assembly (100) is missing, plugged, or damaged. The oil filter seal assembly (101) is missing or damaged.
2-3 Accumulator Assembly	Misassembled upside down 2-3 accumulator assembly Damaged or missing 2-3 accumulator piston oil seal ring (137B) A damaged or missing 2-3 accumulator piston cushion spring (143) or outer spring (138) A stuck or binding 2-3 accumulator piston (136B) Debris in the passages of the accumulator cover spacer plate (134)
Control Valve Body Assembly	Debris in the passages of the control valve body (301) or control valve body spacer plate assembly and gasket assembly (396) Missing or mislocated #4 or #9 ball check valves (372) Misassembled 2-3 accumulator valve (340-345) line-up Stuck or binding 2-3 accumulator valve (344) Missing, damaged, or misassembled 2-3 accumulator valve bushing (345), bore plug (343), or retainers (342, 385)
Driven Sprocket Support Assembly, soft shift only	A plugged third clutch oil passage in the driven sprocket support assembly (609)
Third Clutch Assembly	The input clutch housing oil seal rings (628) are missing or are damaged. The third clutch ball check valve assembly (724) is missing or is damaged. The third clutch piston (642) is damaged. The third clutch piston inner seal (641) is missing or damage. The third clutch plates (645-648) are worn or misassembled.