I just bought a 2003 Ford Ranger 2.3L with a 5R44E transmission and ~81,000 miles. It has a 2-3 shift flare. Sometimes there's just an increase in RPM, but occasionally it jerks into 3rd gear (especially after a cold start). Downshifting is always smooth. It's worse cold. Once it heats up, if I accelerate slowly and it shifts around 2K RPM, it's better and sometimes gone completely. I first tried changing the ATF and filter. The pan and magnet were clean with no shavings. After reading online, I thought I may have had a blown valve body gasket or stuck solenoid. I decided to just go ahead and install a re-manufactured valve body that came with Sonnax updates and then disconnected the battery for about 30 minutes to try and reset the computer. Wasted my time and money because I have the exact same symptoms as before. I attached a video showing a very mild flare after driving for awhile so it was completely warmed up. I'm certainly no mechanic. I only know what I've watched on YouTube and read in forums. Thanks for any advice.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0d7U...opQKTo1dKyZJtQ

 

Good article to read thru here: https://atracom.blob.core.windows.ne.../2003_5_50.pdf

 

Thank you. I’m going try band adjustments next.