Hard shift from second to third

First thing to check would be the trans oil level
To little oil will cause it not to shift
And worse case the torque converter needs replacement

can try a filter change but issue can be in the valve unit --pump --or simply worn clutch packs

Are there any DTC's - diagnostic trouble codes ?in the PCM / BCM ? You have third an fourth below 50 mph but above 50 it down shifts to 2nd gear ,is this what your saying or you don't have 3rd or 4th gears at all ? Which engine did yours come with ? 2.2 L or 4.3 L You trans can set several DTC'S an not all will turn on the check engine light .
DTC B2722 (4.3 L) DTC P0218 (2.2 L) DTC P0218 (4.3 L) DTC P0502 (2.2 L) DTC P0502 (4.3 L) DTC P0503 (2.2 L) DTC P0503 (4.3 L) DTC P0705 (2.2 L) DTC P0706 (4.3 L) DTC P0711 (2.2 L) DTC P0711 (4.3 L) DTC P0712 (2.2 L) DTC P0712 (4.3 L) DTC P0713 (2.2 L) DTC P0713 (4.3 L) DTC P0719 (2.2 L) DTC P0719 (4.3 L) DTC P0724 (2.2 L) DTC P0724 (4.3 L) DTC P0740 (2.2 L) DTC P0740 (4.3 L) DTC P0741 (4.3 L) DTC P0742 (2.2 L) DTC P0742 (4.3 L) DTC P0748 (2.2 L) DTC P0748 (4.3 L) DTC P0751 (2.2 L) DTC P0751 (4.3 L) DTC P0752 (4.3 L) DTC P0753 (2.2 L) DTC P0753 (4.3 L) DTC P0756 (2.2 L) DTC P0756 (4.3 L) DTC P0757 (4.3 L) DTC P0758 (2.2 L) DTC P0758 (4.3 L) DTC P0785 (2.2 L) DTC P0785 (4.3 L) DTC P1810 (2.2 L) DTC P1810 (4.3 L) DTC P1860 (2.2 L) DTC P1860 (4.3 L) DTC P1870 (2.2 L) DTC P1870 (4.3 L) DTC P1875 (4.3 L) .
Shift Pattern This category contains the following topics:
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One forward gear only

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Two forward gears only

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Gear missing or slipping

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No upshift or slipping upshift

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No downshifts

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Non-First gear start

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Refer to First Gear Range Only - No Upshift .

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Refer to Third Gear Only .

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Refer to Second/Third Gear Only or First/Fourth Gears Only .

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Refer to Slips in First Gear .

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Refer to Slipping or Harsh 1-2 Shift .

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Refer to No 2-3 Shift or 2-3 Shift Slips, Rough or Hunting .

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Refer to No 3-4 Shift, Slips or Rough 3-4 Shift .

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Refer to No Part Throttle or Delayed Downshifts .

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Refer to Second Gear Start .

Auto Trans not shifting correctly from 2nd to 3rd - Ford Explorer ...

www.explorerforum.com > ... > Under the Hood

May 8, 2004 - 19 posts - ‎9 authors
Auto Trans not shifting correctly from 2nd to 3rd Under the Hood. ... Become an EliteExplorer. Lithuania. 1999 5.0. Join Date: Jun 2003. Posts: 107 ... When this happens, the transmission will skip to the next gear like you said.

Transmission Harsh shifting - YouTube

? 3:59
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAoiL4vR8Qw
Jan 13, 2013 - Uploaded by James Burns
... Doctor, explores the causes of harsh shifting in automatic transmissions. ... Early diagnosis is important to ...

Hard Tranny Shift between 2nd & 3rd - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

www.ford-trucks.com > ... > Super Duty & Heavy Duty

Feb 24, 2012 - Hard Tranny Shift between 2nd & 3rd Super Duty & Heavy Duty. ... I just got a new to me 99 f250 5.4 V8 SD XLT 4x4 Auto Trans longbox 118k miles. ... it out and said it was solid except for a hard shift between 2nd and 3rd gears. ..... Hard shift between 2nd and 3rd, Brenda Lamka, Explorer, Sport Trac, ... hard shift 2nd to third gear only 4r100
Dec 26, 2012
hard shift into 3rd
Nov 4, 2009
4r55e 5r55e Ranger / Explorer Transmission Problems - CLICK ...
Mar 15, 2007
00 Expedition trans shifts late and hard

You need new clutch

Here is what the service manual says about the EPC solenoid, the processor looks at allot of different inputs to command the solenoids, such as Throttle Position Sensor, Vehicle Speed Sensors, Transmission Range Sensor and RPM signal, The PCM controls the shift patterns for the transmission. Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid
The electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid is located on the main control valve body and is controlled by the PCM. The EPC controls line pressure used to apply and release clutches and bands in the transmission.
The 2-3 shift solenoid is located on the main control valve body and is switched on and off by electrical signals from the PCM. The 2-3 shift solenoid activates the 2-3 shift valve which controls the automatic shifting between second and third gear. Second gear is established when the 2-3 shift solenoid is switched on. The 2-3 shift solenoid is switched off when vehicle speed increases and requires a second to third gear upshift.
The 3-4 shift solenoid is located on the main control valve body and is switched on and off by electrical signals from the PCM. The 3-4 shift solenoid activates the 3-4 shift valve which controls the automatic shifting between third and fourth gear. Third gear is established when the 3-4 solenoid is switched off. The 3-4 shift solenoid is switched on when vehicle speed increases and requires a third to fourth gear upshift.

For Automatic transmission problem,click the link below:---- Automatic transmission troubleshooting:----

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

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Automatic transmission shift lever issues?-------

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL? --

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-check-automatic-transmission.html

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-change-automatic-transmission.html

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Transmission fault light on car dash?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/transmission-fault-light-on-car-dash.html

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Transmission shifting problem?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/transmission-shifting-problem-on-toyota.html

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Transmission Slips out of 2nd gear?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-slips-out-of-2nd-gear.html

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OD light flashing and transmission fluid leaking?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/od-light-flashing-and-transmission.html

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Why Transmission fluid leaks near radiator?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-fluid-leaks-near-radiator.html

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Transmission fluid leaking?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-windstar-transmission-fluid.html

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****** wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

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Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

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Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

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This will help.

Thanks.

If you are trying to get out of 4x4 and your truck is parked, probably it would not change the gear. You have to try the following: If it is standard shift, start the truck change to second and third gear, then try shifting off the 4x4. I think the same works for the automatic transmission.

Remember go got to be driving in order to get the 4x4 off.

Either the fluid is low or you have a clogged trany filter or are starting to loose your transmition.If it is just low on fliud you will ruin your trany if you keep driving it with this condition.Check your fluid level with the engine running and if it is low fill it to the full line and test drive.

from the car manual:

Tum the overdrive switch on for good fuel
economy and smooth driving. If engine braking
is needed in the "D" range or if repeated
upshifting and downshifting between the 3rd
and 4th gear is needed when climbing a
gentle slope, it is recommended that the
overdrive switch be tumed off. Tum the
overdrive switch back on immediately afterward.

When the overdrive switch is tumed on, the
transaxle will automatically upshift to the second,
third and overdrive gears. When the overdrive
switch is tumed off, the transaxle will not
upshift to the overdrive gear. For normal driving,
the selector lever should be left in the "D"
position and the overdrive switch tumed on.
If you need to accelerate rapidly, press the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. The
transaxle will automatically shift to a lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed and load.