1st to 2nd gear shift is a hard shift, it is intermittent and I have had a transmission shop evaluate it and test drive but they didn't think it had anything to do with the transmission, they put it on a computer and there were no codes.

Go for the manual they are easier ti repair.

Bands are stretched and sorry say about time start looking for reasonable priced trans shop..

It sounds like you may have a bad synchronizer gear. Unless you know how to take down a transmission and replace it I'd visit a good reputable shop to get their opinion and estimate.

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Jcb Service Manuals

If this is a manual transmission, you may have a problem with the synchronizer. You will need to take it to a transmission shop to evaluate the problem correctly.

The flushing could make it worse

I never flush a trans,could put sediment
into solenoids

Have a trans shop diagnose & replace the
clogged or failed solenoids inside the pan

The transmission is failing here, you need a transmission repair shop tech to drive this and give you the finale word but i think you will need a transmission rebuild.

it is very likely this is being cuased by worn shift linkage and not the transmission itself, check the shift rods and bushings for being excessively loose, also any trans repair shop will do a test drive and give you a free diagnosis in hope of getting the work, things are tight right now. please rate this.

You are going to need a transmission shop. Mazdas do not always throw codes. You have an early OBD transmission, which do not send out many codes.

Dont think they changed it yet but the older chrysler units had a rod that went from the throttle linkage to the transmission (maybe a cable now)...If you lengthen the rod it will increase shift pressure and give you an earlier shift.