[iyaoyas]

New to this gang. Just bought our first which is and 03 with the v6 with an auto trans. I have noticed it shifts somewhat hard or maybe solid into 2nd gear. The heavier the foot when taking off the harder the kick, and at times to the point where it will bark the tires. In my younger days this would be cool, now days it flashes potential repair $$$ in my eyes. Should I be concerned or is this a common characteristic of this vehicle?

[GuitarstarX7]

Mine does that but because it is tuned for that. Before, the shift was more gradual. Is yours tuned or anything?

[iyaoyas]

Not sure if has been tuned. Just purchased it and it appears the only changes to the vehicle have been the tires. It is bone stock. How could I determine of it has been tuned?

[MineralIronHors]

A hard shift is actually better for the transmission because there is less heat and friction caused by the slipping gears. No grinding or metal on metal sounds right? Maybe the previous owner put in a shift kit or J-mod? I'm no mechanic but that is a possibility. I have the J-mod and mine chirps 2nd sometimes as well, even without a tune.