Hard shift 1st to 2nd.

I'm hoping I can get some help. Im having a hard shift 1st to second gear on automatic transmission with 2rz engine. Its not extremely hard but definetly can feel it. 2wd 2004 tacoma 2.4l

 

my standard advice on an auto that starts shifting funny is to take it to a reputable shop right away before it pukes and requires a full rebuild. i waited and mine failed a few weeks later.

 

You can try replacing the transmission fluid.

 

Mine is a 3.4l, so I'm not exactly sure if the automatics in the 2.4l shares the following characteristic or not.
I purchased my '03 new, and it's always had a bit of hard shift to second especially when cold. When cold, mine will not shift into second until one or two things happen.
1. The temperature of the coolant hits 131dg (have an ultragauge)
2. The rpms reach around 2,200 rpms
Once it's warmed up, the shifting is much better.

Post I did about this back in 2016
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/delay-in-shifting-to-2nd-auto-when-cold.463179/

 

I'm feeling mine be worst after warming up. I did check the transmission fluid and its preety dark. Ima try changing out the transmission filter and fluid uncluding the rear end and see what that does.