i'd guess the automatic transmission mode selector switch/sensor.
it attaches around the gear selector shaft at the transmission and relays the gear info to the computer. when it's buggy or defective, it won't necessarily send the correct info to the trans computer.
a couple of common symptoms of this are
*gear selector lights not in sync with the gear selected
*harsh up and down shifting, especially to begin with upshift from 2 to 3, while 'manual' shifting seems to work fine.
here's a link to a post of mine that includes a number of links, including back here at automotive forums and the FAQ.
perhaps it will help in your diagnosis
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...&Number=902938
//bc