[blazes9395]

This hard shifting/no-lock-up is usually commonly caused by a couple of things, or either of the two things. Usually if you restart the vehicle, the problem will go away for awhile and then come back. Sometimes it will only do it when the vehicle gets warm. If it is doing it when it gets warm, its usually an indication that the TCC Apply valve is worn.
What is happening is the the PCM(Powertrain Control Module) is commanding the TCC(Torque Convertor Clutch) to begin to engage, lock-up. As this is happening the PCM is monitoring the slip of the clutch. If the the TCC apply valve is not stroking as required, usually becasue its worn out, the PCM is noticing to much slip. At this point, the PCM will go into limp mode, the transmission will shift up too only third, and there will be hard shifts. its designed like this to reduce damage to the transmission. Sonnax industries makes a correction kit to fix this, and my opinion is the best fix if this is your problem. With this, the valve body must come out of the car and be fixed on the bench.

The other cause to this hard shifting problem can be caused by a bad or faulty EPC(Electronic Pressure Control) Solonoid. If it is found that this is the problem, then all that needs to be done is the EPC solonoid replaced and you should be good to go. This solonoid is found on the side cover, on the valve body.

With either cause to to be found, you have to have an transmission capable scanner and you have to have someone willing to honestly tell you what the problem is(assuming they can diagnose it properly too). Many tranny shops are relunctant to just replace the valve or solonoid becasue if the transmission was driven like this for long and was damaged, soon after it will be back to the shop. At this point, the customer is usually convinced that you damaged or didn't fix their transmission properly, and it becomes a nightmare for the customer and the shop for that matter.