I have a 2005 ford taurus that seems to have similar problem(s). At Freeway speeds of 70 to 80 mph the transmission light/message will come on saying "check transmission." Only at this time has it come on, not during stop and go traffic.
Without the message on, accelerating from a stop it seems to take an extra second to change from 2nd gear to 3rd ( I think that is right- it is usually around 40 mph) even from slowing to make a turn then speeding back up it does this.
The car has 120k miles on it. and is a 2005 Ford Taurus 3.0L 182CI V6 FI VIN: U - OHV.
Any thoughts would greatly be appriciated