Been an ongoing issue for awhile and it's getting progressively worse. The upshift from 1st to 2nd is pretty harsh unless I really watch it. The RPMs rev too high and if I'm not careful it'll just miss the shift and get stuck in gear until I restart the car.

I went to Advanced Auto, they pulled code P0781 and when pulling up the definitions to the code they pointed at GM and seemed confused when I said it's more likely to match up with the Ford listing. Not 100% positive this code would match directly with Ford, but the description sounds right:

Detected the engine RPM did not drop during the 1-2 upshift.

Probable causes:
1. Poor connection at transmission
2. Open or shorted circuit condition
3. Internal transmission problem

That's it for my diagnosis, any advice? Car isn't under warranty anymore which is why I haven't taken it into the dealership yet.

 

Have a look for JTB00072 (v2, i.e. JTB00072v2)

Dealer reflashes the TCM. Should be quite cheap.

 

I do have GM Trouble Codes and 781 exactly indicates 1-2 Shift Malfunction

 

Why not follow the TSB I posted - take car to dealer and they'll do it for next to nothing.
(It's not a GM car or tranny, btw. AND there's the TSB specifically about this.)

 

I'd follow Jagv8's advice. Jaguar dealership flashed both the TCM and ECU on my 03 STR for $110. Your 03 STR has a ZF trans. (German) using codes germain to Ford due to Jaguar being basically being a Ford product.

 

In my investigations re. another ZF problem, more than once your problem proved to be simple lack of ATF fluid. Worth a look. Hope this helps.
Leedsman.

 

Thing is: there's the TSB that covers exactly that code and is not about a lack of fluid. So it may be worth taking the TSB at face value first. It will likely be cheaper, too.

 

Have a look at Jimmy1's contribution in "General Tech Help" and its associated thread. Could be an interesting read.
Leedsman.

 

I'll call the dealership and ask about flashing the TCM. I know someone who specializes in transmissions and said he'd flush it for $100.