I have a 2001 Forester (automatic transmission) and lately have noticed the following problem. In the morning, as I first leave the house, the car shifts fine between 1st and 2nd gears, but from 2nd to 3rd, it's really harsh. It kind of stays in 2nd gear a bit too long, then lurches into 3rd. 3rd to 4th is no problem. This happens only in the morning.
10 hours later as I leave for home, the weather is a lot warmer, and there doesn't seem to be a problem -- at least not as pronounced.
Temps in the morning here have been around 65 degrees. By the later afternoon, it's around 88-92 degrees (Central Virginia). The car has a little over 43,000 miles on it.
Any ideas on what the problem may be, and how to address it?
Thanks!