My issue is simular but a little different.

I get a hard shift from 1-2(ATX) from time to time but not all the time.

I've done the fluid change and it it seems to be a little smoother but nothing dramatic.

I've removed/poured in 8 quarts through the ATX in the last 2 weeks.

Any ideas or suggestions on improving this 1-2 hard shift ?

btw:
After shifting in to 2nd, all other gears are very smooth.

98 Contour GL/03 ZX3 Focus/05 ZX3 SES Focus