I have a 2003 Element with Automatic and 256,xxx on the odometer.

I Do Not Have a Flashing D condition

I have a slight hesitation when it shifts from 1st to 2nd gear and this does not happen every time, it's intermittent but seems to be happening more frequently.

Since I do not have a Flashing D, I am somewhat hesitant to replace Shift A and Shift B solenoids but I'm thinking that taking the solenoids off, cleaning the stems and replacing the gasket and orings and see if that doesn't clear the situation up.

I'm asking here because my search didn't come up with very good results and I'm sure people have been through this before. I don't have any codes to go off of for solenoids, pressure sensors, or speed sensors, so I'm thinking the screens in the tubes are probably clogging at times and limiting the available fluid enough to cause a slight hesitation in the shift.

Thanks in advance!

 

The pressure that results from the solenoid activation is measured. Sometimes its pressure converted to current,other times it is indirect,via an expected response time. If your solenoids were affecting shifting,they would very likely code. ( of course there are always exceptions)

I suspect an internal mechanical issue( a leak or wear of some sort)

However your proposal will cause no harm,its as good a place to start as any.......