'97 at 145k

My car idles at 1500 on start (in both summer and winter). If the temperature is below the lowest mark, it won't shift to gear 3 when the engine RPM is below 3k. (Not problem to shift from 1 to 2 at 2k RPM.)

When the temperature goes above the lowest mark, everything goes back to normal. I.e. it can shift to any gears at approximate 2k and idle at 800.

Is there a problem or it's a normal? Also I normally drive the car below 2K RPM. (80% of the time.) Is it good or I need to hit it harder like 3K to shift the gear?

 

It's normal.

 

Mine does the same thing. I believe it's an intended programming by toyota.

 

Thank you guys. Because I saw my friends driving all other cars and none of them have this weird shifting behavior.

In order not to make the engine running at 3K from the start, I have to drive on the 2rd gear and drive at 20MPH for like 1-2 miles. It's kind of annoying when there are cars behind you and everyone will pass me with a dirty look...

 

Hahaha, there is no harm done at 3k RPM, just give it a little more gas to shift up.