I recently purchased a 1999 ES300 with 65,000 miles. The problem I'm having is that the transmission will not shift into overdrive until the engine is warmed up. I did a search and keep reading that this is normal. I've been a long time ES300 owner and this is the first one to have this problem. Prior ES300's owned include 1992, 1995, 1996 and 1997. None of them displayed this problem.

Did something change with the programming on the 1999 model? Does anyone know if there is a dealer program update for the transmission on this year ES300?

There is no CEL on, no stored codes and no mechanical problems with this car.

From searches I ran, I read that this is programed in to protect the transmission until operating temp is reached. I just don't buy that, nor am I willing to live with it.

Has anyone addressed this issue or know what the fix is? any help would be much appreciated.