Hyundai Repair: 05 Tucson high cold idle, maf sensor, question thanks

Question
QUESTION: 2.0L, auto, 28k miles. I know cars idle at a higher rpm when its cold.  Mine whenever it gets below 40F will idle at 1800 rpm for a few minutes then take a few more minutes to get down to 1200 where I can put the auto into drive without slamming the transmission.  The dealer once found the MAF sensor out of limits, replaced it and it worked normal (1200rpm cold start) all winter then next year now does the same thing with no codes stored.  Dealer said they wont replace anything without a code.  1800 is just too high, and even 1200 is high normally but it comes down quickly, I think It'll damage the tranny on those 35F mornings when I just can't wait 5-6 minutes for the idle to lower.  Any ideas I can share with the dealer?  Thanks

ANSWER: This is normal operation.  As you've alluded, idles are higher when it's cold.  This is because gasoline is harder to ignite at colder temperatures.  Shifting into gear at 1800 RPM should not damage the transmission and should not cause a harsh engagement.  If you are indeed experiencing a harsh engagement, you may have a problem with the transmission or its controls.  

As far as not replacing anything without a code, I'm not convinced.  While what you've presented doesn't necessarily indicate a problem, a qualified and experienced technician should be able to assess whether the conditions your vehicle exhibits are normal (provided the technician has the opportunity to experience the symptoms in person).  If abnormal, the technician should be able to accurately diagnose and repair the problem, even if no diagnostic trouble codes are stored.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the reply.  If this is normal, then why was the cold idle 1200 all winter the 1st year,suddenly go to 1800, and then after the MAF replacement  return to 1200 all winter? There was a direct effect on the cold idle after replacement that stayed fixed for a year then next winter returned to 1800.  The dealer techs saw it but since the MAF was now reading normal and no codes, no fix.  1800 seems a very high idle for this vehicle and waiting 5 minutes to get to 1200 or lower seems unusual also doesn't it, never seen that before?

Answer
Not being present to see all the circumstances and fuel system data, it's hard for me to say.  One possibility is that it's coincidence.  If it was colder leading up to the MAF replacement and then a little warmer after, that could explain the difference in RPM.  This year, it's been especially cold in many areas of the U.S.