Toyota Repair: 1990 4 runner high rpms, lockup torque converter, mechanic friend


Question
QUESTION: My 4 runner recently started running at higher rpms than usual. Usually it runs around 2200 to 2500 @ 100kms and now it's closer to 3000. It's also a pig on fuel!
My husband 92 4runner is a lot lower in both rpms and fuel consumption.
Any idea what the cause could be? Could it be the cold start sensor staying open since winter has now set in?
Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: It sounds like the overdrive is not engaging and it's staying in third gear, does the engine get to normal operating temperature, if not it may be a good idea to replace the thermostat because if the engine runs too cold the overdrive function is disabled.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The OD is working fine. I disengage it with the OD button and it goes to third, I put it back on and goes into OD. This was one of the first things I checked. A mechanic friend I spoke with mentioned something about a part locking up and staying locked instead of releasing like it should. (torque converter I believe).
He said it might also be a sensor or the cold start injector?

I appreciate any help or insight you can give.
Thanks.

Answer
There is a possibility that the lockup torque converter is the problem, it would be unusual but it is possible. At converter lockup the rpm is usually reduced about 300 rpm so if the rpm seems to high the converter may not be locking up, another reason can be a tire size so if tires were replaced recently it could be the cause as well especially if they were smaller tires than original.The reason for the lock up converter is to reduce rpm and so cause better mileage, higher rpm will result in more fuel consumption.