2006 Toyota Camry (4 cylinder) LE, 175,000; At traffic lights and stop signs (really anytime the car is running but stopped) I've noticed that the temperature gauge 'surges' as the tachometer jumps. My camry usually idles just below 1,000RPMs, but has been "jumping to 1,250 - 1,500 intermittently and the temperature gauge then surges from a low reading to a higher reading, then back down once the RPMs goes back to idle - all without any action on the accelerator. The AC isn't running, so that's not it.
I asked AutoZone and O'Reilly's to attach their code reader, and both reported "no codes".
I'm not used to seeing the temperature gauge fluctuate at all, but the heater is working when needed. Any idea if I have a problem?
It's impossible for engine temperature to jump. It changes gradually.
Either there's air bubbles in the coolant, or it's an intermittent electrical problem.
At traffic lights and stop signs (really anytime the car is running but stopped) I've noticed that the temperature gauge 'surges' as the tachometer jumps.
Is the engine actually increasing speed or is the tachometer needle just jumping around? If it's the engine you could try cleaning the throttle body and MAF sensor. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to load test the battery and alternator since it is an 18-year-old car and electrical system problems can cause all kinds of weird issues.
I asked AutoZone and O'Reilly's to attach their code reader, and both reported "no codes".
Looking for codes is just the start of the diagnostic process. What may be more helpful is checking live data for clues while the problem is happening.
Any idea if I have a problem?
Obviously there's a problem and it's going to take some troubleshooting to locate the source.
