Odd problem

My 06 tacoma's temperature gauge is rising abnormally a couple of times when I am stuck in traffic or travelling at low speeds. I have run a diagnostic and checked to make sure I did not have any leaks and the fan is working fine. It is not happening consistently but every so often it will rise like that again. From looking online I am thinking it is a faulty thermostat since it is just happening sporadically but wanted to check and see if anyone has had this problem or can point me in the right direction if you know of something else that can cause this? (edit: The coolant level and system is also working fine)

 

I had a similar issue with an F150 I used to have. I would get sporadic temperature spikes. Replacing the thermostat completely fixed the problem.

 

Welcome to the forum

I would try a new t-stat, this is one of the items I don't have much trust in the aftermarket for so I would get an OEM one, remember to get the gasket/o-ring too.

 

Figured I would update incase this pops up and anyone else needs it. I replaced the thermostat and it helped slightly reduce the spiking but I was still having issues so a friend of mine who is a mechanic came over and helped me run a pressure test and bore the cylinders to check the head gasket. Turns out head gasket 6 was leaking so unfortunately I am in the process of swapping the engine, but I did appreciate the suggestions.

 

But you stated the coolant level was fine. I'd get a 2nd opinion before swapping the engine. Maybe it's the fan clutch?