Engine Temperature Gauge Reads WARM when engine is COLD

[M3BEAST]

The engine is COLD after sitting overnight. Then when I turn the car over. The gauge reads WARM at the 3/4 level right away. WTF?

Is this normal? Sensor is cool. No CEL? Coolant is new with H20 and thermostat is NAPA Quality.

Do DSM engines read WARM/HOT always after a COLD start?

 

[blownturbotsi]

That's not right. Does your car overheat at all? If it does, it could be a water pump or head gasket. If not, then it's probably the temp sensor at the bottom of the radiator or on the thermostat housing, I can't remember which.

 

[FlatlandZak]

Coolant temp sensor is at the thermostat housing.
There is also a temperature sending unit or w/e right next to it.
You could check those out.

 

[RSTeclipse97]

Its gotta be a sensor, i dont care what kind of car you have if its cold and jumps to 3/4 as soon as its started its a sensor

 

[M3BEAST]

Its gotta be a sensor, i dont care what kind of car you have if its cold and jumps to 3/4 as soon as its started its a sensor

What's the spec to check with a DVOM for resistance. Don't want to buy a sensor and then not the problem?

Would exposed wires on the harness be an issue like short to ground on the thermo housing.

 

[lazyazzdaddy]

I just had the same problem and fixed it today.. It was one of two things.. the last owner had wired up the sensor(2 wire) and did'nt use the connector. they just used push terminals which were loose causeing crazy readings in my dsmlink.. I replaced the connectors and made sure they were tight sealed it all up and now no more bounceing of temp readings with dsm link.... also theres a single wire sensor on the bottom of the thermo housing which is the one that controls the temp gauge in the instrament panel. "most likely the cause of your problems." the wire was loose/frayed fixed the wire and it fixed the problem..... hope this helps.