Temperature Gage on fritz? Or is it a real problem?

[bad2127]

Whenever I'm in my car, the temperature gauge either stays on zero or goes up half way and then goes back down. Not immediately, but gradually. Sometimes the heat will take a while to come on and other times it doesn't come on at all. Is the temperature gauge just messed up or is there something up with the thermostat?

 

[eagle_talon90]

Sounds like it's something with the gauge itself. Are any other gauges acting wierd? Check for any loose electrical connection or a bad ground or something. The engine coolant temp. gauge unit is plugged in the thermostat housing, you could check that out to see if it's broken or something.

 

[Lofty]

Sounds like the thermostat is stuck open. Why don't you try replacing that, it's really cheap.