Read through some old threads and my issue seems a little different. Instead of the guage just going dead, mine , left idleing, will come up to normal temp but once I begin to drive, it goes down like the thermostat is stuck open. Any thoughts?

 

Bump

 

How far down does it go?

Of course the engine temp will fall some as the car is moving.

 

If I let it idle up to temp, it stays put. But the minute I start to drive, it drops tobetween the cold limit and the firsttick mark.

 

Mine fluctuates some as well, depending on temp outside.

Probably just need to replace the coolant temp sensor. You can also try cleaning the connector on the temp sensor, sometimes they get a little corroded. The sensor is a cheap part, few dollars, so i would start with cleaning the connector and then replacing the sensor.

Mine acts similar to yours, I have yet to fix it, I figure as long as Im on the cool side it shouldn't be an issue, if It was overheating I would be a little more worried.

In the summer at idle, my guage goes up close to half. Then when driving its about 1/4.
In the winter at (long while) idling, it goes to maybe a quarter, and about the first tick orslightly higherwhile driving.

I am leaning toward the sensor. When the car is warmed up, the thermo pretty much stays open anyway, so I dont think that would cause such a large change on the guage.

 

Thanks- At least I am not the only one. I will try changing the sensor this weekend. I will post if it works.