I've got a little issue with the Temp gauge,
Its started a couple of weeks ago.

When I get in the car in morning and turn it key on, running or not, the temp gauge will indicate to two bars above cold. And moves to normal within five minutes.
And, after a bit of a squirt, 4-5 accelaration bursts, it will move 2 to 2 1/2 bars above normal operating indicated temps,
only completely backing off will make the gauge return to normal.
Coolant levels are good.

I have made any changes to the car other other than a strut brace in 3 months prior.

What the issue, or how do I trouble-shoot the issue - cheapest first.

Either the thermostat is acting up, or the temperature sensor. Any obstructions on the outside of the radiator, like 1 million bugs? lol

Only the temp sensor out of those three suggestion would explain false readings in the morning, how do I test it, or is it cheaper to replace the sensor.

I think you remove the sensor and stick in boiling water and measure the resistance with a ohm meter :) It in the service manual will look it up now for you.

You could disconnect the lead from the temp sensor and measure its resistance when cold, and compare that to a new one. I can't find the normal cold resistance value in the manual, so buying a new one is probably a good option.

EDIT: Sir Sparky might have more luck. lol

Awesome mate, thanks for your time.

Yeah sorry will get on the laptop and figure it out. I just got busy with garden work lol BRB :D

Folks are making me work so I can get the garage back again :(

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/Sparkington/Coolantprobcheck.png

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/Sparkington/Temparturegauagecheck.png

Hope this helps Shoot

My MMAL replacement sensor was about $70 two years ago (it sent our gauge off the clock halfway across the Nullarbor...)

Thanks for that Sparky. I've now found a whole section on the manual I didn't see before! Even has how to code the remote to the car.

No problem just doing my little bit for the forum :D

I wouldn't be pulling the sensor out. First test it on the car by checking resistance when car is cold. Then fire the car up and measure it once car is at normal temp. Easier to test on te car then in a bucket of hot water.

I wouldn't be pulling the sensor out. First test it on the car by checking resistance when car is cold. Then fire the car up and measure it once car is at normal temp. Easier to test on te car then in a bucket of hot water.

Thanks mate, I'd always go for the easiest cheapest way to trouble shoot, I'll clean the connectors first up, then disconnect and check the issue is not with the gauge itself. then I'll do the test you suggest, I'm not gonna drain the coolant if I can avoid it.

Just a heads up, I found the culprit of the temp gauge display.

The earth was loose/dirty, the one that runs from the top of the firewall to the rear head/rockercover.
I added a 300mm long battery cable ($10.00) fron the firewall to the Upper intake manifold support bracket, as part of my audio cabling upgrade.
Smoother Idle, quicker starting and consistant temp gauge.

Glad you found the issue. Best option is to trouble shoot on the car first.