temp problems

[h0wam1driving]

the needle on my temp gauge on my dash is on cold
i drove it for a while and it didn't move
normally when i start up the car, i would be in the middle

can anyone tell me whats wrong and how to fix it?

[A20A1]

First check your coolant level
Next check your belt / belt tension for the water pump
Also check your fuse... but I think a blow fuse would effect the whole dash. You can check the wire to the temp sending unit... If you have EFI the temp sending unit is on the thermostat housing... if you are carbed the temp sending unit is on the lower right hand corner of the intake manifold at the rear of the manifold near the firewall.

They both have only a single wire going to the sensor so it should be easy to spot.
Then there is the possibility the thermostat is going bad.


If in the process you detect any coolant leaks fix the leaks, refill the coolant and check to see if the car reaches normal operating temp.