i drove my car today for the first time in over a week. i drove it for about 1/2 an hour and on the highway, but the temp gauge never got above 150*. i know having a motor run cool is good, but how good can it be when i haven't done anything to it to make it run cooler?

there's plenty of coolant, and even though it's somewhat cold outside it still should be up to 210* like it always has been. is my gauge bad maybe?

the weird thing is i left it idling in the driveway, and it got up to 210*. the fans aren't stuck on, still plenty of coolant. why will it get to full temp when idling, but not get over 150* when driving?

 

i would vote for a new T-stat. I just went through 5 Stant stats from two local places on my suburban due to failure so now i'm off to the stealership to buy one for around $7 and try that out.

 

My old camaro did the exact same thing, i'm pretty sure its the t stat. You don't get any heat either

 

my truck did that...it means u need a thermostat like they have alrdy said...and like at stop lights/signs the heater would start blowing cool...talked to my auto tech teacher said that it is the thermostat.

 

that was definitely it. and for once, a $3 part actually fixed my car. i'm so excited.

thanks folks.