it seems that my temp gauge always works first time i use the car (when its fully cooled down) then until my car is completely cooled off

say i run into the gas station run out restart my car the gauge drops all the way straight down and will not work again until the car is completely cooled off

any ideas on whats causing this

 

Bad coolant temp sensor, guage malfunction, or wiring.

 

is their any certain way i can test the gauge to see if its that that is working or not...... also were is the temp sensor located

 

The temp sensor for the gauge is on the drivers side cylinder head. It could be bad I had the exact same problem with my car and it was the sensor.

 

wire can also get hot there especially if you have headers. check wire terminal for tight onto wire, clean terminal & make sure its snug on the sender. make sure ground straps to motor on back of heads are in place...probably not the guage.....good luck...