The temperature gauge in my 97 integra has a mind of its own. It is running at 3/4 temperature and very quickly changes temperature depending on RPM and when I put the the fan on in the car, it shoots up a little bit. Its not natural for the gauge to be reacting that quickly. The car is low on oil but I dont think that could cause the gauge to jump so erratically. Any suggestions?

 

Maybe the temp sensor is going out, or it could have a short in the wire and is grounding out somewhere.

 

Thats what I figured. I was going to check the hoses today and the thermostat just to be safe and even out the oil and coolant as well. Where is the temp sensor so I can test it?

 

****UPDATE***

Drove it about 4 miles from school, the needle went as far as it could possibly go and overheated. I had to drive it home to pick up some books and stuff for class that I was already late to, otherwise I would have pulled over and gotten a ride. Overflow tank was full of boiling coolant. Upper hose was bulging and piping hot BUT the lower hose was warm to the touch and I could wrap my palm around it. Me thinks the thermostat is bad. Im just hoping I didn't warp the head.