i have a 97 CTR, and the temperature gauge reads higher than normal constantly (about 1/2 on the gauge), and will occasionally go about 3/4 of the way up sitting at idle or at a light, and will drop down once car starts moving again.

The waterpump has been replaced already prior to my ownership.

i personally have replaced the following, without solving the issue:

Radiator, hoses, coolant, thermostat (gates brand, not OEM), 1 wire temp sensor (OEM) that controls the gauge.

The cooling system was bled correctly, radiator fan turns off and on as normal but issue still persists. I do not believe the car is actually overheating, but it is still in the back of my mind that it could be.

after researching, i had a suspicion that the gauge cluster could be the issue. i swapped complete clusters out and the temperature gauge on the second cluster reads closer to normal (about 1/3rd of the way up) consistently compared to my other cluster which the temp gauge reads about 1/2 consistently, but on both clusters, temperature gauge will still rise over half at lights or idle.

i am now leaning towards a wiring issue, but why would both clusters read normal operating temperature differently? SOMETIMES when cooling fan kicks on, the temp gauge needle will blip slightly.

i am at a loss on what else to do, HELP!

 

You have TWO issues that are unrelated.

First, your original gauge was likely going bad. Replacing it with one that reads more normal likely solves this issue.
Second, your thermostat isn't functioning properly. Most aftermarket ones don't. Replace it with a Genuine OE Honda Thermostat and the temperature fluctuations should go away. If they don't, you may have an engine problem.

 

Hey, thanks for the reply, much appreciated. I never thought it could possibly be two issues causing this. I assumed it was singular, but your comment makes sense. I do plan on swapping the tstat for an OEM unit, and will try both clusters again and respond back if needed