This car must be cursed or something. One problem after another keeps popping up. THIS TIME its a temperature issue. So, the first start up after it sat all night the temperature gauge jumps up to a little over half. This doesnt make sense. Cant be hot if it sat all night. Temp sensor possibly? I also noticed a little bit of white smoke from the front of the engine (i guess technically its the right side b/c FWD) I removed the engine cover, no more smoke (huh wtf) I took off radiator cap and started the car. No bubbles formed. bubbles only came out when I squeezed upper radiator hose. Both fans come on when I turn A/C on, when A/C is off fans stay off. WHAT COULD BE WRONG NOW!
I should also mention that the gauge goes up to just barely under H after about 5 minutes or so. I turn it off when it gets there dont want to risk it.

 

Let's hope it's a defective temperature sensor or temp gauge and not the PCM.

To test the sensor disconnect the sensor's positive wire from the temp sensor and check the resistance as follows.

Sensor positive terminal connector to engine ground...

Cold reading should be around 137 ohms (134 degrees).

With engine at operating temperature should be around 46 to 30 ohms (185-212 degrees).

If the readings are substantially off... replace the temp sensor sending unit.

 

Will it read with only key on or does the engine have to be running?

 

It will read either way but off is best. Best bc if the sender wire is shorted too long with the key on by accident it will damage the gauge. For some reason if the temperature needle is peg on hot too long that's what happens.