For some reason my engine temp gauge almost never reads above the first normal operating temperature line (the bold one just slightly right of dead vertical). It ocassionally goes a bit over while idling for extended periods. On the highway it is only 1/3 of the way up. If the gauge is working right, then I don't really see a problem with it operating a little cold. I'm not sure if the gauge is off though, and I don't want to have my engine overheat. Is there a way to test to see if it's working right? Should I just not worry about it? The only mod I have in a k&n cone intake. Your thoughts?

in either scenario, you may see temps that appear erratic.

I would just replace the black temp sensor on the coolant pipe under the Idle Control Valve for starters to see if it fixes the problem.

If you continue to run cold, you may have a problem with the viscous clutch on the fan. If it becomes locked-up, the fan will always run and the engine will run cold.

Another possibility: wrong temp. index on the spark plugs. Spark plugs can absorb a lot of the combustion heat and radiate it through the head. If your plugs are running too hot, the plug is absorbing too little heat and radiating little heat to the head creating high combustion temps but low coolant temps. The opposite applies when plugs run too cold.

If it does lock up, replace it ASAP or it may shatter the fan blades, cut your timing belt, put a nice dent in your hood, & leave fragments of plastic parts all through the engine bay. Just a little suggestion so you don't end up stranded like I did.

causing long warm-up times and CEL's when the coolant became too cool while "coasting" (i.e., using little or no accelerator) down long down hill grades.

it actually sounded pretty cool when I throttled up & it would turn at the same speed as the engine. I definately had problems warming the car up too.