Temp. Gauge Fluctuations

[kgruber]

I own a 1988 camry, 2.0L automatic. Lately I have noticed the temperature gauge fluctuating quite a bit while driving. every once in a while, after the car has been driving for a while at operating temperature, the needle will slowly climb into the higher regions of the gauge, almost into the red. At this point the radiator fans kick on and the temp. goes back to normal. Like I said, this only happens a couple times a week but here's the kicker! It will do it in any driving condition!! sometimes it happens in stop and go traffic, and other times going 60 -70mph. Running with the heater on will help, but the needle will still fluctuate (just not as severely). any suggestions?

thanks,
Kyle

[Gawa]

I am by no means any type of mechanic Kyle, but I had this very same issue about a year ago and a mechanic friend said that it was most likely the thermostat. Replaced it, think it was about $8, and my temp gauge is nailed to that center line when running at all times

Maybe someone else will confirm this for you, but that would be my guess.

[66conv6]

You have adequate coolant in the radiator?

[kgruber]

The coolant level is correct. I will replace the thermostat this week and see what happens.