engine temp gauge is LOW

[95.camry.le]

95 Camry LE
297000 miles

this past winter I noticed that my engine temp gage was always hovering at/around/below the lowest mark of the gauge. my car would take so long to reach levels above the lowest mark at idle and during driving, it would often decrease in temperature (due to cold air cooling???). Often times after a few minutes of driving the gage would dip down to the lowest mark or even below. I noticed that until the temp gage reached a certain point, I could only drive in lowest gears (1st, 2nd gear) ...causing high RPMs.

is this indication of a problem? in the years past, my engine temp would always hover around the middle even during the cold east-coast winters. not so anymore! whats going on here? is this typical of gen 3/4 toyotas that are aging?

im not an expert, just looking for insight that may save time/money.

thanks, steve

[toyomoho]

Sounds like the thermostat is stuck open. Long warm-ups, low coolant temps/coolant temp varies (as per temperature gauge indication). The O/D will also not engage at low coolant temps. Common problem, low cost repair.

[95.camry.le]

tks for the info.
i should also mention that when i am driving and come to a stop with idle (like at a red light) the temp gauge will slowly climb up to a normal range...but when i start driving again it dips all the way down.

does this shed anymore light on the issue?

thanks.

[Eye8Pussies]

yup...sounds like the thermostat

[Mike Gerber]

As Toyomoho and Eye8Pussies said, replace the thermostat; it's stuck in the open position. These are the classic symptoms. Replace it and the gasket (actually an o-ring) and then thoroughly bleed the cooling system. I always use Toyota OEM thermostats on my cars, since they aren't much more money than aftermarket. Do it soon, as this is also decreasing your fuel mileage.

Mike

[95.camry.le]

thanks everyone!