oil temperature gauge

[wkucardinal]

My engine temp gauge seems to fluctuate constantly in the 50% range between hot and cold. Sometimes it will get up toward hot, then 5 seconds later it will drop below mid range, then it will be in the middle. This doesn't necessarily correspond to the cars performance. Sometimes I see all of these behaviors while cruising at the same constant speed of 60 mph. It's not overheating. What's causing this? COuld it be low on antifreeze? (I haven't checked yet.)

I Just got the car not long ago, and my mechanic lost some antifreeze when inspecting the alternator. I topped the coolant off with prestone 50/50 premix. Could this be cuasing the problem? That stuff is supposed to mix with any color/any mix.

-B

[freakinbox]

faulty temp sensor?

[REN69]

I remember one of my cars doing that when the thermostat starts to fail.. once it fails it's either stuck open or closed.

[rezzle]

It may have been topped off but what you are describing is a typical symtom of low antifreeze.

Wait till the car cools and check the level, you may have to top it off some more.

[Flashmn]

you might have air in the system.

[freakinbox]

I would also like to point out since I noticed the title, it's not your oil temp it reads the temp of the coolant.