1996 explorer erratic temp gauge

[mattpresley]

I have a 1996 exploder automatic with the 4.0 motor. I do have a slow coolant leak(gotta top off every couple weeks). My issue though is my temp gauge. It bounces from cold to overheating and back. Especially with the heater on(kinda need it, just got a foot of snow where I'm staying). I'd stop the truck and check it out and it definitely was not overheating. IDK whats up with this damn gauge. any thoughts on what the deal is???

 

[cobainfan90]

Mine did the same thing I have a ranger tho...a new thermostat should do the trick

 

[4.0B2]

thermostat
or low coolant..
or air pockets

 

[mattpresley]

Mine did the same thing I have a ranger tho...a new thermostat should do the trick

Hmmm right on. I'll switch thermostat. Thats a relatively cheap and easy fix.