2001 chevy venture 3.8 liter.70k miles. On recent roadtrip noticed that temp gauge was reading only a couple of ticks above the C. Had driven 15 or 20 miles. then later it dropped all the way below the C mark. Heater is still working ok and coolant levels are good. I thought that it might be sending unit, but would this not throw a fault code and case the service engine light to come on? Could it possibly be the themostat. Though I dont see how as I should get some kind of indication from temp gauge, but I dont know as I am not a mechanic. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

Performance of the heater is a good indicator of real engine temp. Cold = cold air and too hot = cold air output as the bubbling coolant doesn't transfer much heat. This gauge is probably giving you bad info. Don't know but there may be two for sending info near engine thermostat. Check connections there. True, if the car's puter thought the engine was stone cold it would make wrong adjustments and would think it would run like junk. Dash gauge could also be the problem without operational problems,

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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