After my car has been running warm for about 10-15 mins the temp gauge shoots up to hot and stays there for about 5 mins, then it goes back down to normal for 5 mins, and back up to hot. This process keeps repeating itself the whole time I am driving. The radiator is full of coolant, the fans are working properly and the engine doesnt seem to be overheating. Does anybody know what can be wrong? The car also has 175,000 miles is there anything in particular I should look for? Thanks in advance.

 

my guess is you need a new water pump

 

Replace the water pump and you will be good to go, chief.

 

I'm having the same problem with my '91 SE. Is there any way to check the water pump? I just had my water pump changed @ 2 yrs ago.

 

Try banging on the dash (not real hard mind you)and
see if it will drop. This sounds exactly like my 89 and
I was able to cure it for a while by tightening the
screws on the back of the gauge.