Ford escort temperature gauge flactuating?

I have a 1996 Ford escort 1.8 si and when the car is running the temp gauge shows just on the 'n' of normal, when idleing it goes up and seems to be overheating as the fan comes on every few minutes, the heaters work fine and the car runs well, it has only done 32000 miles, i've heard it could be the temp sender unit? any ideas?

Answers:
it depends on how high the temp is going up on the guage. fans coming on every couple of minutes is normal for many cars. if it is getting too hot then check the coolant level, if it is low you need to check for leaks - coolant doesn't just disappear. if coolant level is good, try changing the thermostat.
You probably need a new thermostat
Check your fluid level and also see if you need to flush it. Could be your thermostat too. They are cheap to replace and easy to install. So simple a monkey can do it. Yet it could be your guage but then why would your fan kick on? I would make sure your coolent level is up.
could be your temp sending unit. don't worry though somebody on here will be very helpful. have you checked the coolant lately?
Your thermostat could be going bad as well. I actually took my thermostat out of my Ford Windstar a year ago because it started doing the same thing. Check your hoses for any possible leaks, the tiniest pin hole leak can even cause the flucuation. Check your antifreeze & radiator, make sure it has water or antifreeze running through it properly and that there isn't anything clogging it as well.
If the fans are kicking in then you definitely have a temperature problem. Thermostat is most likely culprit. get it checked soon before you cook the engine
It could be the sensor or it could be air in the system or a bad thermostat.
I would change the thermostat, have the system flushed and filled and buy a manual or go to the library for one..and read.
The manuals can sometimes seem cryptic but will generally supply the info for testing the sensors and such.
if the fan is turning on and off while runnin, the engine is fine. it must be the sender unit.
I dunno baby, but I love it when you talk dirty..!

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