My daughter has a 98 Neon and says when she is cruising down the freeway sometimes she can watch the temp gauge going up. It stays in the middle most of the time between C and H. I wondered if anyone had any ideas on that?? Tim P.S. She doesn't use the air conditioning.

 

The gauge on the instruent panel is not much more than an idiot light. It's terribly innacurate until it alarms (~225F). Overheating is typically caused by a leak (coolant getting out) or by air in the system. Coolant leaks are most common at hose connections and on the raadiator itself where the end bells meet up with the core. Air usually leaks into the system through the radiator cap as it get older.

Check for leaks, replace the rad cap, verify proper fan operation, and make sure the airdam is still attached and not broken.

Best of luck!

 

Radiator cap, Make sure coolant is full(could be air pocket in coolant system), Thermostat, fans Just about covers it.
Brian