I know this has been addressed, but I want to confirm replacing my Tstat AGAIN is what I need to do.

The temp. gauge doesn't budge at all when I drive, but there are no CEL indications throughout the drive. I thought if the engine was running below 130* it would throw a code? According to my temp gauge, it's well below the 130 mark. The needle stays at home the whole time.

Now, is it ONLY the thermostat that would correct this? Is it possible that a sensor is loose, or the connection to the gauge is bad?

 

Could be a bad gauge, that would be my first guess. cuz if your t stat was not running correctly wouldnt your truck overheat? looking at it this way though, if its not your t stat its no big loss shouldnt be more that 20 bux. Id suggest investing in a radiator cap temp gauge, i have one and i look at that more than my temp in console. Cost only 25, just screws on.

 

I think even if the tstat was stuck open it would be above 130. And you are right , it would throw a code and not run real well. So I would check wiring and connectors to the gauge or gauge itself like mohawk said.

 

yeah i know whatever it is, is a pretty easy fix. it's just finding it is what I have trouble with.