Engine runs cool going down the road but heats up during idle in parking lot

1996 SATURN SL2
210,000 MILES
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DROID0789
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If I'm going down the road the temp gauge drops down just above the first mark, but if I sit for a period of time idling it warms up to the second mark, but then drops right back off as I start moving again
Nov 13, 2011 at 10:23 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Check and test the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor-Are you overheating ?
Jan 22, 2019 at 11:36 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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The half way mark is where it normally runs what is your concern?
Jan 22, 2019 at 11:36 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Also does your ac work?If so turn it on does the radaitor fan come on with the ac?If so then you could have a coolant temp sensor miss reading too low of actual temp.Its really common for the sensors to fail on those cars.Also it only has one sensor so even if it did overheat because of the sensor it wouldnt show on the gauge.
Jan 22, 2019 at 11:36 AM
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