engine temp gauge reading

[The 0ther Asian]

i have a 1991 4wd 4runner and i noticed something strange with my engine temp gauge. I just got done driving a friend home and on the way home in some snow and i noticed the gauge was all the way near the bottom as if the engine was cold. I know the engine was not cold cause i drove it for about 30-45 minutes.So then i decided to turn off the heater and see what happened the gauge started to go up but only up to a quarter of the way. i don't know if having the heater on or if the snow outside made a difference but usually the gauge sits in the middle. Any help or comments is appreciated. Thanks

 

[the_dingman]

Check your coolant level, that could either be a fluke, or a really bad sign...

 

[chip4rnr]

i have a 1991 4wd 4runner and i noticed something strange with my engine temp gauge. I just got done driving a friend home and on the way home in some snow and i noticed the gauge was all the way near the bottom as if the engine was cold. I know the engine was not cold cause i drove it for about 30-45 minutes.So then i decided to turn off the heater and see what happened the gauge started to go up but only up to a quarter of the way. i don't know if having the heater on or if the snow outside made a difference but usually the gauge sits in the middle. Any help or comments is appreciated. Thanks

Check the the connector of the temp gauge and see if water is leaking from the temp sensor

 

[fourwd1]

First thing would be to check coolant level.

 

[lancakyl]

Of course check the coolant.

One thing my dad has always said in this situation, is to check your ground wires. When you start having electrical problems the easiest thing to do is to check all of your grounds and then check all electrical connections. See what that does.

How was the 4Runner running during this time? Was the heat at a good, hot temperature?