Temperature Issue 2002 Trans Am WS6

[Zedtwentyeight]

I broke white lightning out today for the first time in a month or so. She started right up and I was immediately flooded with joyous memories of using her as a daily driver. It was about 32-34 degrees in sunny Syracuse today. During my short 15 mile commute to work the bird gave me some trouble. I was cruising about 72 mph when my check gauges light came on. I checked my gauges. I was shocked to see the temp showing 260. I had the heat on, but it was still blowing cold about halfway through my drive. Then about 30 seconds later (after my panic attack), the temp went back down and the heat was working. Two minutes later the same thing happened. I got off my exit and the temerature didnt fluctuate for the 2 miles of stop and go driving. I'm confused. Thoughts?

Thermostat?

coolant sensor?

Something else?

Also, it's been a long time since I have posted anything, so hello everyone.

[Ant71130]

Could be a number of things, have the code read and let it point you in somewhat of a direction.
Probably nothing too major; it doens't sound like it.

I used to live in Oswego, and boy do I NOT miss NY lake effect. I'm still daily driving mine

[Zedtwentyeight]

The check engine light isnt on. We have 60 degree weather all week. After that i am sure the snow will start flying and the bird will be back in her cage. Makes me cry a little every time I have to cage her.

[Redrokit8]

Just for the heck of it, gently tap the thermostat housing with something not too heavy. With luck it could be a stuck thermostat that will unstuck itself. Crazy advice but I had a stat stick and as a result a cooked transmission due to no coolant through the trans cooler lines.

[pajeff02]

Sounds like a bad thermostat. FYI, your stock temp gauge is a POS and can be off by quite a bit. A scanner or aftermarket gauge is your best bet for an accurate temp reading. Also, a laser temp gun can be used underhood to verify temps.