Engine heating problem

[young_gun_ws6]

I have an 02 TA and was driving to school today and my engine started kicking in and out. I had been driving for about 15 min and the temp gauge showed that the engine heat was on the peg below 100. So I started whatching it and after a while it would go to 210 then the check engine light would come on for a second and the temp would redline and immediatly go back to 210 then drop back below 100. It did this twice on the way to college (about a 25 min drive). The engine got worse as far as it kicking in and out, like there was a fuel problem or it was missing. I have no Idea what is wrong with it, any guesses would be great. I'm stuck here at college until I figure out if it is going to be alright to drive.

[2001NBMZ28]

I'd check the ECT sensor/wiring/connector on the drivers side head by cyl#1. If the wiring and connector look OK replace the sensor - it's easy to do and not expensive. Check engine (SES) light or check gauges light came on? See if you're getting an ECT sensor code.

[young_gun_ws6]

Actually I got in it and drove it again, it wasn't the ses light but the check gauges light. Now a new problem has formed, it is idealing anywhere from 1500-2000. Thanks for the help.

[Orcus79]

it sounds very likely that a sensor might be having issues ie still oppareting with in set limits but throwing the comupter off, could possibly be the maf sensor but my knowledge so far on trouble shooting these motors is limited.

[2001NBMZ28]

The PCM uses the input from the ECT sensor for several things...and the gauge gets it's reading from the PCM via the ECT...I'd replace the sensor. Thinking you should be throwing an ECT code too?