Abnormal Temperature changing!

[White_ss]

Hey guys, iv went through a problem today my car was at normal temperature suddenly when i stopped at a intersection the cars temperature suddenly went up to almost the red bad area in seconds, i turnned off the car poped the hood checked the fluid it was full and cool turned the car back on temperature went down then i drove for a while and the temperature kept on going crazy high and low low and high in seconds. anyone have a clue what the problem is i was told to change the temperature sensor?
need a quick response my car is a lumina (Commodore)SS/2006 73,000 KM

thanks

[Hi-Po]

Are your fans turning on?

[White_ss]

Are your fans turning on?

yes they were on even when i turned the engine off.

[pajeff02]

If the gauge was "hot" but the fluid was "full and cool" you either have a sticking thermostat or a bad temp sender. One other possibility, you didn't by chance throw a belt off the water pump did you?

[Smittro]

If the gauge was "hot" but the fluid was "full and cool" you either have a sticking thermostat or a bad temp sender. One other possibility, you didn't by chance throw a belt off the water pump did you?

This... and check the pickup tube from the rez to the radiator and cap.. The hose can get kinked or clogged and not permit coolant to flow back and forth properly between the rezivoir and the rad.. I see it says you're in Saudi, check the pickup tube for dry rot/cracks.. Hot dry air is hard on rubber.. Good luck..

[White_ss]

This... and check the pickup tube from the rez to the radiator and cap.. The hose can get kinked or clogged and not permit coolant to flow back and forth properly between the rezivoir and the rad.. I see it says you're in Saudi, check the pickup tube for dry rot/cracks.. Hot dry air is hard on rubber.. Good luck..

Turned out to be a bad Thermostat now the car is even cooling better then before..thanks for the help guys. and its true it does hit 55 C degrees here

[Smittro]

Turned out to be a bad Thermostat now the car is even cooling better then before..thanks for the help guys. and its true it does hit 55 C degrees here

Nice, glad you got it figured out..

[RyanJM]

Usually the thermostat is the 1st part to go. I got a 160 since I live in TX but 180 is better for colder area's since when it gets under 40 deg. I lose most of my heater

[Too Fast]

Turned out to be a bad Thermostat now the car is even cooling better then before..thanks for the help guys. and its true it does hit 55 C degrees here

Glad you got 'er fixed.

Wow 55C!!!!!! If it gets in the 30s or higher here it's very hot. But we get high humidity also.

[67CamaroRSSS]

55C = 131F. I hope you're referring to ambient temperature. Engine needs to see 160F (71-72C) min to achieve proper operating temperature. Ideal operating temp is 180-195F (82-92C).

[Too Fast]

^^^He says he's in Saudi Arabia, I can believe 55C if so. You should know about 55C also, being you are on the surface of the sun.