Why does my temperature gauge go up in my car when it's idle?

Question

Why does my temperature gauge go up in my car when it's idle?

Answer 1

because of less air flow over the radiator to cool it off causing the temperature to go up.. normal if goes up a little.

Answer 2

you may be low on coolant or the coolant fans not working properly,thermostat not opening all the way, take and get it looked at

Answer 3

Your Rad Fan is not working:  

Answer 4

open hood and look at coolant level...

Answer 5

Because the coolant is not circulating as well at lower RPM's.

Up a little, no big deal, on smaller engines it's pretty normal, especially in hot weather.

Up a lot, could be a problem. Possible causes:

- Coolant low (DO NOT CHECK while hot, allow the engine to completely cool, make sure it's topped up.)

- Stuck thermostat, should only run you $20 or so for the thermostat and gasket.

- Water pump going bad, let's hope it's not this but could run $100 or more and is a pain in the A to replace.

- Some condition in the engine casing the engine to run hot, esp. at idle (tune up or other mechanical problem.)

Answer 6

open your radiators cap when it's running and see if the water is flowing like it should ! Be careful the motor isn't hot !!!!  if it's not!  its the thermostat not opening which won't let cooler water in and will get hot while idling. if you got water moving but slowly.  flush your radiator out and put new antifreeze in about 1 gallon then fill with water