Temperature gauge reading HOT. Is the gauge the problem?

[tlg777]

2000 Esteem 1.8 temp gauge started reading HOT. I installed new 180 degree thermostat and a new radiator cap. I flushed cooling system with water and put in 50-50 mix antifreeze and water. The radiator didn't appear to be clogged or constricted -- water flowed freely although a bit slow. Used meter and read resistance of ECT sesnor. Readings are: 464 ohms between center pin and ground and 1490 ohms between the two outside pins.

I compared the Esteem's engine temperature with a 2007 Honda CRV and a 2000 Ford Explorer after allowing all three cars to reach operating temp then touching the radiators at top and bottom and the radiator hoses at top and bottom. In all three the top of radiator and top radiator hose were hot while bottom of radiator and bottom hose were much cooler. I did not feel any great difference in engine temperatiure by touching various parts of the cooling system.

Could the problem be the temperature gauge in the instrument panel? Is there a procedure to verify its operation?

Could the problem be the ECT sensor even though its resistance readings appear normal?

What would running without a thermostat do in regards to this problem?

Is there a combination temp sensor and temp gauge available that I can install in place of the ECT sensor / temp gauge? I had to use one of these on my Explorer when the gauge on the instrument panel went bad.

Thanks

[jim_naisium]

If you can find an after market analog temp gauge that will screw into the same hole, that would tell you if your gauge is malfunctioning or not.

[Isuzuzuki man]

If you can get your hands on a scanner read the engine temp the ECT is telling the ECM. The gauge is probably from another sensor, not the same as the ECT.