temp gage not working

o.k. i fix one problem heres comes another,,started the 1995 bonnieville with 153000 this morning as soon as i turned the switch on the temp hand jumped all the way to the right to 280. this was before the motor was even running. as i drove it the hand did not move. i seems like that gage is mal functioning, all of the other gages are working,, what could be the problem??????

To test the gauge, disconnect the temp sensor connector and turn ignition on. The gauge should do it's normal startup sweep and then remain at minimum. Turn ignition off, jumper (short) the two temp sensor wires, and turn ignition on. Again, the gauge should do it's sweep then read maximum. If the results match the ones described then the sending unit is no good. If the results differ it is either a faulty gauge or a shorted wire somewhere along the line.

yea i did the test it was the new temp gage so i put the old one back in.it has been running fine so far but i know the check engine lite will start commimg on again

The Check Engine light indicates a problem with the monitored parts of the engine, not the gauges. Take the car to Autozone and have the codes pulled. They do not charge for this service. Or if you know anyone with a scantool... borrow theirs.