94 Firebird overheating

Hey all, I'm having problems with my 94 Firebird and my friend told me that this site was the place to go for answers. But just to give you guys a little background information, I am a newbie with anything that has to do with cars. I'm a first-time car owner and so my knowledge is limited. And I read all the threads on overheating before I decided to post.

Well, I've had this car for a year, and everything has been fine up until a few days ago. One day on my way to class, the Low Oil light came on, but it was only on for like 5-10 seconds tops while I was driving, and then it went off. But then, on my way back home, the light came on and stayed on for the duration of the commute. So I went and bought some oil and filled it up. Now the light doesn't come on anymore, but now the needle on the Coolant Temperature gauge redlines whenever I start up the car. It redlines while I'm sitting idle and letting the engine warm up before I start driving. So, I checked my coolant and it seems to be fine, but I added a little more just in case. But the needle still redlines when I'm sitting idle. So I don't know what the problem is. I was hoping you guys could give me some recommendations or suggestions as to what the problem and solution might be, before I spend the little money that a college student has and bring it to the mechanic. Thanks again guys.

First of all, how much oil did you put back in? Make sure you check the dipstick to make sure it is to the full line and check it occasionally as you may have a leak. As far as the temp. goes, if it really is overheating and not just a sensor falsely showing that it is overheating, when you run the car for a while, make sure your cooling fans are coming on. Pop the hood and look behind the radiator to see if at least one of them is running at temperature. If it is redlining right away when you start the car though, I would imagine it is a bad sensor.

First of all, how much oil did you put back in? Make sure you check the dipstick to make sure it is to the full line and check it occasionally as you may have a leak. As far as the temp. goes, if it really is overheating and not just a sensor falsely showing that it is overheating, when you run the car for a while, make sure your cooling fans are coming on. Pop the hood and look behind the radiator to see if at least one of them is running at temperature. If it is redlining right away when you start the car though, I would imagine it is a bad sensor.
when i first got my 94 bird the temp used to redlin when i sat idle. i got to looking at the fan and all the fan wasnt working due to a wire being cut.i spliced the wire back and capped it now my fan works and never had the problem again

you could just be having two problems..maybe the thermostat is sticking and not allowing the water to go through. when you're done driving, try lift up your hood touch the radiator..carefully. if its hot, i guess its prolly the fan..if its pretty warm or cool your thermostat aint workin.