99 altima - water temp gauge bouncing around

[timp]

A few weeks ago I noticed my temp gauge starting to bounce all over the place. When I come to a stop it usually settles into a normal reading. It seems like its the revolutions of the engine that seem to set it off to bouncing around. Any ideas as to what this might be?
Thanks

[IH8SPM]

Check your radiator hoses for leaks or the readiator itself. If that checks out to be ok check the fluid in the radiator when the car is COLD or has not been used in at least 2 hours. Add fluid if neccessary and check the return bottle as well for both things mentioned above.

[apilacik]

Hello, I was reading your message and it turns our that I seem to have the same proble. I wonder if you ever found a resolution to your issue.

Thanks

[humbem]

I had the same problem with my '01 when I bought it. They replaced the coolant temp sensor and it was fine. They mentioned that the connector to the sensor was loose when they went to replace it as well. Whatever the case, whatever they did fixed the problem. Note that there is one coolant temp sensor for the computer and one for your guage. I don't have a part diagram for the car yet, so I can't point you in the right direction. SORRY!!! Hope I helped at least a little bit.

-Mike

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Hello, I was reading your message and it turns our that I seem to have the same proble. I wonder if you ever found a resolution to your issue.

Thanks

[kblk1822]

I would check the fluid level, my altima was doing the same thing and it was because i had a hose leak and there was no coolant in the radiator at all.

[jserrano]

Like many other people, I also had this problem, and the fix is simple. The problem is that the wire connection to the temperature sensor becomes loose on the spade terminal of the sensor. It is a one-wire connector. You'll have to disconnect the wire and tighten down the female connector just a tiny bit on the wire and also clean off the oxidation on the spade terminal on the sensor.

Mine it working beautifly after the fix.

[Thomaswildchild]

This seems to be the problem that im having too, Where would I find the sensor or perhaps a diagram that will show me. Thanks in advance.

[jserrano]

Just about any major auto parts stored will have it. The sensor is on the water outlet tube that connects to the top radiator hose on newer Altimas. It is located on the back of the engine on older Altimas.