2003 Cavalier quick question...

[Mimic1981]

i have had the car for bout 3 months and ever since i have had it the temp gauge goes up to the 195 marker and stays after about 15 min of driving sometimes it may creep up just a tad, the max temp is 260,is this a normal resting place for that to stay or should it run colder?

[91 bird]

these newer cars tend to run a bit hotter. i have 2 firebirds a 91 and a 92.they both run about 200 - 210 on average. your car sound like it is normal.

[J-Ri]

That's normal. My '04 stays at the first mark under 195, but the gauges aren't extreemly accurate. The thermostat, I believe, is 192 degrees, so you're right where you should be. Sitting still or moving very little for a few minutes, mine will go up a few marks over 195, then the fan kicks on and it slowly falls back to the mark under 195. This is completely normal for cars that show the actual temperature. Most of the ones that stay in the exact center of the gauge aren't linear, there is a wide range in the middle that shows as one spot on the gauge.