Temperture guage goes from 180 to 260 and bounces back and forth. The service engine soon stays on constant. The check guage light goes on and off when the temperture goes red line.

I would be concerned as the fix now may be simple (like checking the engine oil and water in the radiator (not the reservoir). check fan belts and condition of belts .or the remedy repair will be less costly. Ignore the warning and the budget will be blown

check vacuum and then spark plugs and wires

Take off the belt & feel for the water pump bearing

Could be a faulty temp sensor. You should have the computer scanned for trouble codes and check the sensor operation.
Also make sure the radiator is full of coolant.

connector may be loose at the temperature sensor. connector should be snug on the sensor. If necessary, bend the terminals carefully to make firm contact. If this does not solve the problem, you may want to replace the sensor. Please let me know if you have questions, and thanks for using FixYa.

1.8 liter engine:
1.9 liter engine:

Hi:
Usually your oil light doesnt come on unless you have less than 10 lbs of oil pressure. You either have a bad oil pressure sending unit, or your engines oil pump is bad. The only way to verify your engines oil pressure is to buy a direct reading pressure guage and install it on your truck, or have a mechanic check your engine oil pressure. Eitherway, you need to do something soon, because the long term effects of running with low oil pressure will ruin your truck engine.

CHECK for a switch near ur crankcase

My Name Is Phil Call Me And Give Me More Details 870-718-8850

it moves back and forth even if its at a half a tank when i take off it goes to full and when i slow down it goes to e