Here is a test to see if the temp gauge is no good. When the car is warm, the temp gauge will show the temp even before the car is started. So here is the test. Turn the car to the on position BUT DO NOT START IT. If the gauge reads all the way past red even before you have started it, you have a bad gauge. If it doesn't move, the gauge may be good and the coolant may not have circulated.

Hope this helps
Rich


'96 Mystique, Zetec, MTX.
---Mods---
Removed both intake resonators and airbox. Installed APC air filter and APC crankcase ventilation filter. Removed exhaust resonator.
Installed XM Satellite Radio. Replaced bad alternator and 175a fusible link...much fun!
Intake plenum---GONE!!!!
My car growls louder than yours.
If I can't buy it, I'll build it...Trust Me!!!!