As has been proven by recent posts on the subject the temp gauge is not
reliable or consistent amoung different vanagons.  Some common problems
with the guage are: bad voltage regulator at back of insturment cluster,
bad temp sensor, shady electrical connections.  The only reliable way to
see if its being under or overcooled is to use a remote thermometer
available at radio shack for $40.  Use the temp sensor only as a relative
gauge of coolant temp, if it goes way up from your "normal" then you may
be overheating.  BTW, mine runs almost at 3/4 and i know for sure its not
overheating.  So as you can see knowing what everyone else's gauge is at
normal operating temp will not be useful and may be even more misleading.

-Andrew FOx

On Tue, 9 Apr 2002, Joe Tu wrote:

> I live in Socal, so not super hot weather here, and my gauge seems to run
> about 1/3 up, well below the red light. Is that normal? Is my van running
> too cold? It will go up to half, over the light, in city driving, or if
> stopped for a while. The thermostat was replaced not long ago. Also, I
> recalled when I was driving on a trip through a colder area, say 10-20
> degrees F, the needle would be way down there, almost nothing, is that
> normal or is my thermostat not working right? or was it due to me having the
> heater on?
>