Drumstrong

My 98 Cherokee, 225k miles, has been running hot, 220-225 but never overheating for last 2 months.
New wp, tstat, 50/50 mix. Oil good. Runs great.

There's an electrical issue causing the clock to dim for 30 sec, then on fully and repeat inconsistently, engine both on or off. This started same time, two months ago along with my dash lights, now on again after being off for 6 months.
All this affecting temp gauge, I think?

Drove for 30 min, turned off for 25 min...temp gauge stayed at 220.
Should have cooled off at least half way?
Electric cooling fan on after 210, seems to be acting normally.
I don't know if engine is actually hot or this electrical prob causing misreads in sensors/temp gauge.
Temp send sensor (only 1 up front by tstat) not replaced yet.

Any thoughts other than temp sensor?

Thanks.

CompleteCherokee

could be a faulty sensor or gauges. I'd get one of those laser thermometers and check the cylinder head when running and compare that to the gauge

djb383

R the rad and fan clutch old? Point the infra red temp gun at the t-stat cover.