temperature gauge spiking?
 

Odd goings on just now... I had been driving for about a half hour when I came to a stop at a red light. After a few minutes right as I started off again the check gauges light came on and my temp had spiked all the way into the red. Before I even had a chance to react, it returned to just a hair over the middle. I had about 10 minutes left to go, it did it once more.

Something wrong with me thermostat?

Loose wire or the sensor for the gauge is going. I don't know where the sensor is on the '00, might be the one on the pump housing.

I'm guessing its an easy fix once I figure out where it is...

Loose wire, yeah. The plug popped off on my '92 a while ago. Not sure if the sensor is bad, i guess it would depend where it is.

The engine coolant temperature sensor on your 2000 is on the thermostat housing. Check the ECT sensor connector for security, then detach the connector (with ignition OFF) and check the pin cavities in the connector for corrosion.

i think im having this problem. my sending unit had broke where the plastic connection is on top, making my gauge work intermittently. so i got a new one plugged it in all with engine off and now it just stays pinned. so idk. i was thinking maybe the plug still isnt making a good connection and could just be corroded from having a loose connection for a while?!?!? idk

A 2000 4.0 does not have a sender just for the gauge, it uses the coolant temp sensor in the thermostat housing.

mine is a 1993 sorry