Aztek Temperature Gauge

[Lukewend]

My temperature gauge is going crazy. When the car is turned off the temperature gauge rests at above halfway. Wham I start the car the gauge shoots over the red and into the gas gauge area. My car does not overheat I think it is just a sensor issue. Any ideas??

 

[melsg5]

The gauge is defective, the sensor only sends a signal when the engine is running it wouldnt cause a halfway reading when off.

 

[Lukewend]

Thanks, sould be an easy fix i it is just a defective gauge?

I only mentioned the needle is at the halfway point when the car is turned off because when the engine is off because the needle should fall to the bottom.