dicky temperature gauge

[weeda]

hi guys dont post too often but when i do its usually about a probem!!!! the temperature gauge on the van has started being tempramental! has always been fine it warms up gets to its usual place and stays there has never ever gone above half way!!! well now all of a sudden it has odd days when it decides to go all the way over to the right!!!! usually just after its being started so i know that its not overheating as the engine is cold. it then moves back to half way after a short while then back up to full then eventually once the van is warm finds its "happy" place and stays at its usual spot!!!!
any ideas taking into account i am not mechanically minded!!!
thanks in advance
lou

[syncrosimon]

I had this problem, and it turned out to be the starter battery shorting out on the battery lid. This was caused by a too tall battery being fitted by a garage.

The short out causes the temp gauge to go to full temp, and it goes as quick as it comes.

[weeda]

sorry if these seems dumb but how would i know if this is the case? its hasnt been in a garage lately for anywork doing other than its service but the problem existed before?
cheers

[weeda]

any ideas guys? shall i just put it to the back of my mind and stop worrying until something happens???
lou

[kevtherev]

your temp sender may be earthing or packing up.
so a wiring fault could be the problem (earthing)