Temperature gauge reading hot but car is not overheating

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The coolant temperature sensor can cause problems as well as a bad connection to it or shorted wiring. You need to keep in mind, there are two coolant sensors on this vehicle. One is for the gauge in the vehicle and the other is for the computer. The one you need to focus on is on the rear of the engine cylinder head. I attached two pictures to help you locate it.

To replace the sensor, you will need to partially drain the coolant from the engine. Here are a few links you may find helpful. They discuss symptoms of a bad coolant temperature sensor and how in general one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-coolant-temperature-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-coolant-temperature-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Here is a link that explains how to drain and flush a cooling system. I am adding it to help with the draining of the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe