It sounds like a bad Temperature Sensor or the Gage It's self.
Try replacing temperature sensor
1996 prelude temperature gauge reads low temp
probably the sensor
The most common reason for a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus odometer and RPM gauge to stop working is a fuse. If the fuse is removed from the dash and replaced, often times the odometer and RPM gauge will begin working.
on the side of the radiator
Bad temperature sending unit? Bad gauge?
If the gauge isn't working, then the sending unit has failed.Easy enough replacement and doesn't cost much.See "Related Questions" below for more
Could be the coolant temperature sensor.
Check connector and wire for shorts/breaks.
In the middle (about 195 degrees).
sending unit
age of car - although be careful that you do not have any leaks anywhere - this happened to me in a slot canyone in UT - the truck i had blew up