Should be 180 degrees, some work better with 160. The 180 will allow the vehicle to run cooler.
The engine coolant temp (ECT) sensor on that 97 S10 2.2L would be found close to the thermostat.
Next to the thermostat housing.
Next to the thermostat housing.
It should have a 195 degree thermostat.
Could be low on coolant or a faulty thermostat.
If it has a 4.3L engine the temp sensor is located next to the thermostat housing.
AnswerThe thermostat should maintain 195 degrees, + or - 5 degrees.
Replace the coolant temp sensor next to the thermostat housing.
The temp sensor for the ECM (engine control module) is next to the thermostat housing.
Low on coolant, or stuck open thermostat, or plugged heater core, or temp blend door motor in/op.
On the 4.3L it is located next to the thermostat housing. The electrical plug to it has two wires.
The temp sending unit may be at fault.