check the antifreeze
If your engine thermostat sticks open it will run cooler on your temperature gauge and you won't see the temperature gauge go up to the point where your engine thermostat opens and then the temperature gauge will show a drop in temperature , your check engine light will probably come on , your gas mileage will be less , the heat from your heater probably won't get as hot If the engine thermostat were to stick in the closed position your engine will overheat ( but there are several other causes for an engine to overheat )
Low coolant level which causes an air pocket in the engine.
Yes, coolant leaks can cause the temperature gauge to act erratically. When coolant levels drop due to a leak, the engine may overheat, leading to fluctuations in temperature readings. Additionally, air pockets can form in the cooling system, disrupting the flow of coolant and causing inconsistent temperature readings on the gauge. It's important to address coolant leaks promptly to maintain proper engine temperature and function.
The temperature gauge in a vehicle can fluctuate while driving due to changes in engine load, speed, and coolant flow. When accelerating or climbing a hill, the engine generates more heat, causing the gauge to rise. Conversely, when coasting or driving at lower speeds, the engine may cool down, leading to a drop in the gauge reading. Additionally, variations in the cooling system's efficiency, such as the operation of the thermostat or the radiator fan, can also contribute to these fluctuations.
If this is about a car: the heater in a car is basically another radiator, but this one sitting inside the car. When you turn the heater on you draw heat from the engine and into the car. If you aren't running the car hard enough the temperature in the engine will drop.
check fluid levels
The heater core is just like having another radiator, only smaller. Once you turn your heat on, and force air through the heater core with the blower motor, the engine's coolant's temperature is lowered, and circulated back to the engine, probably right where the temperature sensor is located.
because the fan cools the engine...
Temperature gauge may drop when heater turned on because additional coolant from heater core is introduced to cooling system - usually this coolant is cooler than what is currently circulating
Could be lots of things. You should have it checked for codes. The temp gauge problem would make me think of a possible temp sensor problem. It should be located near the thermostat housing.
The thermostat is failing.
For drop C tuning, a common and recommended string gauge is 11-56.