temp. guage not working or engine not warming up properly?

[sasaki]

my engine never seems to get as warm as it used to. if i let my car warm up for a long time the needle on the guage will climb to the middle but as soon as i start driving, it starts to drop down cold and the heater doesn't blow out hot air.

is this normal for a '96 engine or is there something that i should have checked/fixed?

note: located in western NY and it has been very cold lately

thanks for the help!

 

[defvayne]

make sure you check the fluids in your radiator:antifreeze
and it might be the thermometer thats messed up. Do you hear your fans cut on when its warm? But i never had that problem here in houston cause its hotter than hell most of the time.
check hoses and fluids and the thermometer. You might not know if the car is is getting hot or not with out the thermo not working.

 

[anekin007]

might be a bad thermostat...

 

[TripeoXxX]

I got the same problem execpt my needle does not move at all.