Hyundai Repair: Coolant System, coolant level, hyundai elantra

Question
I Have a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. The water temp gage on the dash shows that the car is running hot. It goes up when the car is in motion. When I come to a stop light the gage drops to normal, then upon acceleration it goes back up. To keep it from getting to hot I must keep the heater to max with the blower on 2 or 3. this seem to stabilize the temp?

Answer
You should start by checking your coolant level.  If the coolant is low, that'll create some odd symptoms.  The coolant temperature sender cannot properly read coolant temperature if it's not immersed.

If the coolant level is okay, you want to do a basic inspection of the workings of the cooling system.  With the radiator cap off, start the car and observe the system.  When the system reaches operating temperature, you should see the coolant start to flow in the radiator.  A short while after that, the cooling fans should come on to keep the coolant at the appropriate temperature.  They should then cycle on and off periodically.