Toyota Repair: Temp gauge 1994 Corolla, electric cooling fan, gauge needle

Question
I have a 1994 Corolla, 4 cyl, 5 speed manual trans, with 153000 miles. I just bought the car which has had very little use for the past 2-3 yrs. The temp gauge stays on cold when the car is moving, but when sitting with the engine at idle for a few minutes the gauge needle moves up to midway between cold and hot. When i start moving again it drops back to cold and stays on cold. When stopped for brief periods, say at a red light, the gauge continues to sit on cold. The car runs well and has heat from the heater. Any suggestions as to what the problem might be? Thanks.

Answer
Check the electric cooling fan and make sure it doesn't stay on all the time or doesn't turn on at all, the cooling fan should only turn on when the engine gets to normal temperature, this may also be caused by a thermostat or a partially restricted radiator.