Mitsubishi: 99 Galant Temp Gauge in the Red, coolant level, mitsubishi dealer

Question
The fan was coming on and everything was normal except for the reading on the gauge. Hence, the recommendation that I get a new gauge.  I just want to see some prices to see how much Mitsu is marking the price up.  Thanks for your help, Dinger.   
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Followup To

Question -
I drove the car another 100 miles that day.  I took it to a Mitsubishi dealer yesterday.  They said I need a new temperature gauge ($156).  I don't even want to talk about the diagnostic charges.  Do you know of any sites that may sell mitsubishi parts?
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Followup To

Question -
Hi Dinger.  I have a 99 Galant ES 2.4 Liter; 4 Cylinder.  This morning I was driving on the highway and after 20 miles or so I notice the needle for the temperature gauge jumping at towards the H and then came to rest at its max level.  I pulled over, opened the hood, saw no smoke, coolant level looked good, fan was not running.  I waited about 15 minutes and drove the car another 45 miles.  Gauge dropped back to mid level once when I had to brake sort of hard.  Went back up once I hit the gas again.  Is it the gauge?  Can I drive it back 65 miles home and to my mechanic?

Answer -
Hi Anderson,

Hard to say really. A temp sender will only send correctly when there is liquid on it. Hitting the brakes hard might have send what was left in the system to the sender causing it to read hot. If the overflow tank was full it might mean there is a leak in and there is no steam because the system is completely or near completely empty. Wait until the car is completely cooled off then open the cap of the radiator. If it is full this could mean a bad thermostat. In any case, I do not recommend driving this more than a block to the nearest garage. They will be able to test the system for leaks. If there are no leaks and the system is full on both sides of the thermostat, then it possibly could be a bad sending unit.

Answer -
Another thing to consider is if the thermostat on the fan is not working, not allowing the fan to come on. If it is overheating at city speeds, but is ok on the highway, this could be the cause. Thousands of sites sell Mitsu parts. Check eBay as well.

Answer
Hey Mr. Anderson,

Tempeture sending unit part number MD091056 for $26.08, Labor time to install .4 of an hour. This would work out to about $75 if they charge $100 per hour.

Follow up: I would try the sensor first, gauges going bad are fairly rare.