Coolant temperature gauge issue

[jet_dogg]

I would change the sensor before I did anything else.

[jbfrancis3]

Seems like your coolant temp gauge is at 1/4 to begin with even with engine off. Perhaps the gauge itself has deviated from "zero" and need to be physically nudged back/zerorized? Unless you computer also tells you the same wrong temp

Totally agree. With ignition off (like you have in 2nd pic) the needle should be full-left (like the fuel gauge). Seems the issue is confined to the instrument cluster.

[sapote]

The engine was cold to the touch but the upper radiator hose seemed very hot.

Which part of the engine was cold? Sure the head was hotter than the upper hose. How hot was the lower hose -- held in hand for 1 minute?

[yhp2009]

Seems like your coolant temp gauge is at 1/4 to begin with even with engine off. Perhaps the gauge itself has deviated from "zero" and need to be physically nudged back/zerorized? Unless you computer also tells you the same wrong temp

[Circa Surviven]

I've noticed over the past two days that my coolant temperature gauge goes to the 3/4 mark. I googled this and looked through the threads. I have already replaced my water pump and thermostat. I also noticed that when I start the car the gauge is already at the 1/4th mark and quickly got up to the half way point before my oil even started warming up. The engine was cold to the touch but the upper radiator hose seemed very hot. My OBD2 reader reads the coolant at the appropriate 82-86 degrees Celsius. I checked the fan clutch and it seems to be okay. Do I replace the coolant temperature sensor/switch in the lower radiator hose and radiator or what? I don't have any bubbles at the bleed screw and no loss of coolant.