The temp gauge stays on hot when i start it, but the car runs great and has no issues. I was wondering if anybody has run into this problem and if so, how they solved it?

 

when cold starting does the gage go straight to hot or does it gradually go up?

 

Gradually

 

How's the condition of the coolant, and the level?

Any air in the system? Clogs? Does the heater blow hot? Are the fans kicking on? Both speeds?

Might be time for a good flush/fill.

 

Make sure you get this figured out before you drive it. The biggest killer of 3800s is bad thermostate amd cooling fans not working. I can wipe out a motor pretty quick.

 

^^^ & test the sensor 4th Gen LT1 F-body Tech Articles. could be thermostat too

 

Ok I should have also mentioned I'm a complete newbie when it comes to how a car works. I'm 17 and am getting this car for graduating a year early. Everything works properly, engine runs at normal temperature, and the coolant looks good. The ac doesn't work, thinking that might be the issue. Idk if it would help to know but it is a V6.

 

stop by the local parts store and ack if they can scann your car for trouble codes. write down the code number if there are any and let us know what they are. if the scanner has the ability to let you see the readouts of the sensors/gages have a look at the engine temp on the scanner and see how it compairs to the dash gage.

 

I went to advanced auto parts and they scanned the car but there was no error codes. He said it could either be a wiring issue and that none of my fans are working, he suggested that it could be the radiator fan motor, coolant temperature sensor, one or all of the 3 radiator fan control relays, temperature switch/sender and that i replace each until the fans turn on.

 

You should replace the thermostat in the housing at the end of the upper radiator hose first. I have had to replace more thermostats than anything in my cars and family/friends. If you don't know if a new one is on there then just replace it, it's very cheap too, no reason not to.
Also make sure the fans turn on when the car gets warm, and the second fan will come on when it reads about 210 on your temp gauge.
Also pick up a Haynes or Chilton manual at an auto parts store, it has almost everything you could do and is a must, especially if you don't know how to work on cars or have anyone to help you.