Hi,
Based on everything you mentioned, I do suspect it may not be overheating. Two things I need you to check.
First, you mentioned there is no heat. That could be a completely separate issue. With the heater on, start the engine. When the car is at operating temperature and the heater is on high, feel both heater core hoses. Both should be hot. If they are, then chances the heat issue is related to the blend air door in the vehicle. The hoses are under the hood mounted to the firewall. See pic below.
Next, if possible, get your hands on an infrared thermometer. When the gauge indicates the vehicle is overheating, scan the radiator and upper radiator hose to see what temp they are. This will help up determine if it is actually overheating.
Let me know what you find.
Joe
Image (Click to make bigger)
Saturday, February 26th, 2022 AT 6:17 PM