Have you used a thermometer to see if the car is actually overheating? To me is seems to be more electrical because temperature shouldn't change quickly. So, either the wiring is grounding causing the temp gauge to spike and return. Or it could be the gauge itself acting up.
Disconnect the temp sensor and the gauge should read cold. Place a wire in each terminal on the connector to the temp sensor and the gauge should read hot.
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Thursday, February 5th, 2015 AT 7:59 PM