Funky Temp Gauge

[possumslayer]

My idiot gauge seems to be acting wierd. As of the last two days the temperature gauge in my car has been jumping around alot. At first it seemed to be only under load that the gauge would go up, so I pulled a little ignition timing, ie back to manufacturers spec 14* I think. Still doing it, so I check the fluid levels and they are spot on. Nothing on the car was changed prior to these events happening, and the weather hasn't been particularly warmer than the week or two before the problem started. My only idea is the temperature sending unit might be going because the way the needle has been moving isn't very fluid. It will jump from normal to 2/3 up and back in a second. Also the needle really only does this when the gas pedal is pressed enough to accelerate the car, at cruise the temperature gauge is normal. Any thoughts or input are appreciated.

[transzex]

fan switch

[possumslayer]

The fan is kicking on. I've jumped the relay to turn it on and when the car gets real warm (2/3 of the way on temp gauge) the fan operates.

[hondajosh]

bad thermostat or radiator cap? low coolant?

[4Door Life]

air pocket

[hondajosh]

I never thought of air pocket but thats a damn good idea.

[guest]

usually you get air pockets from adding coolant to fast, but even some is inevitable when you put in coolant. run the car with the cap for like 15-20mins and see if it goes away.

My temp gauge was acting funny a while ago, but it would show that it's over heating immediatly when it wasnt. turn out to be bad ground.

[rattmann316]

hondas dont typically suffer from air pockets when changing coolant though. when i was working as a tech, i actually never had to bleed any air out. let the car get to temp then turn the heat on...if its hot then you dont have air pockets.