Engine Temp Gauge Problem!!

[95aGSR]

I was wondering what controls the temperature gauge because mine always reads cold. This happens and then my VTEC wont work. Sometimes the gauge reads normal, but as soon as I get on it, it shoots back to the "c". My car is burning oil like mad too. Help me for I fear I might have to trade or buy a new engine because of all the problems my GSR has been giving me lately.

[IntegraTypeRice]

Get a compression check. It might be a faulty sensor but probably not since it does work and only goes to cold when you try to get into vtec range. Vtec won't engage if you are low on oil. Check your oil first and see if it is low. In addition, get an oil change if you haven't done so for a while.

If it is not a faulty sensor or if your not low on oil, it can be your vtec solenoid that might be not functioning correctly. It also might be your catalytic converter. If your converter's catalyst material has broken apart, then it would be really clogged. Do you feel a hesitation in vtec or does it not engage? Can you hit redline?

[95aGSR]

I had an oil change about a month and a half ago. I can hit redline, but I never rev it that high. My car has been low on oil so I added some in. Tonight I got on it a little and it was hitting vtec every now and then. The temp gauge still doesn't work. BTW how much $$ does a vtec solenoid usually run?

[KruciaL7integra]

did you check the thermostat?

[95aGSR]

no, i sure didn't.