temp gauge problem

[2323jake]

hey guys, my brother and i have this 96 ex that has a strange problem, with the temp gauge rising whenever we turn on the park lights. when on, it goes to 3/4, when off,, it goes back to the normal 1/2. we cant figure out if this is an electrical problem or if the car is really overheating. the engine is a d16y8. can anyone help?

 

[civic98ek]

sounds electrical.. thats pretty random

 

[LucasAHawkins]

Try cleaning up the engine's ground wires, bolts, and mounting locations and see if it still does it.

 

[2323jake]

but could it be the thermostat? )

 

[b16lewis]

Bad ground the ground on the thermostat housing and the one from the valve cover to the core support will make it do some funny s**t

 

[2323jake]

any other ideas? just had the grounds cleaned.