Why is my temp gauge not moving from C on my 98 Honda Civic?

I have a 98 Honda Civic, and the temp gauge just sits on C, which I assume means that my engine is running cold. My check engine light came on a couple of days ago, but I couldn't see, hear, or find anything wrong; now, all of a sudden, my gauge won't move from the C. What damage can be done by continuing to drive my car? What can I do to fix the problem? What is the problem?

Why is my temp gauge not moving from C on my 98 Honda Civic?
it sounds like a coolant temperature sensor is out you could lose some gas mileage and your engine could overheat because the cooling fan may not come on. you can go to schucks and use their code scanner to make sure and the sensor shouldn't be that expensive but it might be a pain to get to.
Reply:Most advance auto parts stores will scan your car for free, just walk in and ask if it can be done on your car. They can tell you exactly what's wrong, and you should be in and out in less than 10 minutes.
Reply:if the heater is still working, then only the sensor is bad, and also telling the computer wrong information. Makes the light come on.





If you have NO heat, then the thermostat is full open and you are not coming up to temp, and the computer is sensing that. and turning the light on.





Heat or no heat?? that is the question.
Reply:It could mean many things, from a faulty sensor,


to lack of coolant.


Have it checked.