Why is my truck running hot?

MY TRUCK IS RUNNING HOT, THE GAUGE GO'S TO HOT THEN FOR A SECOND GOES DOWN TO MID WAYS ON THE GAUGE. WHAT ALL COULD IT BE.

The gauge could be broken.

I'd get it looked at, you don't want to be stranded somewhere over the holidays.

Sounds like you may be getting a false electrical reading on the gauge - when it reads 'hot', pull over and check the radiator - touch the cap only ! - if it's hot, do not take it off until all cools...Hope this helps !!

1. change all the fluids
2. tighten the belts
3. check the cooling system
4. check the wiring
5.get the gages and electrical system checked out by a dealer

also run a few tanks of super gass thou with some stable in it might help a bit

Your thermostat could be bad, getting stuck. I had that happen. While driving down the road I noticed the guage went way over to the hot side then went back. I changed it and all is well. It will run hot if there is something blocking the air flow through your radiator. Good clean oil up to the fill line will help your engine run cooler. If you havent changed your oil and filter lately, the oil filter may be clogged (full) and the oil is bypassing it. This will leave gunk and metal parts in the oil that make the oil hotter than it should be. Make sure your coolant level is topped off and you have antifreeze in it. The proper mixture of antifreeze helps keep an engine cool. If there is too much grease and oil buildup on the outside of your engine it will run hotter because the air flow cannot reach the metal and cool it off. Is your radiator clogged. Some people, if they have a leak in the radiator will use stuff to seal it from the inside. These additives can clog the radiator.
Are you sure you have the right thermostat ?

That was happening on my ford ranger and I had to replace the thermostat it was sticking.