temp. gauge doesn't work and engine fan stays on...big problem?

Question

I noticed my temperature gauge wasn't working at all on my car and then when I turned the car off the fan remained on for a few minutes. Any idea what the problem is? Faulty temperature sensor or something? It's a 2000 z28 Chevrolet Camaro if that matters. Thanks

the fan turns off after a minute or two after turning the car off. and the engine didn't overheat and the antifreeze is fine.

Answer 1

Your cooling system is fine, the fan stays on for a few minutes because it's got a delay circuit to allow it to finish cooling your engine after it quit generating heat.
Your fan is commanded by a sending unit that sends ground signal to a relay which feeds power to the fan, such unit is nothing but a normaly open switch that closes its internal contact when it reaches a preset temperature, and it is screwed bolt like on your engine block.
About your temperature gauge; That's a different story, It works with a temp sensor wich is on your block as well and sends readings to your gauge so you know how hot your coolant is, and that will be a matter of changing that sensor, and in a worst case scenario have your gauge checked/replaced

Answer 2

That's normal.

Now if it stayed on, that's a problem.
There's a temperature sensor on the botom of the radiator that controls the fan to cool the radiator. (not the engine)