My '95 850 non-turbo with only 163K mi. revs up as temp needle drops while idling in traffic. Doesn't stall or anything but makes me hesitant to continue driving in heavily congested Seattle traffic. Are these early signs of it stalling or can anyone offer advice as to what I should investigate? I'd hate to plug up an already wicked I 5 commute.

 

I'd check the engine coolant temp sensor for starters. If you install that, its a good time for a new thermostat and overflow reservoir cap.

 

Thanks, mt. Thermostat/water pump replaced 13K miles ago. Should I still replace sensor?

 

I would - its not overly expensive ~ (under $50) and you can change it without loosing too much coolant and they do go from time to time. Probably should have been replaced with the thermostat.