After igniting the car, the needle slowly but surely moves to the middle of the gauge pointing right up. What is the temperature in Farenheit when the needle is in the middle? At which point should the radiator fan start running? It doesn't for me when the needle is in the middle.

Is it normal for the needle to be in the middle 5 minutes after starting?

 

A car that is designed well and is in good condition will warm up pretty fast. I just changed my thermostat because mine was not warming up all the way.

Usually the needle will be right at 3 o'clock when the temp reaches 175 degrees and stay there unless the temp raises above 225 degrees. The fan should kick on at 216 degrees and go back off when the temp drops below 206.

You may also notice that if you get back in the car after it has sat for an hour or so that the temp is still pretty high. It's designed that way.