Why is my 97 calaver heat gage reading wrong
Wrong meaning nothing, full??
Nothing, a cable was disconnected, fuse worn, or the sensor is broken, if it is full,,,,,,, a cable is broken and it is touching a metal part.
In any case check the sensor located in the engine, disconnect the cable with the ignition on(not the engine running!!), and touch any metal part, the meter should be showing full, if yes, change the engine sensor. If not, check the cable or the meter.