I would find out why your horns and hazzards dont work!

The best way to find out about the water temp for sure is with another gauge that reads what the temp is in digital format as the old type gauges in the escorts are naff.

Then you would know for sure.

My water temp runs at 78degree most of the time regardless of the temps outside. I now know where on the dash gauge 78degree is... if it runs above or below this at any given time i know there is a problem.



Your temps could be around the same but your gauge just reads wrong..

Or it could be reading right which would need more investigation..

HTH
Regards