I've tried to find a similar problem on these message boards with no luck.
I have a 99 Outback. This only seems to happen after the car is warm, i.e. driven for 10-15 miles. Everything seems fine while driving. Then I stop at a stoplight or park in a parking lot and in about 30-45 seconds the engine temperature will go from normal (in the middle) to the top of the gauge. If I start to drive it will go back down to the normal range. I did find a fuse blown and replaced it (SECONDARY FAN, in Engine compartment). It hasn't blown again, could've been blown when I bought it. I've had it for 4 months now.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Brian