02 Jetta 1.8t Running very hot

Hi everybody me again! This time my 02 jetta 1.8t is running very hot. As soon as you COLD start the car the temp gauge immediately goes up to 190* instead of slowly climbing, it climbs as fast as the fuel gauge would, after that while im driving it starts to read about 2 notches before the red line on the temp gauge, im afraid that i might really mess up the car. Everyone is telling me that it might be the thermostat, could the thermostat cause it to read 190 directly on cold start? could it be a different sensor or something, i really need to get thing running right any advise would be helpful thanks everyone.

I would start with changing your coolant temp sensor first. Get the dealer sensor. The others are crap! If in doubt read other post on Jetta/New Beetle/Passat temp issues.

I would start with changing your coolant temp sensor first. Get the dealer sensor. The others are crap! If in doubt read other post on Jetta/New Beetle/Passat temp issues.

Man that sounds easier, thank you so much for the other option. Ill check that out.

No prob. By the way dont forget vw coolant. How many miles on your Jetta?

YES!!!! it was the coolant sensor, Man thanks alot for the help, saved me a lot of time and money.

I have 152,000 miles on this car any thing you suggest?

Glad that i could help. With the miles that you have many things should be done.
1. Timing belt and Water pump(at every 60,000) Top Priority
2. Fuel filter(every 20,000)
3. Cabin air filter(every 30,000)
4. Coolant change if dirty or weak.(VW coolant is considered a life time coolant) Dealer Only
5. Air cleaner(every 15,000) in Texas
6. Transmission fluid and filter(every 100,000) Considered a long term fluid. Only use VW transmission fluid. The dealer is who i would use on this one also.