got my jetta but...

[_GhOsT_]

its a 92 jetta GL
and the radiator and thermostat were both replaced
but for some reason the temp light flashes and the temp reads almost hot (5 tick marks, between 4 and 5 | | | | . |)
the hoses are not hot but warm and it runs just fine
so why is it doing this

[Doug Tatham]

The temp sensor is on the plastic hose fitting on the front of the engine. The sensor may be bad. I can't remember where the temperature guage normally sits, I think it's slightly above half. If the coolant is green or red, replace it with the coolant that you buy from volkswagon (blue). It's overpriced as all get out: $25. It sounds to me like the temp may be high. Check for coolant flow. When the engine comes to temperature, the thermostat will open and allow the coolant to flow. If you squeeze the large hose you can feel the coolant flow. Be careful, it's hot! Check your water pump, it will have a seep port so that you can tell if the seals are going out. If it's not leaking and your belts are installed, it's working. If the pump is ok and there is no flow then the thermostat isn't any good. Sometimes people install the wrong one, or put it in backwards. If the engine is running with the A/C off, the fan should eventually kick on for a bit and then off again once the temp is lower. This is a good way to tell that all is well.

[_GhOsT_]

the radiator, thermostat, hoses, were replaced (replaced by volkswagon) water pump works great fluid level is normal fluid is flowing
the fan will kick on for 3 seconds the turn off then on 2 min later then off
when i drive in the morning (730 am my time) it stays cool but when its in the sun and i start it it gets to the hot position after 10 minutes of driving

this car is the replacement for my toyota pickup i had (1986) it would over heat constantly so i know what a car does when it over heats

my brother let it idle for 2 hours and it got to the hot but never boiled or even got close so i think the sensor is bad

i have heard that 91-96 jettas get "bubbles" in the cooling system
where there will be an air clog in the system so it tells the car its hot because the air is hot

[CRTblurr]

My 96' Jetta was overheating (leak in upper radiator hose - a $66 hose!). Anyways, after installing engine temps were fine but it was still reading that I was overheating.

I was told I had an air lock... I didn't bleat the hose.
So I took off the coolant reservior cap, turned on the car and watches as air bubbles and antifreeze/water was pushed out for about 20 mins...

...it works fine now.

Maybe that will help.