Hello, We have an 01 Jetta with 144k miles, automatic. Replaced timing belt and water pump at 83k miles, new accessory belt at 142k miles. Normally, the temp gauge is at
190 degrees and never budges after it warms up. It is marked with hash marks up to the red mark in 17.5 deg increments, the red mark is at 260 degrees F. At present, it goes up to 245 degrees at which time I turn the car off. This has happened twice.No coolant leaks, no oil loss, checked underneath and everything looks fine. Checked hoses, connections for leaks - none. When I open the coolant reservoir, a slight pressure release is heard and the reservoir fills up to about 3/4 inch more.
At the 245 degree point, the small fan is running and the larger fan is not.
My presumption is it might be the large fan?
Any way to test which or am I heading in the wrong direction?
Thanks for any help, can't afford a repair shop just now,
Dermott