Changed temp sensor today and and since then the cooling system is playing havoc.

The rad warms slightly at the top not at the bottom

Both top and bottom hoses are Hot

Fans fail to kick in at all... i have not been brave enough to see what temp it gets to before they do but it rose to 3rd quarter of the guage.

Waterpump was changed about 15k miles ago and with both hoses getting hot i would have thought circulation wouldn't be the problem?? Not that i have any clue tho.

Any help welcomed on this as driving home to edinburgh wednesday:D

Edit ... I am getting hot air out heating

Also from reading posts am i right in thinking Thermostat or Water pump would most likely be at fault? or a blockage was my other thought.

Edited 10 March, 200917 yr by tartanarmy

Had a similar issue with a Seat Cordoba 1.6 about a year back, was the thermostat. not sure how it is on the VRS, but on the Seat, the stat opened by pushing itself on a 'bridge' in the main waterway, and since the bridge was broken, it couldn't open, giving same results you have mentioned. Had to change the full thermostat housing which all the water pipes went into. hope that makes sense...??

Edited 16 March, 200917 yr by DGW
Pointless quote of OP deleted.

If the hoses are getting hot, it's surely not the thermostat, because that controls flow through the top hose. I'd suspect the fan controller on the radiator.

Was the car standing when it was going over half-scale, or was it actually moving? If it was standing, it's quite possible that it would be entirely usable, provided you watch the water temperature if you hit a jam.

If the hoses are getting hot, it's surely not the thermostat, because that controls flow through the top hose. I'd suspect the fan controller on the radiator.

Was the car standing when it was going over half-scale, or was it actually moving? If it was standing, it's quite possible that it would be entirely usable, provided you watch the water temperature if you hit a jam.

Changed thermostat today and its cured.

We were a bit stumped yesterday about how both hoses got hot if thermo was gone and were thinkin a blockage in the rad.

After reading through forums most symptoms matched dodgy thermostat except the hot hoses, So we changed it anyways (which btw was a F**ker of a job) which after running for 10 - 15 mins the fans kicked in and temp stayed at 90 so job done.

Ken yea car was standing and when i did drive it it remained under 90... was very confusing at the time.

Edited 11 March, 200917 yr by tartanarmy

I've had a similar problem and at the time I noticed the temp gauge rising, I was parked in traffic - in the process blew one coil (#4). Had it replaced. Am running a Stage 2 map from Custom Code. Have not had the problem re - occur. I have been watching the temp gauge carefully.