A few times now, the car has overheated when sat in neutral in traffic, temp guage goes right up. Sticking the blowers on hot full blast and opening the windows sorts it out, but it's not an ideal solution. This isn't normal surely?

First things first, have you checked your coolant?

Has the car ever had its water pump changed?

Few more details needed like age & mileage.

Feel the radiator hoses.

 

If one is stone cold then there is a blockage in the radiator.

 

If both are cold there could be a problem with the thermostat or water pump.

 

Phil

Does the radiator fan operate during these periods of over-hotness?

+1 for the electric fan.

my mate had this with his Polo TDI. Turned out it were the thermostat. Change that and I bet it stops

 

I believe what happens is it opens to let water in when it gets so hot - It is has seized it will not do that.

I've just changed the thermostat housing and temp sensor. There's plenty of coolant.

The car is a 52 plate with 93k on the clock

 

I'll check the fan and hoses, cheers guys. No idea about the water pump though. How can I tell if that's knackered?

How can I tell if that's knackered?

Your car will overheat when your sat in traffic

There is a very good chance it is your water pump being your car is on 93k and 12 years old if it hasn't been done previously that is. Might aswell get your belt/chain done if your planning on keeping it.

Haha fair enough, I rang my dad and he said the same. I'll have a look at the various bits this weekend and try to work out what it is.

The engine is still fairly quiet, so I figure the chain probably has a fair bit of life left in it, not sure how long I'll have I though, I'd like an octy estate once I've got the cash!

By-pass the temperature sensor to ensure the cooling fans are working, if they do work ok, I would suspect the temperature sensor or a broken wire or connector.

 

DB.

Edited 31 May, 201412 yr by mogwye

Sensor is brand new, could be a wire/connection though.

Suggest, get someone to check-out the electrics, it will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Give the fan power directly and if it spins, if not then check the wires and sensor.

Aye i gave my dad a ring and he suggested that, I'll try a few things when I get a chance.