Hey Guys My 2001 Mk4 GTI has started overheating when stationary, if i'm moving the temp gauge stays on a perfect 90, If i am stationary for more than 5min the temp starts climbing, I don't hear the fans spinning up either... any ideas before I start making assumptions as to the problem
Water pump. When was the last time the cambelt was changed and did they change the water pump at the same time? It's a very, very common problem and what you've described is a sign that it's on the way out. Before it gets too drastic though, get it plugged into VCDS and check the temps being reported. If you've not got a Vag-Com cable and VCDS, your local VW specialist will have one, so can diagnose the problem for you (they may charge for the diagnosis).
Diagnostics then - could be a faulty sender. Could still be the water pump though - they really are sh*t!
The coolant fans have stopped working due to one of the fuse pins for cooling fan, on top the battery corroding out. This is a typical issue with 1J chassis vehicles. The location is shown below - picture taken from vortex.
if its the fuse socket you'll probably need a new fusebox as the pins aren't really replaceable. you can split the box down to clean up the main fuse points but i cant remember if the fuse pins are accessible if you do this...
