I just had my radiator replaced 2 months ago. There is no coolant on the ground. I was driving 40-50 and the temperature went almost all the way to the top. When I slowed down it would drop back down. Not into normal range but not as hot as before. My 2002 Jetta did the same thing and it turned out to be the POS plastic water pump.

 

so was this a question or a statement?

 

Whew- it's that time of year to hear about overheating problems. Most of them are solved by properly bleeding the coolant system. Search is your friend.

 

love the lack of basic troubleshooting

 

OK this is weird. If it goes up hill the temperature is suddenly normal. If it is driving on level ground or downhill it gets hot again. The radiator is not leaking. Sometimes there is water on the floor but couldn't that just be the AC?

 

purge system of air.
check radiator cap for holding proper pressure.
check that fans are working. then check that they are strong- just because they come on- if you can stop them with a finger-then they are weak and failed.
(the uphill/downhill story- to me- means- air in system- after all- one of the tips found about bleeding the system is to jack the front end up ... and then there is a chance of failed fans on top of failed bleeds....)
(and i am sure there are other points to be made about the thermostat- but havent come across that yet)

 

Thanks! I'll know what it is Monday.

 

I took it to a service place and they did a pressure test for 1/2 hour? They said there was no loss of pressure or leaks. They also did a chemical combustion test which turned up negative. It would not overheat while they had the vehicle. 3 weeks went by before it overheated again and now it is doing it again.

 

have you replaced anything yet... or just let the shop do their tests and leave it at that?

 

Purge cooling system. Test water pump. Check Thermostat. Check for radiator clock or blockage or take it to a proper shop.


Also are you using anti freeze? Or hose water?

 

check the coolant system

 

The thermostat was replaced and the radiator was purged of any air that might have been in it. The temperature returned to normal. Hopefully it stays that way.