Find Your Make and Model

First, check the coolant level, when the engine is cool. Refill as necessary.
Crank engine and turn on a/c. Fans should come on. if so that means that the fans are good (just not receiving power at the proper time).

Have the system pressure tested for leaks, this is the most prevalent cause. Repair leaks if found.

If no leaks are found, Check the temperature control unit, make sure that it is plugged in.

If still no satisfaction, replace the thermostat. Usually it's recommended to check the thermostat's operation, but once its' removed, if you suspect it to be bad--replace it.

SHOULD I ALSO CHECK THE

Submitted by Dale Hamblin on Mon, 06/28/2010 - 13:07.

SHOULD I ALSO CHECK THE SENSORS TO SEE IF THEY ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND IF SO HOW MANY SENSORS ARE THEY. I AM AWARE OF TWO WHICH ARE ON THE LINE GOING TO THE ENGINE. IS THE TEMP CONTROL AND FAN CONTROL ARE ONE IN THE SAME OR TWO DIFFERENT UNITS.

Temp and fan control works

Submitted by bfree on Mon, 06/28/2010 - 13:22.

Temp and fan control works together. the temp sensor tells the computer the temperature of the engine ant then the computer turns the fans on. In most case there is a temperature sending unit which operates the temp guage on the dash.
What does you guage read when it is overheating?

To check to see if its' functioning properly---the fans should come on at about 215 degrees F.

Does your fan work when the a/c is turned on?

BECAUSE MY SYSTEM IS A SEALED

Submitted by Dale Hamblin on Tue, 06/29/2010 - 06:57.

BECAUSE MY SYSTEM IS A SEALED SYSTEM IT CARRIES A SENSOR LIGHT WHICH IS NORMALLY BLUE WHE THE CAR IS WARMING UP ANFTER THAT IT GOES OUT AND WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FANS OR COOLANT LEVEL IN THE BOTTLE IT CHANGES TO RED AND WOULD FLASH. THIS IS MY INDICATOR THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM.

YES, MY FANS COMES ON WHEN THE A/C IS ON. I CHECKED THE THERMOSTAT LAST NIGHT AND WHEN I SHOWED IT TO A MECHANIC FRIEND HE SAID IT WAS BAD.

I WILL RUN THE CAR LATER TO SEE HOW IT OPERATES WITH OR WITHOUT A NEW THERMOSTAT.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP SO FAR.
DALE

You are welcome. Let me know

Submitted by bfree on Tue, 06/29/2010 - 13:02.

You are welcome. Let me know what happens.

JUST TRIED RUNNING THE CAR

Submitted by Dale Hamblin on Tue, 06/29/2010 - 15:56.

JUST TRIED RUNNING THE CAR BUT NOW THE FAN ARE NOT CUTTING IN AT ALL. I TRIED ANOTHER FAN CONTROL MODULE FROM ANOTHER BEETLE BUT THAT TOO APPEARS NOT TO BE WORKING. YOU MENTION THAT THE SENSORS TELLS THE COMPUTER TO TURN ON THE FAN. NOW I AM CONVINCED THAT I SHOULD CHANGE THESE SENSORS. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THIS. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT I CAN TRY.