A3 2001 1.8 overheating in traffic

[humz]

My A3 2001 1.8 is overheating when standing in traffic for long periods. I don't appear to have a lead in the system however I have had to top up the water with a coolant mix. Despite doing this when I stand in traffic for some time the temp soars up to the max and I then need to stop the car to let the engine cool down. There is no evidence lack of water or coolant and having looked on many forums I am thinking that maybe the water pump is damaged or that I need to change the fuse. these forums also mentioned that the reason this overheating is happening is because the fans are not coming on but I am not sure what to listen out for in terms of the fans and where they are located.

I am hoping that it is only a fuse that is needed as had the cam belt changed last year along with the water pump which would suggest that this is not the cause.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[NickPicks]

Are the fans operating when the car is overheating?

Open the bonnet: right at the front of the car, there should be a radiator. Between this and the engine, there should be two fans. These should be spinning if the engine is very hot.

If they're not, check your fuses.

The other possibility is that the pump impeller has come off of the shaft (especially likely if you don't have enough anti freeze and it's been cold enough to freeze the water (although in London that's unlikely)

The other possibilty is that the thermostat is stuck closed.

[humz]

Hi NickPicks,

Really appreciate your quick response. Would the fuses be located next to steering wheel or in some other place in the bonnet? is there any way of checking they are faulty other than waiting it not to overheat?

I will check if the fans are spinning. Will they only spin when the engine overheats or will they still spin at 90 degrees?

Is replacing the thermostat an expensive job or could I handle it myself?

Humz

[NickPicks]

I don't think the fans spin when the car is at normal temperature - only when it's getting too hot.

Replacing the thermostat I think is easy enough on the 1.8, you don't need to take the cambelt off. I've seen a how-to for the TT 1.8 (not sure it it was here or another forum). I think the main problem is that it's fiddly to get to (the how-to I've seen said about using a telescopic magnetic tool to put the bolts back in). I think it depends on your level of experience / confidence.

I think the fuses are in the main fusebox, but I'm not sure.

I need to do the thermostat on my A3 in the next few weeks (once the weather has warmed up a bit)

[humz]

thanks NickPicks. I will try this tonight for sure. Found out where the fuses are. They are located on top of the battery so will check that first.