Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Jetta Is Overheating Q. Hello, My name is Sabine and I am an owner of a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS. Yesterday, 12/17, upon coming home from work, I noticed that the temperature gauge was rising. It rose close to the maximum amount, but I did make it home. The temperature light did go on and I noticed a funny burnt type smell. Any idea of what is going on? Open to all suggestions. Thank you very much, Sabine Spokane, Washington

A The first thing I would check is the engine thermostat. That is the most likely cause of the overheating. Especially if it happened all of a sudden, as I gather it did.

It is also possible the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor went bad, so we will need to confirm if the engine is actually overheating. But with the burnt something type smell, I suspect it is actually overheating.