UK Car Repair: vauxhall, vauxhall astra, temperature gauge

Question
hi i have a vauxhall astra ls 1995 n reg.  when im driving in traffic stoping and starting the temperature gauge runs up to 100 but never goes over soon as im driving out of traffic it cools down but my fan is not cutting in could you tell me how to by pass the fan were i can find the thermostat as i have bought a new one.  thanks

Answer
Does the car have AC? If so the fan should come on with the AC? Have you checked the fuse for the fan? Otherwise, locate the fan thermo switch located near the thermostat housing, with the ignition on, connect the pins on the cable plug and see if the fan operates. If not, the fan motor is disconnected or faulty.