Volkswagen: 95 Jetta - Thermostat/fan question, temperature gauge, engine compartment

Question
My 95 Jetta III temperature gauge runs hot when I'm in idle for over 10 min - Is this a thermostat or fan problem?  I'm not sure what to look at - at this point.

Answer
Hi Kelli,

Next time the engine runs hot (not too hot).  When you are at idle, open the hood and see if the black fan in the engine compartment is running. It should be (attached right to the radiator).  If it is not, no problem, it needs to be fixed.   I'll help you through how to fix it.

Let me know.

Thanks,

Ron