I have a 96 golf 2.0 that is overheating. Have already replaced:water pump, thermostat, radiator, water level ok. Does not seem to be boiling over but is definitely getting too hot. Temp is fine at idle for long periods but heats rapidly when driven.

When you say overheat do you mean gets up to temp quick or surpasses temp?

surpasses. I always cut off as it approaches top of temp gauge

So your fan isn't working? Check those connections.

both fans are working

Hmmm...I would say check your thermostat but I don't think Mark 3 Golf's have one...hmmm...try the thing in place of the thermostat...it's on the hose that goes into the engine block...has wire connections...it might not be letting coolant pass through your system.

Flushed the system and it opened up. Then the fans quit working so I need a new sensor. I'll update tomorrow. Think I may have it after that.