1.6 Audi A3 Overheating - Help!

[silverswish]

Ok so my 1997 Audi A3 1.6 is overheating when in stand still. When I start the car the temperature light starts flashing even though I have only just started the engine. The temperature light will go out and then randomly start flashing again and the computer isn't telling the cooling fan to start.

What could be the problem?

 

[Benjiman46]

When you say over heating... Is it actually boiling over and steam pouring out of the header tank?

If not I'd try a new coolant temperature sensor mate.