Hi guys dont really know much about cooling systems but hey heres what happening.

I have a 1996 (mk6) ford escort 1.8 lx (115ps spec) temp gauge goes right up to the red tbh i havnt let it go into the red yet but the engine seems really hot so i think the gauge is correct.

Im not sure what would cause this. The fan just doesnt turn on unless i put the aircon on then its on permanently.

At first i thort it might be a coolant temp sensor but im not sure but im sure the gauge would be incorrect if that was the case.

so i really dont know what it might be. so any help would be much apprieciated.