Radiator/fan query/problems

Hey.
Bought my new golf 1.8gti cabriolet the other day. Driven it around skittle but not any great distance but im thinking it's got an over heating problem.

1. Is the fan by the radiator supposed to be turning while the engine is on because mine doesn't

2.nor does it turn when I've stopped and the engine is running are these normal?

The over heater needle thingy thing is on the far left so I'm guessing that's where it should be, by the end of my drive it's right over to the other side which I'm guessing Is in the red?? There's no indication which is why I'm unsure? Can anyone tell me any reasons why my fan wouldn't be working it can't be a long list of problems can it.

Anyway cheers for your help,

1. no, it will only cut in when temp gets to 3/4 on the gauge

2. as above

the gauge should be at about 1/2 when its at operating temperature, sounds liek the sensor is dead or you have a wiring problem.

the temp sensor is in the front or side flange on the head, its the single pin black one with a red/yellow wire

Cheers pal il see what the MOT picks up. Hopefully will be something minor. If not I'll seek advice here. Cheers

So I took it to the council MOT place and as they had it ticking over the radiator hose burst. ( the one from the back of the engine to the heater matrix) what's the heater matrix the radiator???

Anyway I'm thinking I need a new sender or a new switch or both?? So when I'm back home from the army I'm gunna tape it up fill it with coolant again and god willing I'll get home.

Any advice on how easy it is to do this job myself?
Change hoses
Change temp sender or switch

Cheers

the heater matrix is the radiator inside the dash for the heating, should be an easy fix anyway.

hoses are held on with jubilee clips or hose clamps, hose clamps are fiddly, use mole grips to hold them open while you remove the hose.

sensor just needs a big spanner