The thermostat is located at the bottom of the water pump. Follow the lower radiator hose to the water pump and you will see it connects to the water pump outlet (molded plastic/cast alloy depending on year). The outlet is secured by two 10mm bolts. The thermostat sits inside the outlet. Have a fresh O-ring handy in case the old one is perished (a decent thermostat kit should come with O-rings).
Thermastat
The thermostat in a 1996 VW Golf is located by following the lower large hose of the radiator. Before removing the thermostat be sure to drain the cooling system.
$20.
at the rear of the vehicle
The price for a VW Golf MK2 city STROMer was at $34,000. (U.S.) up until its production was ceased in 1985. The VW Golf MK2 had a range of about 31 miles.
In the thermostat housing
You can find the thermostat in your VW on the front of the engine. You can follow the bottom radiator hose directly to the thermostat housing.
The thermostat for this car is located in the water pump housing from the lower radiator hose.
A Volkswagen jetta/golf produced between 1985-1992
The Golf wasn't made until 1985. 1984 was the last year of the Rabbit.
The thermostat on all water-cooled cars is in the same place: inside the fitting where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine.
should be at the end of the lower radiator hose under the power steering pump