So I have a 2001 1.8 turbo Beetle and just the other day I started it and it sounded like a loud fan kicked in. My lights would flicker when the fan kicked in higher. While I was driving, the fan would sound lighter and then begin to get louder which then made the lights flicker. Then start over with the same process. The high and low temperature dashboard lights don't seem to come on during this time. The fan does not come on when the car is shut off either. When I got home, I had someone check it out with me, but we couldn't figure out what the exact issue is. We guessed that it might be the thermostat switch, but we really don't know much about Volkswagens, so we're not sure.

So if you have a good idea as to what the issue might be, please let me know. TIA!