2004 jetta overheats real quick no collant leaking eng fan seems to come on too late

temp switch fail most likely. fail safe keeps fan running so engine will not overheat. temp switch will be screwed into engine block. may be cover by cover, hoses or something else but pretty easy to replace. DO COLD for the sensor is in the collant port of the engine and will leak a little when changing. Good luck hope this helps.

You need to replace the Water Pump

either take out the thermostat or just replace it

Make sure the fan is working. When it starts to overheat, the fans should be on. Fan failure is common. It could also be the thermostat, which is located under a black plastic piece on the bottom front of the engine. The thermostat is easier to replace, 2 10mm bolts.

Is it really the engine which starts running, or is it the hydraulic cooling fan which makes a lot of noise due to the high coolant temperature? Since the temperature drops down rapidly when you start driving, the problem seems to be with a restricted airflow from the cooling fan. Was the radiator changed lately?
Take care in not overheating this engine, because the heads can warp (coolant leak) and/or it can start dropping a valve seat.

Faulty thermostat, failed water pump, inoperable radiator fan, low coolant due to leak, faulty radiator cap, leaking head gasket, low oil, major exhaust leak near front, exhaust blockage, or incorrect ignition timing. If there is crust around radiator cap, cap is leaking. How long does it take to overheat? If it runs smoothly when cool, and all fluids are at correct levels, you can rule our head gasket, radiator cap, and ignition timing. If it overheats very quickly and fluids are correct, it is probably thermostat or water pump. If it seems to do better at higher speeds, it is probably radiator fan. You can check this by allowing vehicle to run in Park with hood open. Monitor engine temp on dash. When it is at or slightly above normal running temp, radiator fan should come on. Also note exhaust sound. If it seems loud and overheats gradually, you may have a leak before the converter. If the exhaust sounds quiet, but exhaust manifold is getting extremely hot (may glow red), there is probably a blockage. There will also be OK starting and idle but poor acceleration if exhaust is partly blocked.

If the water pump is leaking, then you need to replace it, replace the thermostat as well. Make sure you have got all the air out of the cooling system, when you refill the coolant, by undoing the top hose of the radiator till water comes out, likewise with a heater hose, then start and check, when the temperature is right the fans should cut in, keep an eye on the temp guage whilst doing this.
Hope thgis helps

crank position sensor maybe?

i changed my head gasket and still over heats i need options. also it looses anti freeze and it goes to the exhaust.

check the water pump