Overheating on stop and go traffic

If it overheats while driving more than 25 miles an hour, the thermostat is bad. If it overheats while stuck in traffic only, either the fan motor or the temperature sensor/switch that controls the fan to operate is bad. This temperature sensor/switch is installed on the radiator. It screws into a threaded hole.

My guess is that your electric fan is NOT operating at all. Under normal conditions, just going down the highway, your cooling system will function just fine without a fan running. The air flow through the radiator is adequate to keep things cool. However, when you stop, you quickly get into an "overheat" situation. Actually, you should be able to hear your fan begin operating when your engine temperature starts climbing or your air conditioner requires the fan to do its thing. Note: If you've ever severely overheated your engine, your problems may be worse than just a fan not running, but you really do need to confirm whether your fan is operating correctly, or not. Another note: I had a vehicle with a tendency to overheat when stopped. It turned out to be a faulty (leaking) pressure cap on the cooling system.

You need to stop using it immediately before you
cause some damage or more than you may already have
That is just common sense. It should not overheat or
be any different than it was in the past without problem

The car has to be checked over/diagnosed,tested,etc for
various issues to resolve

Borrow or Rent a car until resolved

No way to guess at the problem

You should have some type of codes avail even
if the check light isn't on,you need professional help
to get a start on resolving

The timing belt maybe worn & jumped or the head gasket
bad.

Over heating isn't usually a cheap repair unless the thermostat
sticks partially closed

The RPM moves around the car is 11 years old,so it may just
need a though going over

Timing Belt,O2 Sensors,Exhaust Converter,Spark Plugs
and such

If you depend on a repair shop to do things & don't
have the knowledge to request work done throughout
the year,then you run into a lack of proactive preventative
maintenance situation. Most things are simple looking
back, once resolved

Yeah,fan probably needs replacing,or u could change out to the double set of electric fans.Most kits are easy to install and not real bad on the wallet

For car running hot and overheating issues, I suggest to you go through this help links.

Click this link below and go through the troubleshooting procedure to take care of the problems: ----

Car runs hot?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-runs-hot-in-traffic.html
-----------

All types of car overheating problems and troubleshooting?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/all-types-of-car-overheating-problems.html
---------

Car freeze overnight and started overheating while driving?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-freeze-overnight-and-started.html

-----------

Engine Overheats and heater blowing cold?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/engine-overheats-and-heater-blowing.html

---------------------------

Car overheats and Air blows hot at idle?
http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-overheats-and-air-blows-hot-at-idle.html
--------

overheating?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-century-overheating.html
----------

Car engine Overheats and transmission starts slipping?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-engine-overheats-and-transmission.html
----------This details will help.Thanks.

For car running hot and overheating issues,i suggest to you go through this help links. Click this link below and go through the troubleshooting procedure to take care of the problems :----Car runs hot? http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-runs-hot-in-traffic.html
-----------All types of car overheating problems and troubleshooting?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/all-types-of-car-overheating-problems.html
Car freeze overnight and started overheating while driving? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-freeze-overnight-and-started.html-----------Engine Overheats and heater blowing cold?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/engine-overheats-and-heater-blowing.html

---------------------------

Car overheats and Air blows hot at idle?
http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-overheats-and-air-blows-hot-at-idle.html
--------overheating? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-century-overheating.html
----------Car engine Overheats and transmission starts slipping? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-engine-overheats-and-transmission.html
----------This details will help.Thanks.

Check for collapsed radiator hose first.

Do the cooling fans come on? If not, check fuse, relay and if still no function- fan thermostat switch.

If fans do come on, replace water pump.

Check to make sure the cooling fan is kicking on it is mounted to the back of the radiator once the car gets up to temp it should kick on to coll the radiator when you are sitting in traffic on some cars if you turn the ac on the computer will automatically switch the cooling fan on

check the electric fans and relays.

Its overheating when you go up long hills because the engine is not getting adaquete air in the system. The radiator is angled to get optimal air a certain way. It may overheat but you shouldn't start seeing smoke.