Meka Needs help on 97 Mustang over heating

My friend has a 97 Mustang
it was initially overheating and She took it to a shop because of the steam. The shop said she needed a hose ( i image that the hose was fouled in some way) and they replaced the hose for $117.00, now her dashboard gauge for the hot cold is leaning toward the hot. Its not fully there but leans in that direction. I am trying to solicit some diagnostic techniques to narrow the core problem down. I suppose it could be the thermostat or the water pump? What do you think and what do you suggest I look at? How hard is is to change to water pump and should she have the timing belt replaced at the same time?


thanks in advance.

I assume your friend has the V6 model?

I'd start by replacing the thermostat which is cheap and easy to replace. How's the condition of the coolant? Is it fresh bright green or is it getting brown and rusty?

Also make sure there's no air in the system. By poor design, it is hard to get the air out.

Thanks for the quick reply.. the engine is a V6, I looked at the coolant and it was low in the radiator. It was green but not at an level I though it should be and the resevior was empty so I added some water to the resevior. It remained between the h/c after that. Her a/c got colder as well. Seems like the place she took it to took advantage of her on some other issues though and when she spoke with the manager he said he gladly take a look at it for another diagnostic fee , which is b/s. I appreciate the help and have a few more questions coming..