running hot

I have a 1996 Contour and am a female so I always ask before i go to a mechanic. Mechanics in my area have a tendancy to screw over women. anyway.

My coolant light is coming on after about 20 minutes of driving. The coolant is filled above max and I had it flushed out about a month ago. No signs of leaks and the guy who worked on it said hoses were all good.

The engine doesnt "overheat" but it runs MUCH hotter than it usually does, especially when I have the air on. I have a feeling all I'd need is one good traffic jam to red line it. If i turn the heater on full blast, I can drive all over the place and the engine never gets hot and the coolant light never comes on.

Usually, the temp gauge sits between the N and the O, even when it's been running awhile. But if I drive for over 20 minutes with the air on, the coolant light will kick on and the temp will start creeping towards the A.

When Im idle, I can hear the fans kicking in.

I've heard everything from water pump to thermostat. What do you guys think?

I4 or V6?

its a v6

id start with the waterpump. Thats usually the culprit.

what about if ita a I4? please,help me?