I have an overheating problem

I have a 98 Accent with a 5 Spd. and it has a problem with overheating when it get stuck in traffic. Luckily I live in Missouri so the only time I encounter this problem is when I go through K.C., but when I do, no matter what I do, if I get stuck in traffic(I classify "stuck in traffic" as being forced to go slower then 15 MPH) it will begin to overheat, and it will do this no matter what, time of year, outside tempreture... if anyone has any ideas, I would be much obliged. Thanks
Silas

Take to a AAA service station and have them perform a pressure test on your cooling system. It is probably a leak. You may want to open the radiator cap and add some 50/50 water/coolant to your radiator. The overspill tank doesn't always indicate what you have in radiator. I just had same problem and it turned out to be a waterpump leak from a waterpump I used to replace timing belt about 2 years ago. Replaced with an OEM one this time and did timing belt again too since they were already at the frontal lobes - figured labotomy would be opportune at that moment. You really want to address this because I can also predict your future if you don't. One day it will hit nuke and the car will stall and you'll have a blown headgasket that will require $1,000 to fix minimum. At that point it isn't worth going there. It may only be a hose but whatever it is if you don't address it promptly it will become a major problem. Have blown a headgasket before. Not something you'd like to repeat. Kind of like bungee jumping with a rubber band. Hope this helps and I hope it is something simple. I replaced thermostat, coolant, waterpump, timing belts (yes I believe there are 2), and timing belt tensioner to the tune of $600. My car has 80,000 M on it and is running fine now. I noticed the heat gauage starting to climb up in traffic and when I went through a car wash. No time to dilly dally. This one you need to fix promptly. Next to brakes, this is of major import. All the best.

Freddy :smokin:

Just to concur with smokin' Freddy's reply, I'd check the thermostat first as this has been the problem any time I have overheated. If you're due for all of the other maintenance then, by all means, have it done but if not then check that thermostat. It could be just that and a lot cheaper. Of course, make sure you have enough 50/50 water-to-coolant in both the radiator and resevoir tank. Happy motoring! :smile:

head gasket is it blown. if yes costs a lot to fix.check oil for sludge milky brown in colour to confirm this pressure test pointless.

Fan not working. check fan thermo switch cheap to fix.

thermostat is it jamed. cost peanuts and easy to fit. check by feeling radiator. if cold then thermostat.

water pump worn out through erosion by wrong coolant type. cost a bit to fix. but not as much as head gasket.

slipping pully belt to drive water pump check it. is it shinny and cracking if so replace it. as this belt drives the pump and the alternator so it works harder.

one of these is the problem

Check the coolent over flow. If it is empty possibly you have a leak. Is it full of scumy oil, could be the head gasket is blow.

If the fluid is fine, start the engine. As it is heating up does the fan start? If it doesn't start their is an electrical problem, either the sensor or the switch to turn the fan on, or the fan isn't working.

If the fan starts and it still overheats probably the thermostat.