98 Sportage overheating

[PA Mom]

98 Sportage
Started overheating while driving in town today. I smelled antifreeze and thought it was the car in front of me and saw my temp gage 3/4 way up.
Has never been over halfway before, it is usually between 1/4 and 1/2.
I drove it on the open road and the guage came back down to normal. It drove fine, no missing or acting up.
We did not see any leaks, the water level looked normal.
One thing I haven't noticed is the little fan in front of the radiator coming on. If I remember correctly, it turns on and off as needed. We have had very cold weather so far this year and today was one of the first really warm days we've had in a while (75*) I remember hearing it turn on and off at times, but not lately.
Does the little fan have a fuse? could this be the problem?
One last thing, my heater fan went out again (the 2nd time in 2 years and it isn't under warrenty anymore! )
Any and all help will be appreciated!
Thanks!

[hvac1000]

Originally Posted by PA Mom

98 Sportage
Started overheating while driving in town today. I smelled antifreeze and thought it was the car in front of me and saw my temp gage 3/4 way up.
Has never been over halfway before, it is usually between 1/4 and 1/2.
I drove it on the open road and the guage came back down to normal. It drove fine, no missing or acting up.
We did not see any leaks, the water level looked normal.
One thing I haven't noticed is the little fan in front of the radiator coming on. If I remember correctly, it turns on and off as needed. We have had very cold weather so far this year and today was one of the first really warm days we've had in a while (75*) I remember hearing it turn on and off at times, but not lately.
Does the little fan have a fuse? could this be the problem?
One last thing, my heater fan went out again (the 2nd time in 2 years and it isn't under warrenty anymore! )
Any and all help will be appreciated!
Thanks!

I believe the little electric fan is for the air conditioner. The fan between the radiator and engine is the one for cooling the engin fluid/anti freeze. Check the level of the anti freeze in the plastic bottle to make sure it is at the proper level. Next make sure the radiator is full/note do not check when hot. Also check the fan blade and belt

It could also be your thermostat but I would check the others first.

[LMP]

Originally Posted by hvac1000

Also check the fan ... belt

Those simple causes are frequently overlooked. THis car has three belts (plus the timing belt) and you can miss this one if you do not pay attention.
My son just missed it last summer on his Lada Niva and was wondering why the car overheated and he had got alternator alert light at same time....
ON the Kia, fan clutch is also an issue ..but since you said "on a sudden" I hope it is just the belt.
Tell us more if it is not solved that easy way.

THe heater fan should not be operated at the highest speed for extended periods of time. Fans operated on HIGH only for short "emergency" burst will last for ever.