What is causing 1999 Ford Taurus to overheat occasionally when idling?

Answer 1

Check to see if the radiator fan is running. If not, that can certainly cause overheating when the engine idles. (owner's answer) The problem with this car is that the water pump was bad. I had it replaced and the inside was totally disolved because of corrosion. When I first bought the car (in 2005) the heater wouldn't work, then I noticed that the cooling overflow tank had alot of corrosion. I took it to Jiffy Lube to have it flushed-out but they were not able to do it, they told me to take it to a mechanic. I paid a mechanic to flush out the system but the problem remained. The only thing that was gone was about 120 dollars. I then took it to a Ford dealer, they told me that the car needed a new head gasket, hoses, and other parts that would cost about 3,200 dollars to change ( I turned their offer down). Another mechanic had suggested the problem could be the thermostat, so I had him change it for 30 dollars, but the problem remained. The car would seem to run fine, but once in a while while the car was idling at a red light it would begin to overheat. But as soon as I would put it in neutral and accelerate the engine, the temperature would come down. Another mechanic suggested chaniging the radiator, but after spending another 300 dollars, the problem remained. The car would sometimes overheat when idling and the heater still wouldn't give any hot air. Now that I have changed the water pump, the car is running fine and the heater gives instant heat as soon as I turn it on.