When 2001 Ford Taurus runs hot in idle do you need to add water to radiator?

Answer 1

Not necessarily! Let it cool down then check the radiator water level and the water overflow reservoir tank. In a properly operating system the reservoir adds water as needed to the radiator when it cools down after you quit driving. #1. The radiator should be full of water and the reservoir tank should be 3/4 full of water. #2. At a certain temperature or with the "AC on" the radiator fan(s) should be sucking air over the radiator and cooling coils. So! Fill the radiator and the reservoir and when it overheats in idle see if the fans behind the radiator are operating.