Over-heating

[jayemcee]

When stuck in traffic, my car overheats and to prevent a problem arising I turn the heaters on full, direct the flow up the windscreen and open the roof hatch. Reading the manual there is no mention of a cooling fan so I presume the cooling is achieved with the coolant in the system. (I have a 1.25 Ford Fiesta Ghia, early 1996.) Is there anything else I should do or does something need repairing? Will it be megabucks at the garage?
This problem started about 12 - 18 months back and there doesn't seem to be anything else wrong. I can get both hot and cold air inboard!

[NORMANTHEDOG]

you either have a problem with the thermostat,or the fan is not cutting in when it should,get it seen to or it will blow the engine up in time,how you have left it for so long,i dont know,it wont cost a fortune,but a new engine might.by the way have yiou ever looked under the bonnet.

[jayemcee]

Sure I have looked under the bonnet, I can check and top up the oil, water, etc.And I can fill up with the correct fuel. Where do I look for the fan? (resist the temptation)

I would rather be doing the housework, or the cooking than looking under the bonnet.

I'll take your advice and see if my Norman can get it checked for me. Many thanks for your speedy reply

[sad old git]

Anyone checked to see if the radiator is leaking ?

[trevHCS]

The "overheating" fan is independent of the one blowing hot air into your car which I can't really imagine making a lot of difference to the temp of the engine.

The fan in this case is usually just behind the radiator at the front of the car. As mentioned, not a good idea to let it go for too long as the engine relies on that to stop things melting and bending.

[jayemcee]

Thank you for your answers. Definately have not got a leak, the garage floor is clean(of oil) as a whistle, but good thinking sad old git. Wow Trev, I definately have found the fan so shall see if it comes in when next I get a bit heated.
Have done 150 or so miles these last 2 days and the needle has stayed right at the bottom of the 'normal' section.
I, luckily, don't do much motoring where I get stuck in traffic jams so the problem doesn't often arise. However will take your advice and have it looked at further. Thanks again for your responses.