Overheats while idling (Nissan Xterra)

My girlfriend has a Nissan xterra and she has noticed lately that when it sits and idles, or has stop and go traffic it starts to overheat. My first thought is water pump but I thought I would bump it off all the smarter guys here and get some advice. Thanks for any and all help

 

Check to cooling fan.

 

Also check the thermostat. My Dad has a Mitsubishi Montero Sport that does the same thing. It is especially annoying when it goes bad every 4 months or so...

 

Check the fans

 

i like the fans as the prime suspect..

 

Are they electric fans on the xterra? I will look into it. Thanks for the help!

 

Yeah, if it doesn't do it while moving it's the fans. Should be easy to diagnose.

 

Her 05 xterra does not have electric fans... What else might be the cause of this problem? I looked at it last night

 

Did you make sure the clutch on the fan is good?

 

Try this: clean the fins on the radiator.it may not be getting enough air through them. You may see alot of pollen, seeds, those white fluffy things, etc between the condenser and the radiator.

 

trade it in for a taco

 

Not helpful... She doesn't want one and the xterra is great. Wish I could get her into a yota for sure. I will check out the fins of the radiator

 

prob blew a fuse to the radiator fan, its not a big deal, but that fan kicks on to keep the engine cool, and if its not kicking on this is what happens. havent seen it actually be the fan burn out too many times, although it is possible, but more likely you blew the fuse for it. just check all the fuses and make sure youre good there and let us know dude.

 

Did you see the fan spinning at full speed when you start the engine?

 

I like this idea..