Calibra overheating problems

[wduk2005]

Hi, i have just brought a calibra and it has some heating problems, i'll give the things it does in a list.
1) When driving the temperature guage doesnt go up to the middle.
2) when in traffic the fan doesnt come in when it should and the temperature goes up into the red.
3 ) The heaters never blow out anything more than moderate warm air and wont cool the engine when its overheating.
Thanks to anyone who can give me so help so i dont buy the wrong bits.

[Big Bri]

sounds like the fan switch is faulty causing it to over heat thus causing an air lock .2 wires going to switch usually located on the radiator with ignition on short out the wires if the fan runs u need a new switch if it dose not check fuse then bleed the cooling system it should then blow hot .

[wduk2005]

Thanks big bri.
I know a bit about cars but not that much engine wise, i thought something to do with the fan switch, didnt think of an air lock tho. do you think that number 1) might be the thermostadt or might it be related to the other problems.
Thanks

[bigboots]

It was a common "trick" to remove the thermostat, as these engines produce more power when running cool

[LincolnJL]

I had the same kind of problem with an Escort. When standing in traffic I had to put the heater on full blast and crack down the windows to stop it overheating, even in summer! That is until I realised that if I topped up the expansion bottle with water, the problem stopped. Give it a bash and good luck.