Overheat problem with 94 Buick LeSabre stuck in traffic.?

NEVER repeat NEVER replace any part until the problem is identified. In your case---car overheated in traffic, does fine on open road, that eliminates thermostat, water pump, plugged radiator.that leaves us with a fan problem. Check it out as suggested in a couple of other answers.

Your thermostat might be in the beginning stages of freezing up. And the way to tell if it is your electric fan is just to listen for it to come on. The next time this happens to you try turning on the heater full blast. It will help cool your engine down till you can get out of the traffic jam.

could possibly be the electric fan. to check if it is working or not, start engine and let idle for about half an hour. stay in front of vehicle during that time. if you want to hurry it along then turn on the a/c. fan should turn on when engine temp. rises to about 210 degrees. if it does not you may need a new temp. sensor.

Start your motor when it's cooled off. Turn your AC on. If the eclectic fan runs with AC on, it means that the electric fan itself isn't bad, so it may be the sensor that turns the fan on at higher temperatures.

To avoid high priced computer tests, replace the sensor that turns the electric fan on and hope that does the 'trick'.

Mack

This could be a variety of problems. Bad water pump? Thermostat? Electric fan motor or switch?Take it to a mechanic so as to not warp the heads from overheating.

When you have time turn the car on and wait for it to heat up thermostat gauge is past half way the fan should turn on if it doesn't then it mignt be the fan or the fan relay is not working.you should also check the thermostat.the way i check them is to pull it out when its cold(thermostat) and put a lighter on the end where the water is hitting and wait for a pop.if it doesn't pop well buy a new one.