engine heating only when idling or when driving in town with red lights

2004 KIA OPTIMA
150,000 MILES
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RERUAM57
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
fan cuts on and thermostat replaced. possible air pocket in cooling system. water pump driven by timing belt. lost antifreeze a while back and might've got an air pocket. how do I get air pocket out. stays cool on highway or in town with no stop and start a lot. just heats up when not moving like in drive thru line and bank or fast food place, or numerous red lights.
Jul 16, 2013 at 11:04 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,244 POSTS
If the fans are working, you may need to flush the cooling system to clean it out. As far as bleeding the system, there should be a bleeder near or on the thermostat housing. If there isn't one, I always loosen the return line from the heater core to allow air to escape.
Jul 16, 2013 at 11:53 AM
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