Corlla 95 overheating, 91K

[zxj24]

My girlfriend's car started overheating yesterday. She was in a traffic to get on a bay bridge to SF. The temprature gauge went to the max and she saw steam coming from under the hood. I checked the oil. It is clean. The head gasket did not blew out. I noticed that the cooling fan doesnt start. It only gets hot in a slow traffic. On the way home on a highway with a cold airflow the temprature was normal. I wonder where to start. Is it a thermostat? I will check if the fan is workin, check fuses. It could also be a thermo switch in the radiator. Any help would be beneficial.

Thanks!

[REN69]

Sounds like the thermostat is dead.

[Flashmn]

Headgasket can blow without mixing water and oil.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

test the fans see whats going on there if there not working theres your issue. if the engine is running warmer or colder than usual all the time id change the thermostat.