Overheating Issues

[Mitchen]

Recently been driving through a lot of traffic, and I've noticed when I'm sitting in traffic for prolonged periods the temp needle starts going into the wrong side of the meter. Not hit the red yet, but I'm guessing if left long enough it would.

When driving as normal the needle's always just above the first quarter where it should be. Also when it does over heat, soon as I start getting to actually drive and air gets in the engine, the needle makes it way back to where it should be.

I've seen articles in wiki regarding overheating, but seeing as this isnt when driving normal and my car only over heats in traffic when idle, does this narrow things down?

[Motorhole]

First thing to check should be viscous fan clutch

[Brianmoooore]

I would go as far as to say about the only thing to check is the viscous fan clutch, assuming the fan shroud is intact.
Note that it's normal for the temp. gauge to go up slightly under the conditions you describe.

[Mitchen]

Thanks chaps. I'm going to give it the newspaper test