My ford focus is overheating?

My 2003 ford focus temp gauge suddenly started jumping after a long drive I thought maybe because it wasn't any coolant in so I went and bought some and the temp went steady for a min for then started to rise again. I thought it was my thermostat not opening but a car guy told me to check my relays BUT I can't find the relay to the fans theirs no description the temp rises when the car idles sometimes and goes down as I give it gas! I need help

My 2003 ford focus temp gauge suddenly started jumping after a long drive I thought maybe because it wasn't any coolant in so I went and bought some and the temp went steady for a min for then started to rise again. I thought it was my thermostat not opening but a car guy told me to check my relays BUT I can't find the relay to the fans theirs no description the temp rises when the car idles sometimes and goes down as I give it gas! I need help Ford (Found On Road Dead)

Common possible causes:
IAC (Idle Air Control) Valve
Faulty air flow sensor
Crankshaft position sensor
Throttle position sensor
Fuel pump and filter
EXTREMELY clogged air filter.
Clogged exhaust/bad catalytic converter

and literally hundreds more…

It's a 2001, so it's equipped with OBD-II. A check engine light should be lit on your instrument cluster. You need to find a way to have someone read the codes with a scanner to help narrow it down. There's really no way to diagnose it on here without being able to take a proper look at it. How is your fan belt? There was a 'problem' with the OHV engine around then. The upper radiator hose goes from the radiator to the thermostat housing, then the coolant takes a hard left and goes into the head. Between the housing and the head is a smallish 2.5" square block, made of plastic. Where this plastic block contacts the cylinder head, there's an O-Ring to seal the two surfaces. This O-Ring will leak under pressure, causing the engine to overheat. Nothing to do but replace that plastic block, which is a pretty easy job. Always start off by what's going to cost you the least to repair.( common sense ) I say start by having you radiator flushed, and replace the thermostat.rust and corrosion can cause the thermostat to rust and stick this also will cause the computer of the car to act the way it is…( past experience) this would cost any where from 49 to 59 dollars. Unless you know a mechanic who has the right machine… Minor details can cause a big effect on a car.wish we had cars from the 50's and 60's a jumping gauge? Tends to look more like a connection issue as a gauge ought to react slowly and NOT jump about. Having temp heat surges at idle can occur when system needs looking at e.g. Low coolant level. Leaks? Etc
having a scanner used to check for fault codes would be straightforward. Even a weak filler cap can cause pressure loss and cooling issues. So of thing to check basics such as loose fan belt? Low coolant level before checking further up. A garage can often pinpoint root causes quicker.
there's a guide for relays and fuses with owners manual or you can look it up online. Many cars have inscription on inner fuse/relay box lids too.

How is your fan belt?

There was a 'problem' with the OHV engine around then. The upper radiator hose goes from the radiator to the thermostat housing, then the coolant takes a hard left and goes into the head. Between the housing and the head is a smallish 2.5" square block, made of plastic. Where this plastic block contacts the cylinder head, there's an O-Ring to seal the two surfaces. This O-Ring will leak under pressure, causing the engine to overheat. Nothing to do but replace that plastic block, which is a pretty easy job.

Always start off by what's going to cost you the least to repair.( common sense ) I say start by having you radiator flushed, and replace the thermostat.rust and corrosion can cause the thermostat to rust and stick this also will cause the computer of the car to act the way it is…( past experience) this would cost any where from 49 to 59 dollars. Unless you know a mechanic who has the right machine… Minor details can cause a big effect on a car.wish we had cars from the 50's and 60's

A jumping gauge? Tends to look more like a connection issue as a gauge ought to react slowly and NOT jump about. Having temp heat surges at idle can occur when system needs looking at e.g. Low coolant level. Leaks? Etc
having a scanner used to check for fault codes would be straightforward. Even a weak filler cap can cause pressure loss and cooling issues. So of thing to check basics such as loose fan belt? Low coolant level before checking further up. A garage can often pinpoint root causes quicker.
there's a guide for relays and fuses with owners manual or you can look it up online. Many cars have inscription on inner fuse/relay box lids too.