96 nissan maxima overheating

do a compression test
have the radiator flow tested by a reputable shop
check the fins on the radiator--flaking and falling off --replace
check transmission for over heating (automatics) check fan operation (replace viscous fan hub or check coolant temp sensor, 2 fuses and fan relay is electric)
run fault codes to check for fuel sensor failures
check cat converters for blocking exhaust system
check for good radiator cap
have the cooling system pressure tested for leaks
Just a few of the items that cause overheating

Hey, I see this kind of problem all the time. You should check to see if your radiator fans are coming on at idle. Because most likely they are not so that's why it over heats while it is at idle....there is no cool air cooling down the engine. Hope this helps!

sounds like the water temp sensor is not working you could hot wire the fan by unpluging it and runnig ahot wire and ground to it

sounds like possible head gasket,napa sells a block tester for about 40 bucks,would tell you for sure.

First, make sure engine is warmed up, then feel the top of the radiator hose, is it hot ?, if not then you may have a bad thermostat, replace with a 195 dgree, or you could have a bad head gasket.
Let me know what you find.

It sounds like water pump may be your problem. It circulates a 50/50 mixture of glycol (or some form of) and water through the engine block and cylinder head and back through the radiator. In the radiator the mixture is cooled when air passes over the fins of the radiator. This is accomplished by driving or a mechanical/electrical fan when stationary. The water pump also circulates the mixture through the heater core giving the car heat. If the water pump is not circulating the water back to the radiator to cool, it will overheat. More heat is caused by the engine when driving (much less heat when idling), hence the overheating while driving.
I hope this helps and good luck!

if you follow the top large hose from the radiator to the engine you will see that it ends ina kind of bubble shaped housing with several bolts that attach to the engine, your thermostat is inside this housing and all you have to do is remove the bolts slip off the housing and pull out the old thermostat and replace , make sure you use a gasket and some gasket silicone when you replace and be sure to tighten proerly but to not overtighten

Your overheating problems can have several possible causes.
1) Airlock in heating system - solution - bleed air from cooling system. Method is dependent on make/model of vehicle
2) Radiator blocked - solution - drain and flush radiator
3) Failed waterpump - solution - fit new waterpump
4) Engine thermostat stuck in closed position - solution - fit new thermostat
5) Electric cooling fan (if fitted) failing to operate - solution - check fan, fan operating switch, all wiring and connectors
6) Not enough coolant in system - solution - check and top up to required level. Also check all hoses for sign of leakage.
7) Faulty temperature gauge giving incorrect reading

Most likely not. Pulling the thermostat will get you home, but not a great fix. Is it overheating driving down the road or sitting still? If it is overheating driving down the road, look for a clogged radiator or stuck thermostat. If it overheats sitting still, look for your cooling fans not coming on.

you possibly need a thermostat or even a water pump you can fill up the coolant at the radiator cap..its a silver cap near the front ov the car you need to push down on it and turn counter clockwise