Did the temp go down when the two fans kicked on? If it did, probably okay. If not, was there a CEL? Post if there was one.
Maintenance items.
When was the last time engine oil and filter were changed? Change if more than 3K miles or 3 months. If within limits, and level is low, add to �½ quart above high.
When was the last time the coolant was flushed? If more than 24 months, flush the coolant. What is the strength of the coolant? ($5 coolant strength gauge should help). (you may decide that this portion should go all the way to the bottom).
Then if that doesn�t work,
Other items.
When was WP replaced and who replaced it with what WP (metal, white or black plastic impeller)? And was the WP belt replaced too?
When was the thermostat replaced?
Per Haynes, your radiator and fans are working fine (216 F out). As for the 238 F after driving in stop and go traffic and 90 F weather, this is what I would do if it were my Contour with the temp gauge at L (high side of hot on gauge).
The WP might have a partially working impeller. It would work fine in highway speeds but not at stop and go traffic. Test by turning on the heater. If hot air comes out, could be a thermostat problem. If warm air comes out (90 F outside temp), then could be WP problem.
If can�t determine either, I would go to the next step,
Then coolant temperature sender. Per Haynes, if temp. gauge in dash reads hot after engine is started from cold, disconnect sender�s electronic connectors. If the gauge reading drops, replace sender.
Warm the car to normal operating temp (right after N), with trusty IR thermometer, check temp going into thermostat and temp coming out of thermostat. If the temps are close, then thermostat is fine. If not maybe thermostat is stuck on closed. Thermostat should start to open about 190 F and fully open at 216 (per Haynes). Or take out and put in hot water and test. If thermostat is faulty replace.
Then another maintenance item. If not changing WP, Coolant temp sender or removing thermostat,
When was the last time the coolant was flushed? If more than 24 months, flush the coolant. What is the strength of the coolant? ($5 coolant strength gauge should help).
These are the items I came up with. Others may want to chime in with more suggestions.
