Not only does the temperature rise when in stop and go traffic or when idling for a while, but then, when I start up, the exhaust emits a big white cloud. Is that still a symptom of a coolong fan malfunction?

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to model category.

Black Smoke is rich mixture
Blue Smoke is oil
White Smoke is Steam

What is this 'Trumbler' that you changed?? Not even Google has a clue!

Are you losing coolant? Did someone put Windshield Washer fluid into the engine oil filler? You are burning water. The ECM doesn't like it so it it shakes. At idle there isn't as much pressure to stop the water entering the combustion chamber. Likely a failed cylinder head gasket. You can do a pressure test and there is also a test that identifies exhaust gases in the coolant.

..

You need to stop using it immediately before you
cause some damage or more than you may already have
That is just common sense. It should not overheat or
be any different than it was in the past without problem

The car has to be checked over/diagnosed,tested,etc for
various issues to resolve

Borrow or Rent a car until resolved

No way to guess at the problem

You should have some type of codes avail even
if the check light isn't on,you need professional help
to get a start on resolving

The timing belt maybe worn & jumped or the head gasket
bad.

Over heating isn't usually a cheap repair unless the thermostat
sticks partially closed

The RPM moves around the car is 11 years old,so it may just
need a though going over

Timing Belt,O2 Sensors,Exhaust Converter,Spark Plugs
and such

If you depend on a repair shop to do things & don't
have the knowledge to request work done throughout
the year,then you run into a lack of proactive preventative
maintenance situation. Most things are simple looking
back, once resolved

There are few possibilities that can cause such problem.
I recommend you few help links related to your problem.Click the link below and follow the troubleshooting;-----Idles rough and quits when gas pedal is pressed less? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/01/1999-ford-f-150-idles-rough-and-quits.html-----------
Brake pedal stuck? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/brake-pedal-stuck.html

-------------
Car only starts when gas pedal is pressed? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-only-starts-when-gas-pedal-is.html

----------
Car won't start without hitting the gas pedal? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-start-without-hitting-gas.html

----------
emits whitish bluish smoke and bad fuel smell from exhaust

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/van-emits-whitish-bluish-smoke-and-bad.html

----------
White smoke and Acrid Smell? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/white-smoke-and-acrid-smell.html
---------- Car stalls and throws white smoke from exhaust? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-stalls-and-throws-white-smoke-from.html

-----------
This will help.
Thanks.

YOU NEED BLEED COOLANT SYSTEM.CHECK COOLANT LEVEL IN RADIATOR.ADD MORE DEXCOOL UNTIL COOLANT LEVEL IS CLOSE TO RADIATOR SPOUT.CRANK ENGINE LET IDLE UNTIL TOP RADIATOR HOSE GET HOT.WATCH TEMPERATURE GAUGE.IF TEMPERATURE GAUGE START RISING TO HOT ZONE.TURN OFF ENGINE.LET COOL DOWN.USE LARGE RAG SLOWLY OPEN RADIATOR CAP A LITTLE AT A TIME UNTIL ALL PRESSURE RELIEVED.REMOVE RADIATOR CAP.ADD MORE COOLANT.CRANK CAR AGAIN LET IDLE UNTIL TOP RADIATOR GET HOT.KEEP EYE ON TEMP.GAUGE ALSO.WHEN TEMP.GAUGE STOP CLIMBING.YOUR COOLANT SYSTEM BLED.WHEN DONE LET CAR SET A WHILE CHECK COOLANT LEVEL.ALSO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING CHECK COOLANT LEVEL AGAIN.AND BESURE ADD COOLANT IN THE OVERFLOW JUG TO THE COLD MARK.DONT OVER FILL THE COOLANT RESERVOIR JUG.WORK SAFELY DONT GET SCALDED.

IT IS LOOKS LIKE HEAD GASKET. WHEN THE HEAD GASKET IS BAD WATER GOES INTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE (COMBUSTION CHAMBER) AND SHOWS WHITE WATER VAPOR AT THE EXHAUST= IT NEEDS A HEAD JOB
ANOTHER OPCION IS PUT A- BLUE DEVIL- HEAD GASKET REPAIR THE SMALL BOTTLE $36.00 (FOLLOW INSTRUCCION S IN THE BOTTLE

As long as the temperature isn't spiking and the fan is turning on. It is normal for the temperature to rise to halfway on the gauge and then for the radiator fan to kick on. Sitting in traffic will normally do this.

hardly likely the exhaust job would cause that, but yes it sounds like you got a blown head gasket. badl lock stricks hmm! also preasure test cylinder head for leaks

I had the same problem with my 1995 galant, and I changed my idle sensor. note!!! you have to have it adjusted also.

Hi, What you have is a leak in the exhaust system. What you need to is take the vehicle to a repir shop (anyone that can weld) Drive the car up a ramp, and start it, you will see the fumes emitting from the hole in the exhaust and entering the heater ventilation system(thats how its getting in the car) simply weld the leak shut. Ps It can also be the exhaust manifold gasket that needs replacing, check for a leak first.

you may have oil leaking on exhaust.