Hey guys, i just picked up a 1996 ford f250 xlt 7.3l and im fairly new to them so any help would be appreciated. I drove the truck for atleast 6 hours when i got it without a problem but on my 3rd drive the engine temp light comes on only after 15 min of driving and the water temp is sitting just at the N of normal when warmed up. Everything else works perfect, could it be the engine temp light sensor has died? Or a ****ty rad/ water pump as the top half of the radiator is warmer then the bottom

 

There are 2 sensors on these trucks, 1 for the gauge, 1 for the light. Not sure of the location for the one for the light, but more than likely it's no good or there's a short in the wire causing the light to come on. If your gauge is ok I would say you are fine.

 

If i unplug the engine temp light wire and ground it to the block, would that be able to tell if the sensor is shot?

 

That should turn the light on.