2003 4.0L Ford Explorer Hi Temp light after driving for a min

[John_AJ]

Hey guys,

Maybe one of you has experienced this and can point me in the right direction..

When I first start my Explorer, the temp needle is down as it should be. After a minute or so of driving the needle is still all the way down but the hi-temp low oil light comes on. A minute or two later the needle starts to move to a normal position and the red hi temp-low oil light will go off.

Is this more indicative of a stuck thermostat or a failing water pump?

 

[Number4]

I'd say neither. It takes a while for the engine to warm up, let alone heat up. I doubt it's a water pump or thermostat issue.

 

[John_AJ]

What's weird is that this only happens the first time I start it up, after the engine is warmed up I don't have this issue for the rest of the day.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Thermostat is probably stuck. Mine did that once and stuck closed a few days later.