S4 overheating?

[scooby]

My 01 S4 seems to regularly overheat, according to the dash light going on. It has no real thermometer on it, other then one from monsterparts that screws into the oil filler hole but I know that can't be real accurate as it doesn't really even go down into the oil.

The light goes on sometimes in cooler weather as well as in summer heat just riding. Sitting at traffic lights turns it on once in a while as well. My fans are working fine so I am not sure if the thermostat is malfunctioning and making the light go on prematurely or if I have a problem. Coolant is at level and current, just put in a new voltage regulator... When I stop and let the bike sit for just a few minutes, the light is then off when I re start, so I ride on and it usually stays off for a long period.

Any guesses out there? As well, what if any damage will I incur riding for extended periods with the temp light on?

[Speeddog]

You need to find out how hot it's getting, easiest method is an IR thermometer 'gun'.
Then you can determine if the light is flaky or not.

[scooby]

Thanks dog, I'll give that a try...

[va122]

My light doesn't go on but my water temp will say "hi" in traffic. WTF?