Good evening, My 2002 Mercury XR6 is sounding the overheating alarm (continuous beep) immediately after turning the key (regardless as to whether or not I crank it over). I feel this has to be a false alarm as the engine is literally at the temperature of the great outdoors (makes the sound before even being run).

 

Tried running it for 10 minutes to see if it would quit to no avail. Any Ideas?

 

Where on the outboard is the temperature sensor that controls this alarm? Perhaps this is just faulty? 

 

Thank you a bunch for any help in advance! 

Could be the temp sender on the starboard side head. You can test it with a continuity meter.

After removing the cowling, and looking at the motor from the rear, there is a wire that is located at the top center of the engine block which leads around to the left of the block.  That is the temperature sensor.  Check closely to make sure that the wire isn't frayed and rubbing against the block.  The voice of experience with my XR-6.

Thank you so much for the quick replies guys. Will be checking these first thing in the AM. Will let you know how it goes.