2001 rubicon 500 red temp light on needing help!!!

Alright this is my last effort befor i say screw it and ride it and hope she doesnt blow. My red temp light is on and never goes out. I have washed out the radiator, made sure it has coolant. I have changed both the thermo unit AND the oil temp sensor with no fix. When i ground the thermo unit my fan does kick on. I have not ridden it long enough to see if the fan turns on as i have only had this bike a month and was trying to fix it befor i tore something up. But at this point with no fix and trying everything im about to just ride it and forget the red light. Are these things smart enough to detect a stuck t-stat? Or air in the coolent system? my oil is all good but seems kinda full, would this throw the red light if its to full? and lastly if your going to say look in the repair manual; dont bother replying as i am needing advice on a fix and ive already looked in the manual numerous times i am needing advice not a look in the manual. Thanks in advance!