Temp Sensor Defect

I got the error "extruder 0:temp sensor defect" in pronterface. All of the axis move well, the fan works, the bed read the ambient temperature, but the extruder read at something like 393 C when off which is obviously not true. From what I've read the thermocouple may have and open circuit or be damaged I guess. Do you have any idea what may be causing the incorrect temperature to be read? I had a hard time getting the drivers to install due to inaccurate instructions. I wonder if a software issue or setting may be causing the sensor to not read. Any help is appreciated. I'm starting to consider buying another printer at this point but I would like to get this one working even if I do.

There is not much to guess...
A) wrong thermistor settings in the firmaware
faulty wiring or thermistor

I'm not sure what setting would be wrong. I tried changing the bits per second and a few things like that on the serial port. I'm gonna order a new thermistor and see if that fixes it. I appreciate the help. My gf is an Aussie btw