I have a 1998 Ford F150 XLT that has a reg cab and a long box plus its a 4x4.

When i drive the truck it drives fine but after a while the heat will finally get into the avgerage temp but shortly after it would overheat to the point past the red line very quickly like in the blink of an eye and now the check engine light is one and even worse the coolant had too much water in it after we tore it apart we found that out... What i am trying to say is what is the problem and could the check light be on because there is no coolant left in it the light didnt come on until it overheated and no i dont have a OBD tool what are your suggestions

P.S. why would i find some fluid that doesnt freeze right below the front left tire