A car dash shows various warning signs indicating your vehicle has a problem somewhere. While most drivers know what different signs mean, they may not understand all of them. Some signs are quite straightforward, but for others, you may be left wondering what they mean.
One light that leaves most car owners confused is a red lightning bolt. If you’ve seen this on your dash and you’re not sure what it means, you’ve come to the right place. This article talks about how to reset red lightning bolt on dash Let’s get started.
What Does the Red Lightning Bolt on My Dash Mean?
To understand what the red lightning bolt on your dash signal means, you must understand what an electronic control throttle (ETC) is.
ETC is the latest sensor mechanism-based system that is an upgrade of the previous old throttle system. It measures the pressure exerted on the gas pedal and sends it to the motor opening the throttle via the sensor. So that means the throttle will receive the same pressure a driver applies to the gas pedal.
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But note that old car models didn’t have this sensor. Instead, manufacturers used a cable to connect the throttle to the gas pedal. As such, the amount of pressure a driver applies on the gas pedal influences how much the throttle opens and how much gas is released. Unfortunately, this method wasn’t reliable and increased a car’s fuel consumption. That is why ETC was introduced.
A red lightning bolt on the dash indicates a problem with the ETC. It usually means no communication between the gas pedal and the throttle. Or if there is, it is not happening properly, and therefore, you may need to restart.
Can I Drive My Car With The Throttle Control Light On?
Yes, you can. However, it is not recommended you do so. Your car may not be effective in fuel consumption, and you may have problems accelerating it. It is advisable to address this issue to avoid dealing with costly damages. Remember that the more you continue to drive with this warning sign on, the more parts you are damaging.
How to Reset Red Lightning Bolt On Dash? (Dodge / Jeep / Chrysler)
When you see this warning sign, do not panic. Instead, adhere to the safety precautions to ensure you and your car remain safe.
First, you should find a safe spot, pull over, and turn off the engine. Then, perform a reset by following the steps below.
Step 1: Switch on the ignition key but don’t start your car. Then, wait for the signal to disappear.
Step 2: Step on the accelerator until it is all the way down to the car’s floor. And slowly release your foot until the pedal returns to its resting position.
Step 3: Turn the ignition key off and restart your car. Then, step on the accelerator pedal again to see the response and whether the light goes away.
After disconnecting the battery and restarting the car, and the issue still persists, it may be time for drastic measures. That means resetting the red lightning bolt on the dash.
To do this, you have to unplug the negative terminal beneath the steering column and leave the positive terminal still attached.
That will reset the red lightning bolt and fix the issue. However, it is best you have a mechanic inspect your car to get to the root of the problem.
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What Causes Electronic Throttle Control Light to Come On?
The most common reasons for this light to come on are:
- A faulty throttle control sensor: although the ECM instructs the throttle to open to a specific amount, it doesn’t mean the ECM trusts that the throttle will follow the instructions. Actually, this task is controlled by the sensor, which informs the throttle how much it has to open and makes the fuel-to-air ratio changes based on that information. Therefore, when you notice the ETC light on, you should check whether the sensor is functioning correctly.
- Mileage loss: changes in the fuel economy can sometimes make this light come on. This means you will fuel your tank more than usual. And it’s usually caused by damage to the throttle controller. Note that the ETC controls the air-fuel mixture ratio that your engine receives. Therefore, when there are wrong signals, it messes up the system causing your engine to use more fuel than it does.
- Damaged electrical issue: Grounding or a wiring issue can be another reason you see the lightning on the dash. In this case, you will need to inspect your vehicle’s circuit for broken wires, loose connections, or faulty fuse boxes and fix the issue.
- Stuck throttle body: A dirty or damaged throttle body affects how a car hits the gas. Simply inspect your car to ensure there are no obstacles on the part that opens and that it’s closing as it should be. Also, ensure you clean this component regularly to avoid this issue.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix the electronic throttle control?
The cost of fixing an electronic throttle control depends on the underlying issue. For instance, a dirty throttle body is a simple fix and doesn’t cost a lot of money. But, if it is a serious issue like a damaged throttle sensor or body, you may spend between $100 to $800 on repairs.
Is there a fuse for electronic throttle control?
No. At least not in many modern cars. However, there is a fuse that controls the engine control module, which controls the ETC. If this fuse malfunctions, the ETC won’t work.
Can lightning stop a car from starting?
Yes. Lightning with a large EMP can wipe out or damage the engine control module and other electronics, completely damaging your car. However, most times, lighting usually affects the car radio since it is connected to the antenna.
How often can I change the red lightning bolt on the dash?
You cannot change the red lightning bolt on the dash as it is simply a warning sign indicating a problem with the ETC. However, if your electronic throttle control is damaged, you will need to replace it. The cost usually depends on the car’s make, model, and year of manufacturer. But expect to spend between $200 to $500.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking how do you fix red lightning on dash, we hope this guide answered. What you need to remember is that you shouldn’t panic when you see the warning. But at the same time, you need to fix the issue immediately. Remember, this is a warning sign indicating problems with the throttle body or sensor. So, the longer you take to fix it, the more damage it could cause to other parts.