This is an indicator symbol of the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). This light, a light bolt between reversed brackets or parentheses, illuminates if the throttle control system is problematic. It can sometimes be reset as an electronic system by restarting.
If the system and the light do not start again, the car should be controllable, but the system will have to be serviced by your dealer or authorized service center soon. Learn all about red lightning bolt on dash in this article, the common problems associated with it, and their solutions.
Table of Contents
What Causes Red Lightning Bolt On Dash?
The lightning bolt on the dash signifies you have a problem with your vehicle’s electronic throttle control system. Get a reader of code for all logged codes and scan the engine. The light can be on for a crash, and the control system for the electronic throttle needs to be reset. Here are the common causes-
1. Vacuum Leak
The engine head is attached to an intake manifold. With age, many plastic intakes lose their sealing properties. Gaskets and rings that screen and tighten the gaps can be a culprit. It produces leaks in a vacuum. Many cars including Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, and GM are often affected by this problem. Plastic intake collectors are particularly likely to leak.
The problem must be remedied by replacing leaking gaskets and O-rings. O-rings are cheap, but it takes a lot of work to remove the feeding manifold.
2. Engine Limp Mode
Limp mode is a feature intended for auto preservation in most cars. When your car detects anomalous sensor readings or incorrect mechanical part operation, your car activates this functionality.
If a grip body doesn’t operate properly, certain noticeable features may be poor or extremely low idle. This can include stopping or very low idle, or even stopping if the throttle is squeezed rapidly.
3. Bad Throttle Position Sensor
If a TPS goes wrong then it can cause a red lightning bolt on dash. The throttle body of the car will not be working correctly. Either it can stay shut or the problem is not properly closed. If your engine stays shut, it doesn’t get air and won’t start. If the throttle stays open, too much air is given to your car and causes a high or fluctuating idle.
4. Dirty Throttle Body
If your car is rugged while idling, it can only be a filthy grip. The gasket checks the air volume the engine receives and the engine cannot rush properly if it becomes dusty.
Then consider, taking 10 minutes to clean the car with a spray can of cleaner spray and paper towels before you take it into the shop. You might just save a chunk of money by cleaning your throttle body alone and you are very likely to remedy the problem.
What Are The Effects Of A Red Lightning Symbol On A Vehicle?
To make things work smoothly, the air and gasoline must flow into the engine perfectly. If this ratio is disrupted, the throttle body may be affected by a malfunction. Here are the common effects on a vehicle-
1. Reduced Engine Power
When recognizing a system failure, your vehicle’s PCM can trigger the reduced model. Less power may impede the capacity of your car to speed up. This is a common result of a red lightning bolt on dash.
Even if you don’t instantly cut power, the next time you drive the automobile you can only have performance constrained. In other cases, the PCM might reduce the supply of gasoline to the motor and make the car insignificant.
2. Improper Engine Idling
You undoubtedly wonder what this problem could be. The truth is that there are numerous reasons, some seriously. In the end, though, you feel bouncy or the RPMs are irregular if your automobile is shaking when idling. Running without slipping or skipping should feel consistent.
The average idle speed for most current vehicles is between 600 and 1000 RPMs. But it’s not going to feel smooth if your car is rugged. For example, the RPMs will swing up and down or decrease below RPM 600.
3. Improper Throttle Inputs
If a throttle body doesn’t operate properly, certain noticeable features like poor or extremely low idle may be noticed. This can involve stopping the engine at very low idle, or even stopping if the throttle is pressed fast and the throttle body plate opens and closes extremely rapidly.
If you have a poor throttle position sensor, it won’t work well or safely for your automobile. Driving with a malfunctioning throttle sensor can potentially lead to difficulties in other connected systems in your car.
How To Reset Red Lightning Bolt symbol?
The lightning bolt on the dash signifies you have a problem with your vehicle’s electronic throttle control system. Manually resetting your electronic throttle control can be difficult. First, ensure that the accelerator pedal is complete. Turn on the ignition then switch it off and wait 10 seconds.
Be sure that the throttle valve moves by listening to the sound of operation throughout those ten seconds. If a TPS goes wrong, the throttle body of the car will not be working correctly. Either it can stay shut or the problem is not properly closed.
Can I Drive With Red Lightning Symbol On?
The lightning bolt on the dash signifies you have a problem with your vehicle’s electronic throttle control system. Get a reader of code for all logged codes and scan the engine.
The light can be on for a crash, and the control system for the electronic throttle needs to be reset. You can drive your automobile yet, but make sure that you take care of the problem by resetting or by mechanically examining it.
Cost Of Fixing Throttle Issues
The typical cost of replacing the throttle body is $577 to $691. Costs for labor are between $92 and $117, whereas parts are between 485 dollars and 574 dollars. Estimated taxes and charges do not include.
Conclusion
So there is nothing to worry about when you see a red lightning bolt on dash. This is related to the electronic throttle system and is relatively harmless. But you should not extend the repairs too long as it may mess up with the reliability of your car. If you still have any doubts then comment down below.