

Plug the scanner into the OBD-II port to get the computer codes.
#RED LIGHTNING BOLT ON DASH CAR WONT START CODE#
With your professional code scanner, it’s easy to tell what faults are set in the computer. Otherwise, there’s no expensive or elaborate equipment needed to perform most of the procedures. If you aren’t mechanically inclined, you may have trouble with some of these steps. Working with the throttle control system isn’t always easy.
#RED LIGHTNING BOLT ON DASH CAR WONT START HOW TO#
How To Fix A Lightning Symbol On Car Dashboard The trouble with this problem is determining where the faulty wire is, as there are many to inspect. Over time, wires can fray and become worn. If any one of these connections fails, the lightning bolt symbol could show up on the dashboard.

The electronic throttle control system contains numerous parts attached together by connectors and wires. RELATED: 5 Symptoms Of A Bad Throttle Position Sensor (& Replacement Cost) 4. If the ECU can’t figure out how to time everything, the lightning bolt symbol comes on the dashboard. With this information, the computer adjusts the timing and fuel ratios for maximum performance. The purpose of this sensor is to relay the throttle body’s current position to the computer. Bad Throttle Position SensorĪlong with the pedal sensor, there’s also a sensor for the throttle position. RELATED: 6 Symptoms Of A Bad Accelerator Pedal Sensor (& Replacement Cost) 3. If the sensor doesn’t send the right information, the ETC system can’t work as intended. The pedal module uses this information to alert the throttle position sensor so the position of the throttle remains correct. This pedal position sensor relays the position of the pedal to the control module. There’s also an accelerator pedal position sensor working alongside the accelerator pedal module. As dirt and debris accumulate in the throttle body, the valve no longer functions as it should, leading to a problem with the air supply control. One of the main reasons for throttle body failure is contamination. Additionally, if it is damaged, the system reports an ETC fault and the lightning bolt warning comes on. When the throttle body gets dirty, it can become stuck. It could be the throttle body, an accelerator pedal position sensor, the throttle position sensor or an issue with the wiring. When the lightning bolt illuminates on the dashboard, you know there’s a problem with something in the electronic throttle control system. The only difference is that some manufacturers choose to use yellow, while others installed a red light. The reality is that these two symbols mean the same thing. One might think that a yellow or amber-colored lightning bolt symbol indicates a less severe problem versus the red warning, but that’s not the case. What is the difference? Is one more severe than another? Some vehicles have a yellow lightning bolt symbol, while others show a red warning light. READ MORE: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light Yellow vs. When the pedal is released, the ETC closes the throttle body. For example, if you step on the accelerator, the ETC opens the throttle body in relation to the force applied to the pedal. The module reads input from the accelerator pedal and transmits data to the throttle body. The electronic throttle control system contains the accelerator pedal, the throttle body and an ETC module.

When it comes on, it indicates a problem with the electronic throttle control system.

This symbol shows a lightning bolt that’s located between parenthesis or reversed brackets. The lightning bolt is known as the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator. Conclusion What Does The Lightning Bolt Symbol Mean?
