I have a lighting bolt icon on my dashboard
I had a cracked raditor which was replaced..and my car later on in the day was unsure if it was gonna overheat or not so when it finally went on the H.on the thermoter my car shut down so i let it rest for 30 minutes then it started back up then i let it sit over night.This morning when i started it the check engine light came on then the lighting bolt popped on
My car has 90000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. The lightning bolt symbol on a Dodge vehicle illuminates when the computer detects an issue with the vehicle’s electronic throttle control. Modern vehicles use electronically controlled throttle bodies to control the amount of air that enters the engine.
If the throttle body or its circuit have any problems it can cause the vehicle to experience drivability issues such as the ones you are experiencing.
A faulty electronic throttle body may cause the vehicle to stall, hesitate on acceleration, and in some cases may even render the vehicle undrivable. I would recommend having the computer scanned for trouble codes to see if any other issues may be present. If you need help with this, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the warning light and any other potential issues you may be having with the car.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Electronic Throttle Control Warning: A lightning bolt between two brackets lights up when there`s an issue with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).
The lightning bolt on the dash means that there is a problem with the electronic throttle control system in your vehicle. Get a code reader and scan the engine for any logged codes. The light may be on for a glitch and the electronic throttle control system needs to be reset.
Electronic Throttle Control Indicator
This light, a lightning bolt between reversed brackets or parenthesis, will illuminate if there is a problem in the electronic throttle control system. It may be seen in red or yellow/amber. As an electronic system, it can sometimes be reset with a restart.
Like regular lightning, red lightning is caused by a build-up of electrical charge in clouds, but in this case the excess charge is released to the ionosphere — around 50 miles (81 kilometers) up — rather than to the ground. Sprites are usually red in colour, and can range in shape between a jellyfish and a carrot.
Electronic throttle control (ETC) is an automobile technology which electronically “connects” the accelerator pedal to the throttle, replacing a mechanical linkage.
Common signs include lacking power when accelerating, rough or slow idle, stalling, inability to shift up, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
It can be an occasional issue, but if it is accompanied by any of the other listed symptoms, it may be the throttle body temp sensor. Regardless, an overheating engine leading to starting problems should be investigated as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
The electronic throttle control system in the Dodge Charger is designed to provide precise engine control and improve vehicle responsiveness. This system uses sensors to monitor the position of the throttle pedal and the engine speed, and then adjusts the amount of fuel delivered to the engine accordingly.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.
No dash lights, back right tail light is out, no parking lights. Brake lights work though as does head lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. In many cases, when you have electrical problems like you’re describing, it’s caused by multiple electrical component failure. It’s likely that a few electrical relays are not working; especially if you have systems that utilize the same components (such as your brake light and tail lights). I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is damaged and recommend the right repairs.
All dashboard lights and tail lights do not work after driving through a lot of snow. Headlights work. And brake lights work.
ANSWER : Hello. We’ll be happy to help you. There are a few things that I recommend checking to discover why your lighting system is malfunctioning. The headlight dimmer switch should be checked. Along with the wiring harness above the right front tire behind the fender well cover. Also
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Intermittently, dashboard and interior lights do not work
ANSWER : Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado. This is something that would require first hand inspection for complete diagnosis. However, there is a technical service bulletin (TSB) that may pertain to your issue. The TSB is number 89-T-129 and it deals with an "Electrical Problem" message on the message display and erratic air conditioning operation. The solution is to replace the HVAC control module with an upgraded one. There is also another TSB 89-T-140 which deals with intermittent climate control and instrument cluster operation due to a faulty solder joint in central power supply. The fix is to replace the unit with an upgraded model. I recommend having the pros at YourMechanic diagnose the electrical issues and repair this problem for you.
2012 equinox reduced power light engine light and traction light came on. Lost a lot of power got home and all light except engine
ANSWER : Your car has what is called a "safe mode" that will be engaged by the computer when it detects that something critical has gone wrong related to any of the major components in your engine chassis or power train. This may be related to a number of things, most of which should have been registered in the computer when the check engine light came on. I recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to inspect your check engine light and diagnose any codes registered by your vehicle’s computer.
Car starts, dashboard lights flicker, air conditioning shuts off
ANSWER : Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1993 Isuzu Pickup. It sounds like a bad ground in the instrument panel circuit. Looking at the wiring diagram, I see the AC heater control panel and instrument cluster share the same ground, which is designated G200. That is the first place I would start. Electrical diagnosis and repair can be tricky, so I suggest you have a professional look into this for you. A certified technician from YourMechanic can inspect your car’s electrical problems and make the necessary repairs.
Brake lights still work, though tail lights and dashboard lights do not.
ANSWER : It could be that the dash and taillights share a common fuse. This could be determined by looking at the fuse information in your owner’s manual. One important thing to remember is that fuses don’t blow for no reason – they blow as a result of too much current being drawn. So, if you do find a blown fuse, you’ll need to track down the reason it blew in the first place. Other potential causes for your problem include a short somewhere in the circuit or a faulty light switch. I suggest you have your vehicle inspected and repaired by a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic.
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