The warning lights on the dashboard are there to alert you about any mechanical or electrical issue. If you don’t understand some of the warning lights on your dashboard—you’re not alone.
The good thing is that most warning dashboard lights are pretty straightforward, but some signs, like the red lightning bolt, aren’t easy to understand. The red lightning bolt on the dashboard is one of the most confusing warning lights in a Jeep. If you want to know how to fix this issue, you better keep reading…
What Does the Red Lightning Bolt Jeep Light Mean?
If you notice the Red Lightning Bolt on your jeep’s dashboard, then it means that there is a problem with the Jeep’s ETC (Electronic Throttle Control).
This issue can be triggered by different sorts of things, the primary one being electronic throttle control issues. So the first step to resolving this issue is by finding the cause. After that, you can then reset the Red Lightning Bolt symbol on your dash.
But before we discuss this warning light, we need to understand how the ETC works.
The gas pedal is usually linked to the throttle by a cable for older models. So, the pressure you apply on the gas pedal determines how much of the throttle is opened and the amount of gas released. This system wasn’t efficient and resulted in vehicles consuming more fuel. This is why the car manufacturers developed the ETC.
The ETC started appearing during the 1900s, and it was designed to replace the old mechanism. Unfortunately, it is not immune to electrical and mechanical faults, and the only way you can detect a problem is through the red lightning bolt. When this light appears on your dash, it means that the communication between the throttle and gas pedal is damaged.
Usually, the jeep’s throttle is opened by sensors that measure the amount of pressure you apply. This detail is sent through sensors and wires; it’s converted to electrical signals before the motor processes it.
The electric signal controls the throttle based on the pressure applied to the gas pedal. But if you don’t know the exact cause of the issue, you can get a code reader. A reliable code reader can help you understand the fault code and clear the check engine light.
What Do You Do If Electronic Throttle Controls Are the Problem?
If the leading cause of the problem is the electronic throttle control malfunction, you should disconnect the jeep’s battery. After disconnecting it, you can wait for less than 5 minutes and reconnect it. Finally, you can re-test the jeep’s performance, and you’re good to go.
Can You Drive With the Electronic Throttle Control Light On?
If the red lightning bolt light turns on while driving, then you don’t have to stop. After all, you still need to drive to your destination; plus, you can’t just stop anywhere on the highway. You can continue driving, but make sure you have it fixed as soon as possible. You can either take it to the mechanic or pedal reset it at home.
Electrical System Malfunction
Grounding or wiring problems may have occurred in one of the jeep’s primary electrical circuits. To repair this issue, all you have to do is examine the jeep for any broken or loose connections and fix them.
You can even fix all the corroded terminals of the jeep. To do that, you should do the following:
- Examine the jeep’s fuse box.
- Confirm if there are any loose connections. To do this, you need a multimeter, but the leads must be connected to the metal. If the resistance on the multimeter is zero, then the wire is broken. But if it isn’t zero, you can continue searching along with the connections.
- Replace the jeep’s dash with a new one, reattach the wires correctly, and install the fuse.
- Finally, you can test the jeep by turning on its radio, blower motor, and headlights before returning everything in place.
Faulty Sensor
A faulty sensor can also trigger the dashboard’s red lightning bolt warning signal. If this is the case, you should replace it with a high-quality option and test it.
Can I Reset the Red Lightning Bolt?
If disconnecting the jeep’s battery for 5 minutes didn’t work, then you may need to take more drastic measures. If there are no faulty sensors or loose connections, you need to reset the dashboard issue.
Unplug the negative cable below the steering column and leave the positive terminal. Doing this will reset this issue and fix the red lightning bolt problem immediately. But before doing this, you should take the jeep to the mechanic and have the issue sorted out.
FAQs
How Much Will It Cost to Fix the ETC Issue?
The average cost of repairing the Electric Throttle Control is about $581. But this may vary depending on your location. The price can go as high as $1050 in some places and as low as $398, so you should confirm with the local mechanics.
What Is the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light on the Dash or Jeeps?
The ETC warning light on jeeps turns on when the throttle control has issues. If it comes on and off when driving, you shouldn’t worry about it. This light resembles lightning bolts with parenthesis on both sides.
Also, find out what to do when the Jeep is stalling while driving.
Conclusion
The red lightning bolt or ETC light turning on is not always a major issue, but you should pay attention to this warning signal. You can still continue driving, but make sure you find out the cause of the problem or reset it. Remember, this is a warning sign, and if not taken care of on time, it can result in more problems.
