What is the lightning bolt on my Dodge dashboard?

The lightning bolt icon on your Dodge dashboard is an important indicator that you should pay attention to. This symbol signifies an issue with your vehicle's electrical system or battery, and it requires prompt attention to prevent further problems.

What Does the Lightning Bolt Mean?

The lightning bolt icon on your Dodge dashboard is a warning light that indicates a problem with the vehicle's charging system. This could be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning alternator, a loose or damaged battery connection, or a problem with the wiring in the electrical system.

When the lightning bolt light is illuminated, it means that the alternator is not properly charging the battery, and the battery is not receiving the necessary voltage to power the vehicle's electrical components. This can lead to a range of problems, including:

• Dimming or flickering headlights


• Difficulty starting the engine


• Electrical system failures, such as the radio or dashboard lights not working properly


• Eventual battery drain and potential battery failure

It's important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the electrical system and ensure the safe operation of your Dodge vehicle.

Troubleshooting the Lightning Bolt Warning Light

If the lightning bolt warning light illuminates on your Dodge dashboard, there are a few steps you can take to diagnose and address the problem:

• Check the battery: Ensure that the battery is properly connected and that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.


• Test the alternator: Use a multimeter to check the alternator's output voltage. If the voltage is not within the recommended range, the alternator may need to be replaced.


• Inspect the wiring: Look for any loose, damaged, or corroded wiring in the electrical system, as this can also cause the lightning bolt warning light to illuminate.


• Consult a professional: If you're unable to identify the root cause of the problem, it's best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the issue.

By addressing the underlying cause of the lightning bolt warning light, you can help prevent further damage to your Dodge's electrical system and ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.

What does the lightning bolt symbol mean on a Dodge?

The red lightning bolt on a Dodge vehicle is the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light, which indicates a problem with the system that controls the engine's throttle. This can be caused by issues like a faulty throttle body, a problem with the gas pedal sensor, or a wiring or connector problem, and often triggers "limp mode" where engine power is reduced. A more serious but less common cause can be a faulty alternator or charging system, which should be checked if the throttle body is not the issue.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the red lightning bolt symbol on a Dodge Avenger: 58sRC InsidersYouTube · Jul 18, 2023
Common causes

• Faulty throttle body: This is a frequent cause on Dodge vehicles. The electronic throttle body's motor can fail, or it can become gummed up with dirt, which restricts airflow. 
• Electronic throttle control (ETC) system issues: The system that links the gas pedal to the throttle body has a communication problem. 
• Sensor or wiring issues: A failing sensor, a loose electrical connector, or damaged wiring can trigger the light. 
• Intake manifold gasket leak: On some models, a leaking intake manifold gasket can cause vacuum leaks that trigger the light. 
• Alternator or charging system problems: In some cases, the light can signal a problem with the alternator or battery, causing the vehicle to not have enough power for the ETC to function correctly. 

What to do

1. Check for simple fixes: Ensure all electrical connectors related to the throttle body are plugged in securely. 
2. Check for error codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to read the specific trouble codes. This will provide a more precise diagnosis and help you avoid making incorrect assumptions. 
3. Perform a relearn procedure: Some issues, especially after disconnecting the battery, can be fixed with a throttle position sensor relearn procedure. Consult your owner's manual or search online for instructions specific to your model. 
4. Consider professional help: If the problem persists or you are unsure of the cause, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. The light can indicate serious issues that need professional diagnosis and repair. 

This video shows how to perform the relearn procedure for the red lightning bolt light on a Dodge: 50sFix it FelixYouTube · Apr 17, 2021

What causes the lightning bolt light to come on?

Lightning bolt is the ETC (electronic throttle control) system warning light. It could be an issue anywhere between the pedal and FCM. Usual suspects are bad or dirty throttle body, bad plug on throttle body, vacuum leak to intake manifold, oring at back of intake manifold, pedal sensor.

Is electronic throttle control warning bad on Dodge Charger?

ETC light (Electronic Throttle Control). When that light comes on, it means that there's a problem with the vehicles fuel and air intake. When the light comes on, you'll notice a loss in power, because the car goes into ``limp mode'' to protect the engine from internal damage.

How to reset the red lightning bolt on the dash?

To reset the red lightning bolt on the dash, which indicates an electronic throttle control (ETC) issue, first try a simple relearn procedure by turning the ignition to the "on" position (without starting), fully pressing and slowly releasing the accelerator pedal, and then turning the car off and starting it again. If that doesn't work, a battery disconnect or using an OBD-II scanner may be necessary to clear the codes and reset the system.
 
This video demonstrates how to perform the electronic throttle control system reset: 51sPeter LYouTube · May 19, 2023
Method 1: Throttle body relearn procedure 

1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position, but do not start the engine. 
2. Wait for about 10 seconds or until the dashboard lights stop flashing or the check engine light goes out. 
3. Slowly press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. 
4. Slowly release the accelerator pedal until it is back at the rest position. 
5. Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position. 
6. Start the engine. The light should be reset. It may need further driving for the system to fully relearn. 

You can also watch this video to see the relearn process with a Dodge Avenger: 1mRC InsidersYouTube · Jul 18, 2023
Method 2: Disconnect the battery 

1. Locate and disconnect the negative (black) terminal of the car battery. 
2. Wait for at least 10 minutes to allow the system to fully reset. 
3. Reconnect the negative terminal securely. 
4. Start the car. The system should be reset. You may need to let it idle for a while to properly reset the idle and throttle position. 

Method 3: Use an OBD-II scanner 

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic port. 
2. Use the scanner to read the error codes that are causing the lightning bolt light to appear. 
3. Follow the instructions on the scanner to clear the codes. 

Before you begin

• The red lightning bolt light indicates a problem with the electronic throttle control (ETC) system, which could be caused by a faulty throttle body, a loose connection, or a bad sensor. 
• If the light comes back on after attempting a reset, it's best to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issue. 
• If you have recently replaced the throttle body or had another repair done, a relearn procedure is often necessary. 

This video explains what causes the red lightning bolt light and how to fix it: 1mMore AutomotiveYouTube · May 30, 2024