The red lighting bolt on the vehicle’s dashboard indicates the electronic throttle control (ETC) system warning light. The electronic throttle control handles the information between the throttle body and the accelerator pedal with the help of sensors and actuators.
The system may detect an ETC issue by flashing the red lightning bolt icon on your dashboard. when a dirty throttle body is stuck or broken, when there is a problem with the accelerator pedal position sensor, or when a throttle control sensor goes bad.
In this post, we will explain what the red lightning bolt on your dashboard means and how to reset and repair it.
What Does Red Lightning Bolt on Dash Mean?
When the system detects an issue with ETC, it starts blinking the red lightning bolt icon on the dashboard. because of a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, a faulty throttle control sensor, a stuck or broken throttle body, or a wiring problem.
Red Lightning Bolt On Dash Function
Your “red lightning bolt on dash,” or in other words, the electronic throttle control light, monitors the throttle control system to ensure that everything works correctly. When there is a problem with it, the light turns on to let you know that you should fix it.
When you turn on your vehicle, you will see the ETC light come on. At that time, your vehicle is completing a system check, and when it is completed, the light is off. However, if the light stays on, you have a problem with your electronic throttle control system, and you need to address this.
What Causes A Red Lightning Bolt?
A dirty throttle body stuck, a faulty throttle accelerator pedal position sensor, or a faulty throttle control sensor are the most common causes of the red lightning bolt or electronic throttle control light flashing. Below, we explain these causes.
1. Faulty Throttle Control Sensor
Your vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU), sometimes called the engine control module (ECM), tells the throttle to open a specific amount when you press the gas pedal. The vehicle’s ECM relies on the throttle control sensor to tell it how far the throttle is opened to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio.
If the throttle control sensor goes bad, then everything doesn’t come back the way it expects, so the “red lightning bolt” ETC light comes on.
In some vehicles, the throttle control sensor is not replaceable, and you may have to replace the whole throttle body.
2. Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
When you press the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal position sensor sends a message to the vehicle’s ECM, which adjusts the throttle position according to the gas or accelerator pedal.
When there is a problem with the pedal position sensor, the vehicle’s ECM does not get an accurate reading from the sensor. and you will never get the acceleration you want. If the vehicle computer system recognizes that there is a problem with the sensor, the red lightning bolt, or, in other words, the ETC light, will come on.
3. Stuck Throttle Body
Despite all the sensors and other parts of the electronic throttle control system working perfectly fine, if the throttle body is stuck for any reason, for example, carbon buildup, the red lightning bolt will flash on.
You need to ensure that the throttle body can easily open and close. You should clean the throttle body with a high-quality carb cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you should replace the throttle body.
Red Lightning Bolt Symbol
How To Reset Red Lightning Bolt On Dash
To reset the red lightning bolt on the dash, you must use an OBD2 scanner. However, in most cases, you cannot reset the red lightning bolt or ETC light by just erasing the faulty code memory. You need to fix the problem that caused the light to come on. for example, a faulty throttle body, wiring issues, or sensor issues.
Is It Safe To Drive With an Electronic Throttle Control Light?
It is not safe to drive with an electronic throttle control light. Because for any reason—a faulty throttle control sensor, a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, or a faulty throttle body—the vehicle ECM can’t keep accurate tabs on how much air enters the engine. which can lead to an out-of-control engine.
This affects fuel efficiency and causes a drop in acceleration. and if you do not address the underlying cause of your red lightning bolt or ETC light. It can lead to premature engine wear over time because the air-to-fuel ratio is not what it should be.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The ETC Light?
The cost of a red lightning bolt, or in other words, an electronic throttle control light, depends on the underlying cause of the light coming on.
If there is a dirty throttle body that is stuck because of carbon buildup or wiring problems, it will cost a few dollars to fix the ETC light.
And if there is a serious problem and you want to replace a throttle control sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, or a throttle body, it will cost around $150 to $800.
Is There A Fuse For The Electronic Throttle Control?
No, there is no fuse for the electronic throttle control in most cars. However, the ECM or ECU, which controls the ETC, has a fuse.
Why Is My Red Lightening Bolt Blinking?
When the system detects an issue with ETC, it starts blinking the red lightning bolt icon on the dashboard.
The electronic throttle control system is malfunctioning because of a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, a faulty throttle control sensor, a stuck or broken throttle body, or a wiring problem.
Conclusion: Red Lightning Bolt On Dash
When the red lightning bolt icon on the dash blinks, it indicates a problem with the throttle control system. The ETC system includes the accelerator pedal, throttle body, and all the parts in between. The electro-mechanical throttle control has huge benefits, like better fuel economy and responsiveness.
The following are some of the most common reasons for the ETC light to illuminate:
- Faulty throttle control sensor
- Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor
- Stuck throttle body
- Broken throttle body
- Wiring problems
When you see the ETC light illuminate, the first thing you should do is read trouble codes with an OBD2 scanning tool. Most of the time, the scanner will tell you what the exact problem is.
Sources:
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Accelerator Control System
Practical Solution for Automotive Electronic Throttle Control Based on FPGA
Resetting The Throttle Body Calibration (this step is conditional)