Red Lightning Bolt Symbol In A Jeep [Quick Fix]

The flashing of symbols indicates issues with the jeep. Developers have designed these symbols for the safety and convenience of a driver so that they know about the ongoing problem. Still, flashing red or orange lights through the dashboard becomes confusing and panicky for many of us.

Out of dozens of warning lights flashed through the dashboard, I have picked to explain the red lightning bolt symbol in a jeep this time.

I’ll look at the most common reasons and the methods to fix this problem. So, let’s get going.

Key Takeaways

• Replacing faulty sensor, erroneous gauges, blower motor switch, or vacuum hose pipe solve the problem permanently. 
• Switch off the ignition, depress the brake and accelerator pedal simultaneously for 5 seconds. Repeating the process twice or thrice will drain this error code from the ECM lines.

What does the lightning bolt warning light mean?

The red lightning bolt symbol indicates a fault with the throttle control system in your jeep. This could be due to an issue in the electronic throttle control system or a bad sensor. It is a warning that there is some ongoing problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) module.

Moreover, if any fault persists with the throttle opening, engine speed, or TPS sensor, this warning light flashes through your dash.

What causes a red lightning bolt symbol in a jeep?

There are some of the major causes behind flashing of the red lightning bolt symbol in a jeep include:

1. Bad sensor

The most common reason behind the lightning bolt warning is a faulty sensor. This sensor is installed in the gas tank to indicate any leakage in the air intake tube. If this sensor malfunctions, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) signals leakage in the gas tank; thus, this symbol flashes.

2. Blower motor switch malfunction

When a burnt smell is coming inside your jeep, along with a loss of range in the mode selector switch. In that case, it is usually due to a malfunction in the blower motor. This problem usually used to occur in older models of a jeep.

3. Leakage in the vacuum hose

Another primary reason is the leakage in the vacuum hose. This hose is connected to the fuel injectors and triggers a red lightning bolt symbol if it cracks or gets damaged; ultimately indicating that there is a leakage in the fuel tank.

4. Traction Control Issues

Traction control is responsible for the stability and uniform driving of your jeep. If any issue with the sensors persists, it causes the traction control not to respond appropriately. Therefore, this error-filled data triggers the lightning bolt warning.

5. Faulty gauges

Gauges catch up with dust and debris after some time, due to which they malfunction and trigger erroneous readings. However, besides dust accumulation on these gauges, another problem behind malfunctioning is faulty calibration. Gauges do show an error when the calibration turns into a misleading one.

6. Drop in pressure

Sometimes, engine oil warms up, which causes a spontaneous drop in pressure resulting in inefficient working conditions of the throttle control module. In these circumstances, the throttle control module starts triggering faults due to the inability to register data. This problem is indicated through the flashing of a red lightning bolt along with an oil-dripping symbol.

How do you fix a red lightning bolt on a jeep?

Flashing of a red lightning bolt in a Jeep compass, patriot, or wrangler is a common issue. It can be easily fixed by the tricks mentioned below:

1. In case of a battery voltage sensor issue, replace the sensor.
2. In case of a traction control issue, replace the sensors.
3. Pull over your jeep on a roadside in case of pressure dropping, and let the engine cool down by switching it off.
4. In case of faulty gauges, clean or recalibrate the metres.
5. In case of a blower motor issue, lower the motor voltage with the help of a voltmeter or replace the blower speed motor.
6. In case of vacuum hose leakage, replace the pipe.

How much does it cost to fix a throttle control? 

The replacement cost of the throttle control unit costs around $200 to $600, including the spare part price and labor cost.

The throttle body spare part will cost around $200 to $500, depending on the aftermarket rates and quality supplied and the labor cost ranges between $50 to $100.

How do you reset a red lightning bolt on my jeep compass?

If you want to reset your Electronic Throttle Control module, follow these steps:

1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Press the accelerator pedal for five seconds after turning off the ignition.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal for ten seconds after turning off the ignition.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 simultaneously twice or thrice.
5. Step off the pedals and try to restart your jeep.

Hopefully, the red lightning symbol on the car fades away.

Is it safe to drive with a red lightning bolt light on?

It is not recommended to drive your jeep if the red lightning bolt flashes through your dashboard, as it indicates an issue with the throttle control system. Still, this system doesn’t indicate any emergency.

Still, when you are finished with your errand, you must take your jeep to a professional for a complete diagnostic checkup.

Final Thoughts

I understand that not all of us are professionals in dealing with all these symbols. It is normal to get stressed out if any warning lights come up, but the key is to be patient and composed.

Now that you have gained enough information about the red lighting bolt symbol in this article, hopefully, you will be able to deal with it like a pro.

Till next time have a safe drive!