Dodge red lightening bolt dash warning light

How to fix lightening bolt light...This video briefly demonstrates how to repair the "lightening bolt" warning light on the dash of your dodge ram. This likely applies to several, if not all, Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. The vehicle in this video is an 04 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi engine.
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[@TheSloansFour]

I’ve had to do the TPS reset a handful of times this last week so I’ll be replacing the TB once I get the new one. Our regular shop made the “relearn” process sound daunting. But if it’s just a matter of letting it run for a while I don’t see why I can’t just do it myself. They also emphasized to have the battery disconnected and not hit the gas at first start up. This was the best video I’ve found for this replacement. Fingers crossed.

[@eliasprestalon4118]

I’ve taken my truck to the snow twice and in both occasions had that issue, truck lost power and won’t accelerate, RPMs won’t go up. It seems like cold temperature causes this issue with my 2003. Thank you for all the info, you are saving me a visit to the mechanic

[@jameswemple4832]

Thanks I think mine has been screwed up for a while but my light just came on today.Big help tanks man!

[@ellae1028]

thanks! fixed my problem in an hour or so, worked great for an 03 dodge

[@Silveready1]

Thanks buddy, appreciate you taking the time to make this video.

[@RickHavok]

Thanks! This gave me a little better overview of the throttle body system than I had before.

[@rscarawa]

Drive by wife enabled any other technologies at once. Cruise control, rev limiter, traction control and maybe others. It is a logical progression to make implementing all of these things together. Yes they can be done individually bit with a higher parts count. I have the same light in my truck with needs resolution. Thx for the video.

[@EasyFixShaun]

I love your channel man!!🔧🔧

[@carlosgalvan2174]

Great video! You make it look so easy. About to change mine out now! Thanks!

[@AnthonyKpartnersales]

Thank you for the video, you saved me a lot of time and money.

[@solowkeymeech3862]

Thanks for this video now I can fix my Dodge Ram !

[@129jaystreet]

Thanks for the vid. I like how you explain and teach.

[@Silveready1]

Just what I need to see, thank God for guys like you that take the extra time and effort to make these videos - thanks buddy!

[@lucaskellan1225]

I know im randomly asking but does anybody know a trick to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost the login password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!

[@iraesteban8998]

@Lucas Kellan instablaster ;)

[@lucaskellan1225]

@Ira Esteban I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@lucaskellan1225]

@Ira Esteban it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you saved my ass!

[@iraesteban8998]

@Lucas Kellan You are welcome :)

[@rhondall65]

Great video and loved the explanation 👍

[@captainbaker1899]

I love KZbin. Thanks for making this video, I'm gonna go try this right meow. You da man

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks man!

[@josem.2909]

ej plays fortnite and vlogs did you find the issue? Mine been doing the same, also sometimes idle rpm are higher than normal, today I'm cleaning the throttle body and check loose connections also posible vacuum leaks

[@stevengauthier1457]

You have saved me some money sir thank you

[@theloudamerican2193]

before spending $450 on a new unit: try cleaning it with carb and intake cleaner! it made all the difference in my 07 charger. also, your cabin air filter being clogged can cause this light to come on too. go to the easy fix first.

[@Later2u]

Where is the cabin filter on the early 3rd gen RAMs?

[@QuincyToReal]

Rite I replace my throttle body but the light still on and my truck will not start

[@QuincyToReal]

@@Later2u I have a 2010 ram 1500 and I replace my throttle body and my truck still will not start

[@theloudamerican2193]

@@Later2u behind the glovebox

[@antonypowell1617]

Idk about 3rd Gen Rams, but 4th Gens don’t have Cabin Air Filters, unless you fabricate one on your own…I found that out when I went to change mine and ended up cutting a slot for it 😅🤣

[@isaiahgilbert6416]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@ghk915]

Thank you it was real helpful. My car is a Nitro Dodge hopefully it has the throttle control in the same spot as the truck. I will keep doing my research thank you very helpful.

[@davyyrowe3559]

Hazel Kirschbauer my etc light is on my nitro to what was your problem

[@ilserodriguez81]

Davyy Rowe and mine won’t turn on but that light still on idk what it is 🤦🏽‍♀️😭

[@davidlovelady163]

Cleaned the TB on my 07 2500 It cleared up the lightening bolt and the check engine light cleared also Thanks

[@Tomsfoolery.]

That’s great! Thanks!

[@trailbrake8012]

Ya, I think cleaning that thing would have cleared the problem. That valve was nasty. It’s been a while, but I believe turning the ignition on and waiting ten seconds before starting, recalibrates the TB.

[@NewfieCRF]

removed & cleaned my throttle body two years ago....perfect

[@NightLife929]

Awesome !! Thank you so much sir.

[@josephkahenya3404]

Thanks man. Be blessed, that was helpful

[@chelseabaker1545]

Seriously you saved me with this video

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Good deal!

[@dustinhoepker3051]

Thanks for your help. My 2003 dodge ram 1500 5.7 hemi is currently stranded on the side of the road. Same lighting bolt. I'm going to clean the throttle body in the morning and hope it works.

[@awright986]

Did it ever work after cleaning?

[@dustinhoepker3051]

Yes the lighting bolt went away after cleaning the throttle body. It has ran smoothly since then.

[@peong]

Thanks for adding your thoughts on the lack of throttle cable and "Do not clean" warning

[@picasjavier]

Thanks to your help. Nice video

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks!

[@alfredoluciano5794]

Good catch 👍3

[@7s29]

Very informative, thanks.

[@austinjordan8840]

Great video thank you 👍

[@fawkq2786]

THANK YOU bOSS, I AppRECIATE YOU!!!

[@robfennessy3616]

I've also cleaned my throttle body on my 2004 Hemi. No issues.. just a cleaned throttle body.

[@atodaso1668]

I cleaned mine with electrical contact cleaner and it works great. You should not move the throttle plate when cleaning it as that is what breaks it.

[@davidvado9804]

great video thanks

[@ricAngus1]

Good video...

[@davidmurphy4263]

thank you sir

[@DavidGutierrez-zi4dy]

EXCELLENT

[@albertvejil363]

Good job

[@quietsignal]

The “do not clean” refers to the electrical components housing. I cleaned mine with throttle body cleaner and toothbrush being careful not to spray the plastic housing and NOT moving the butterfly. Runs smooth as glass.

[@robfennessy3616]

Same thing I did with the cleaning, but I also kept opening the butterfly to get is completely cleaned. No issues at all. It's ok to clean them.

[@Vtwesty56]

Thanks!

[@gregmertz1202]

TY man👍

[@tonyslawncare]

Good vide

[@vinnydiazgutti9077]

nice video they told me to take it to the dealer to get it program

[@WestFreewayChurch]

Thanks for the info

[@joebiondo7063]

2008 JEEP GC 4.7L.... AWESOME, I have had so much stress because of this, I HLF knew what it was but could not find the throttle body except to order one so I was with out a truck for a few days. My worry was if I would have to somehow trick my PUTER, looks pretty simple. Mine should be here from Amazon tomorrow, Thanks for the VISUAL!!!! But I changed the plugs and cleaned up a bunch of other crap while it was down, Maybe Ill get another 20,000 on it. It owes me nothing at 165,000 miles. Peace.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your Jeep!

[@duanedirickson4485]

Would it not be effective and economical to clean and reinstall original TB? You have cleaned so many but not this one.

[@kellyhodgen7951]

Good to know, my truck is currently at my mechanic's shop. I was driving to work this morning and it is a pretty cold day for Texas, I have to drive through the country some of the way to get to work, and I noticed it seemed like my truck was more "bounc" if they makes sense. Lol anyways, then I looked and noticed the lightening bolt and it was flashing. Well, I get into town with stop lights and such and it acted like it was going to die out, then when I go to take off, I was hitting the gas pedal and it wasn't wanting to go. It was also jerking. I thought, crap, I am having transmission issues. Once I got to work, I googled the red flashing lightening bolt, and it said the same thing you are talking about, electronic throttle control. I called my mechanic and took it in, when I drove to his shop, the light didn't come on and my truck drove with ease. I have an 04 Ram 1500. I told my mechanic about the light, and how it drove and he said it may need a good cleaning(throttle body). Well, after watching your video, and seeing the do not clean. Lol. I am not sure that is a good idea. I trust my mechanic though. He has done all of the work on this truck for years now. I enjoyed your video and being that I know nothing about cars, I liked learning this and found it very interesting! Thank you!

[@kellyhodgen7951]

@Muzik Michael I ended up getting it changed out. My mechanic said it was too bad off. Thank you for your advice!

[@tavontobin3929]

@@kellyhodgen7951 did that fix it ?

[@29floridaguy]

I have a jeep compass it did the light last wknd. I cleaned it ran great all week. Now it back on

[@megadeuz6148]

I have a 2007 dodge ram with a 5.7 liter hemi and I have had nothing but trouble since March. I've had EVERYTHING related to the ignition or fuel replaced and nothing changes. After watching your video, I believe that the problem is that throttle body.

[@BlueHornetFPV]

Did the throttle body fix your issue? Having similar problems. Thanks.

[@boosted8097]

Did you clean it? Did it work?

[@smile83tye]

Thank you , Very Very Helpful. My light came on this morning. Did not know what it meant and now I know everything and everything happened to my car just the way that you said the RPM pressure would not go up but I didn't slow down but the pressure mark would not go up.and then the red light disappeared I was just trying to keep riding my car until it gives out look like it may be getting ready to give out soon thank you is a Dodge caliber 2007

[@earthfirstsammy]

THANKS

[@MikeHawkHertz69]

I would suggest installing an oil catch can between the PCV and the intake manifold. It would help keep the throttle body and intake manifold clean

[@RamRam-wb9nw]

Dodge charger would show this when the abs is plugged in and it might click on the starter rarely once but if i unplugged the abs module the car would start fine with no lighting indicator

[@DavidGutierrez-zi4dy]

Interesting

[@morbidmaggot999]

I agree with you, the fly by wire has been a problem on at least 3 of my vehicles including my 2018 RAM; problems that would not otherwise exist if there was regular old throttle cable... Furthermore it seems to be a common weak point on modern vehicles and they don't engineer or manufacture the parts to last.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

No, they sure don’t. I don’t remember having issues with the old school throttle cables!

[@michaelkeck6185]

@@Tomsfoolery. I'm having the same issue the red lightning bolt keeps flashes I replaced the throttle body but I'm not getting any throttle when I hit the peddle any ideas on what to do

[@Taofeek56Rauf]

Lightening Bolt is flashing when ignition is on

[@ionics378]

This happen to me as I was heading out of town about to drive around 45 miles and I was driving 70 miles per hour just on the egde of town when that light came on and my throttle pedal was completely unresponsive it was around 25°F so yeah it was cold but I've driven in 13°F no problem so I didn't think anything of it I just thought I was using to much electronics at the time so something lost power but I pulled over, shut off my truck and turned it back on sure enough it was all good the thunder bolt light went away and I drove the 45 miles home just really carefully and keeping my eye on the light if it comes on again

[@carmenes5571]

ionics378 How did you fix this

[@ionics378]

@@carmenes5571 I took the throttle body out and cleaned it with carberater cleaner (I know they aren't supposed to be cleaned but its worked for alot of people and I've had no problem it's been 1 and a half months already)

[@djbobbyd3985]

Great Video.....I replaced a tps on a 2008 dodge grand caravan 4.0L and it's having trouble relearning. Is there a relearn procedure?

[@ShootnTexasStyle]

Great video. That light came on today and quickly went off. What does that light exactly mean? Also my Check Gauges light comes on went at idle and my oil pressure gauge goes down like I'm loosing pressure. I ran a flush thru it yesterday because my mechanic said it sounds like a clogged oil screen. It didn't help. When I'm at a red light I try to keep my truck at about 900 or more rpm and it will go off most of the time. This lightening bolt light just came on today. Do you think that light coming on has anything to do with me keeping the engine rpm higher at red lights? I saw that bolt light once at least today while stopped at red light while peddling the rpms up a little.

[@HaddaClu]

You just replaced it in less than 15 minutes ... I'm assuming it takes just as long for the 2014 Jeep compass; so why the HECK did the shop I end up taking it to for an emergency repair take 4 hours?! (That what they charged me for besides parts). I know I didnt have the luxery of being picky since at the time I was on my way to a funeral when the throttle decided to die (lots of jerking when accelerating from a stop) and the place was able to fit me in but still... Actually slowly over time I've been trying to learn how to work on my vehicle myself so I can avoid those costly bills. Thanks for putting out these vids so people like me can learn what to do.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

I’m sorry to hear they charged you so much! Maybe half of that time was a diag fee. Anyway, good for you trying to learn! Watch lots of videos and do be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge IS power. Thanks for watching!

[@kknows4028]

My son's charger just back from shop 3 days...replaced alternator..temp below freezing and now car's running rough..lightening bolt warning..so thx this did info us

[@-_Michael]

Good video man and I believe you are right about dodge selling parts for their gain. Its sad to say but its true. There was nothing wrong with the cable. Keep up the good work and the great videos, cheers.

[@hilton8r]

Awesome video! Subscribed! Was this associated with any engine codes? I don't have money for a new throttle body if I can avoid it. My cat is bad too. Fingers crossed.

[@juanmazapan9044]

Same problem with mine I change the TCM and problem solved check fuses in tipm also

[@NWPencrawler]

Excellent video and thank you. On my 08 Ram 1500 Hemi it also displays the anti-skid lamp on the dash and went into limp mode. Question, when you were diagnosing this, how did you check the APP sensor sweep voltage? Any way to do this check at home without special scan tool?

[@Tomsfoolery.]

I suppose you could use a DVOM to test the resistance across the sweep but the easiest way is by using live data on a scan tool.

[@garydumoulin6318]

I have a 44 chevy with a steel rod going to the carb. 80 years old and no throttle problems . Drive by wire sucks!

[@manuelmachado4428]

Nice man,.. so no flyby reset ? Don’t you have to turn the key on standby or run mode then hold the gas pedal down for 20sec till you get an indication then turn key off then push the brake pedal as you start the truck ?

[@kenmoultonjr]

Yeah, you do have to. If you connect a code reader to it that shows realtime statistics, you'll see that the throttle position isn't resting at zero. The relearning is to teach the ECU what this particular rheostat (not a potentiometer as stated in the video) reads when it is resting. This calibrated the system and ensures that you don't have misfiring issues in the future.

[@ryanreeves70]

My 04 Ray evernham 1500 Ram 4x4 screws up with lightning bolt only when i get on it hard so no passing on Dangerous two lane roads. I just ordered a 90mm throttle body. 🤞

[@charlesmann1st93]

I have an 2007 ram 4x4 3500 6.7 and the ETC light does not come on when I try to start the truck , according to the manual it is . Will this keep it from starting and running ?

[@shawn7517]

I have replaced mine and still get the lighting bolts and code p2173 also did a vacuum leak done what else should I try

[@jasonmeyers9413]

How do you get it to relearn

[@raptor700dans]

It’s for emission controls and using a drive by wire allows them to eliminate the EGR valve on most engines and still have the same results

[@straightto8]

Just cleaned mine on my Charger R/T, made sure not to get electronics wet, runs great, more responsive, filter is clean, all connected properly. Yet two days later when the car got hot and started overheating from a cracked tee connector on the heater hose, the lightening bolt came on the last 100’ as I pulled into my driveway, then I shut the car off and restarted couple hours later after ensuring I had coolant, light is gone, though check engine light is on and I suspect it’s due to light coming on for a bit, runs fine now, just gotta fix that heater hose now.

[@DWN4MYN2]

I fixed heater hose changed thermostat and burped the system but engine light stays on and temperature gauge wont work

[@straightto8]

DWN4MYN2 Regarding engine light, did you try to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery for 10 minutes, will reset engine light, might help reset gauge too.

[@DWN4MYN2]

@@straightto8 yes I did that. Well maybe not 10min. Maybe I'll try a full 10 and see. Thanks

[@hilton8r]

@@DWN4MYN2 The car has been parked for most of covid. I recall the lightning bolt coming on a few times after it had rained and was cold, but it always went away. Now it's crazy hot weather, and I just replaced the battery. Now the lightning bolt comes on every time after I start her up. My temp gauge stopped working. Sometimes if I turn the fob to the on position after I shut off the engine, the temp gauge will work. I heard a rattle as I was pulling up to the house. Scared me thinking I got her too hot. I'm going to clean the throttle body and go from there. I can't afford to buy a new one. Curious if dwn4myn2 correlated the throttle body with the temp gauge or whatnot.

[@richardhill2379]

I agree with you a 100 percent, I have a dodge journey 2.4 litre engine. I had this problem so I replaced the throttle body, now I have another problem...the car now starts up fine and runs but at random times the red lighning bolt comes back on after I stop to get lunch. This has happened twice now and both times I had to get towed home. Most recently last night....car drove fine all day, came home took a nap, started car up no problem, went to gas up and the lightning bolt came back and would not start. Had to get another tow, took 4 hours for the tow truck to get me. Is it a heat issue or wiring issue. What would cause this to happen. Any help would be great.

[@johnrushing5034]

Would the red lightning bolt on the dash have anything to do my truck not running, will it shut off as if were out of fuel

[@timwright3592]

check engine light on after start up. Related to TB issue?

[@naomitaylor929]

So mine is a Dodge journey 2012 exact same issue. last winter replaced the throttle body and the sensors just to be safe and this winter same crap. it's also -15 plus wind chill factor making it more technically - 25 with wind chill car won't turn over for days now but as soon as it gets nice out again everything will work properly again 🤔🤔

[@brandongrennan7602]

Great video! I just cleaned my knn air filter with the cleaning kit they have. Let the oil set up for an hour but I guess I oiled it to much. Trucks idle was going haywire and the ETC light stays on. I rechecked all connections, took off the oily air filter and my.m trucks idle is still messed up. It’ll bounce between 1.5 and 2 about 5 times then drop below 1 and almost cut off. It does that for minutes at a time. My next step is to replace the air sensor to see if that may help. Any tips I would greatly appreciate it!!!! The exhaust is also spitting out a cleaner oil smelling fluid. Changed my oil the day before and had no problems.

[@jakemason9436]

I had the KNN. The filter oil fouled the IAT sensor. Cleaned sensor and put back stock filter. No issues.....

[@michaeldepow6663]

Clean sensor. The k&n oil got on it. They sell a cleaner for it

[@sammy-samsonmustanggt3852]

What happens if you run it with this issue going on?

[@jamesnolastname4230]

after replacing the new throttle body do yuo have to re program yuor truck,i was told you need to hook it to a computer and re program,is this true? or just plug and drive.?

[@cresposaidso4265]

I'm trying to figure out if the positioning sensor and throttle body go together and if they make each other malfunction. My car tells me it's the crank position sensor when I diagnose it but today its had the throttle body trouble shoot light. Is there a correlation? Also when j shut my car off after it finally warmed up the bolt light went out, car started quickly and it's not accelerating slow

[@abdonrodriguez3586]

if it has a computer attached to it (sensors) you can bet your beehive it can be programmed to fail after the warrant expires.

[@maddexxx847]

I’ve had my 06 ram go limp twice now after hitting bumps in the road. I stop turn it off and restart it. It works fine after that.

[@user-sx5ex6mu8u]

Think you so much I need one new.. my Dodge RAM 2004 V8 5.7L Where can I buy one?

[@jakobshockley1570]

2011 dodge dakota v6 i put a new radio in a while back and that light came along with my check engine and it idled i turned it off then back on it was gone but check engine was still on and i got it fixed had to have a throttle sensor replaced then it came back on and had to have a crankshaft sensor replaced and it’s happened again every time it’s happened it’ll idle is shut it off it would go off but my check engine light would stay on its happened a lot do you think it has something to do with the radio or is it something else?

[@jeffizor6380]

Any idea what name of part is and where it is located

[@robertgriffith5010]

Hey guys I've been having a few lights on check engine and the red lighting bolt and my hub on the inside roof I found out what the problem was the ambient temperature sensor replaced and everything is okay now

[@sandy-sl7dy]

hi,ihave a 2007 jeep wrangler and we change it ,but the light still,what is the problem?

[@TheFLOMAN76]

I have an 07 Dodge Dakota with the 3.7 L engine in it. The lightning bolt is displaying here and there, and of course it runs like crap when it does. Stupid question but do you think this will work for me?

[@anthonymoy4471]

I just replaced my throttle body cleaned mass air flow too and a few weeks later it's still throwing red lightning bolt when it did do it only when cold with oem one

[@michaeldepow6663]

Cleaned my throttle body with the cleaner they sell for it. I also sprayed it into the intake and stuck my hand in with a rag and was able to clean it from black to yellow. Its all combustible so when you start truck it burns right away. My truck runs like new again

[@keithshoffeitt3851]

Seven four-wheel drive Dodge with the 4.7 in it the last two days it's been real hard starting it's been real cold out do you think that throttle body is where I had to start at

[@lyricderbin1169]

My truck is an 05 hemi. While im driving, the lightning bolt light will flash, not stay constand like yours and keeps my rpm at a constant 1500 rpm. I can only go 25. When put in neutral or park, my rpms go up to around 2k rpm and hold there. Shut the truck off and after about 5 minutes, it will start and run just fine. Would you think my problem would be the throttle pedal?

[@256ceo]

My 2003 1500 did this yesterday coming from a trip to Atlanta. Was half way home when I lost acceleration and red bolt came on. I turned the car off for 20 mins watched this video then started and drove the hour &1/2 home. Also I noticed a month ago my truck at stop lights would idle down. Almost like it was cutting off??? It would get very quite. Where can I get this checked at? And what’s your opinion on the problem???

[@smallenginerepair7921]

Your electronic throttle body is failing

[@leec8573]

Would this sensor keep the truck from starting

[@juanmazapan9044]

I find ,that resistance of potentiometers went to Hi due to wear

[@aaronolivarez4833]

My dodge is a 2010 dokota, can I follow this guide to replace my electronic throttle

[@raythomas2628]

The same thing happened to my dodge ram 2500 5.7 Hemi..... it turned out to be my crank sensor

[@randylee2549]

can this throttle body also cause problems in accel, it starts and idles, have the red lightning bolt, and won't go faster than 35 mph, slow accel, have codes for tps...

[@davidyochem8536]

How much would it cost to purchase a rebuilt throttle body unit for my dodge ram truck

[@unlimited408mike]

So do u clean it with brake clearer or wahht

[@Isaacjr6]

🎉