Dashboard warning lights are very different on each modern car make. It is understandable that people get confused about their meanings. I will discuss one of the more intriguing warning lights in this article. Lightning symbol in the car: what does this warning light mean.

If you see lightning coming out of your dash, it indicates that your car has a problem with its electronic throttle control system. To be sure, you need a code reader to scan your engine to see if there are any codes registered. This light could be a fault where you need to reset your car’s ETC system.

The fault could be in the throttle body sensor, the throttle body itself, or the throttle body control motor. This motor controls the opening and closing of the throttle body as it consumes fuel while running.

Read on to find out more about the lightning bolt symbol on cars, what it means, the symptoms, the reasons why you develop problems and their solutions.
Lightning symbol in car: what does it mean

When lightning suddenly appears on your dash, your vehicle’s electronic throttle control system has some trouble. What you need is a code reader and use it to scan your engine to see if there are any codes registered.

This warning light could be activated by a problem with your car’s ETC system and you may need to reset it.

The fault could be a problem with the throttle body sensor, throttle body, or throttle body control motor. This motor controls the opening and closing of the throttle body as it consumes fuel while running.
Is it safe to continue driving even if the ETC warning light is on?

You can still drive your car with this warning light on. However, it is not recommended as you know that it indicates that something is wrong with your vehicle.

You need to check the ETC system before it can become a more serious problem on your vehicle.

This lightning bolt symbol on your dash could mean that some part of the ETC system has failed. Since there are several components to this system, you should have them checked by a competent mechanic as soon as possible before driving your car as usual.
What is electronic car throttle control?
Offers many advantages over the old system

When the ETC system was not invented, all drivers controlled their car’s throttle via cables connecting the accelerator pedal and the body.

Ever since the ETC system was invented and developed, car manufacturers have replaced the old system. It offered many advantages over the old way of controlling the throttle.

The safety features offered by the ETC system are the main reason why most modern cars today use it instead of manual throttle control.
Provides greater stability control

This system offers increased stability control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), as well as various driving aids that allow drivers more control and a faster reaction time on the accelerator, since they are electronically operated.
It benefits automatic cars more

The ETC system is the one that benefits automatic cars the most. It allows the engine and transmission control to work together to determine the amount of throttle input required each time to make each gear change smooth and relaxed.
Measure the force you apply to the accelerator pedal

The ETC system measures the force you apply to the accelerator pedal. Then it sends the sensor signal to the motor. This motor opens the throttle in direct proportion to the force you apply to the accelerator pedal.
old system

This is how the ETC system differs significantly from the system used in older cars. Older cars use a cable that connects the accelerator pedal to the accelerator. In the old method, the force applied by the driver on the accelerator pedal determines the throttle opening, which then influences the amount of gas released.

This old method is not very efficient because it causes an increase in fuel consumption. For this reason, automobile design engineers developed the ETC system.
Reduces fuel consumption

The ETC system reduces fuel consumption when the transmission is shifted into higher gears. This system causes the transmission to shift and open the throttle while controlling the same speed.

In addition, while the vehicle is moving, the system can make micro-corrections to the throttle valve to reduce fuel consumption and pollution without the driver being aware.

The ETC system benefits modern cars in multiple ways, though not much. However, even if it only offers small technological improvements, they still count when it comes to adding them.
What are the signs of a faulty ETC system?

If you’re wondering about the symptoms of a faulty ETC system, there are plenty of them. Here are some of the symptoms of a faulty ETC system:
1. Warning light flashing intermittently

If, on your dash, you see the lightning bolt warning light flashing intermittently, even after you’ve reset the pedal, that means you have a problem with your ETC system. You should have a qualified mechanic diagnose and fix this problem.
2. Acceleration problems

One of the symptoms of a faulty ETC system is if it has trouble when you step on the accelerator. Another sign is if your car accelerates when you’re not putting your foot down on the accelerator at all. If you are experiencing these things, you should check your car’s ETC system.
3. Increases fuel consumption

If you’re spending more than normal on your gas, look at your ETC system. It could be the cause of your higher fuel consumption.

In other words, decreased fuel consumption is another sign of a faulty ETC system. If the lightning bolt warning light accompanies this, it’s a sure sign that your ETC system is showing some trouble.
4. Rough idling

If your idle is erratic and increases randomly, it indicates that your car’s ETC system is not working properly. Your car’s idle may also be low or high. Along with this inconsistent idling, your engine could also misfire, stall, or run at a rough idle.

There are other signs of a failed ETC system, and they include the following:

hard starter
Engine stalls at traffic lights
The car goes into “Limp Mode”.
The speed of the car fluctuates as it travels

How does the ETC system work?

The way a car’s ETC system works is quite simple. It has a potentiometer on the accelerator pedal, which measures input from the driver. The more the throttle is opened, the more voltage is applied to the car’s engine control module (ECM).

The ECM then sends the signal to the throttle body actuator or motor. This action will open the throttle valve as precisely as the driver desires. Then there is a second potentiometer, the throttle position sensor which sits on the other side of the engine from the throttle valve.

This sensor measures the input from the actuator and sends the data to the ECM. Based on that data, the ECM determines if the actuator input is consistent with the driver input. The lightning warning light will appear on the dash if the information is different.

Again, what does the lightning bolt symbol on a car mean? A lightning flash on the dash indicates a malfunction of the electronic throttle control system or a throttle body control motor. The latter controls the opening/closing of the throttle body.
What Causes ETC to Malfunction?

There are three main reasons why your car’s lightning warning light will appear on your dashboard. According to cartreatmwents.com, they are as follows:
Bad wiring or pedal links
Defective pedal system
ETC system problems

Aside from these three main causes, there are other reasons why your vehicle’s ETC system may fail. They are the following:

ACV Throttle Valve Problems
Malfunction sensor of the throttle body actuator

How to fix a faulty ETC?

There are only two general ways to repair a faulty ETC system: you can clean it if it’s full of dirt, or you can replace it entirely. In general, if the ETC system fails, the usual culprit is a faulty engine sensor or throttle body actuator.

If you know how to visually inspect this actuator, you will see if it is full of carbon deposits. In such a case, you can try cleaning the actuator and see if that solves your problem. Otherwise, you must replace the actuator or its sensor with a new unit.

RepairPal also recommends taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic when the ETC system warning light comes on on your dash. A certified mechanic is the best person to diagnose and repair what caused the warning light to come on.
How to replace your car’s electronic throttle body?

If you have determined that your vehicle’s electronic throttle body is failing and you have good maintenance skills and the proper tools, you can attempt to replace it yourself. Doing this task is simple. It will only take you more than half an hour to do it.
Tools

The tools you will need are the following:

A set of socket wrenches
Standard, flat and Phillips screwdrivers
Rags to clean the throttle body gasket seat

How does the ETC system work?

The way a car’s ETC system works is quite simple. It has a potentiometer on the accelerator pedal, which measures input from the driver. The more the throttle is opened, the more voltage is applied to the car’s engine control module (ECM).

The ECM then sends the signal to the throttle body actuator or motor. This action will open the throttle valve as precisely as the driver desires. Then there is a second potentiometer, the throttle position sensor which sits on the other side of the engine from the throttle valve.

This sensor measures the input from the actuator and sends the data to the ECM. Based on that data, the ECM determines if the actuator input is consistent with the driver input. The lightning warning light will appear on the dash if the information is different.

Again, what does the lightning bolt symbol on a car mean? A lightning flash on the dash indicates a malfunction of the electronic throttle control system or a throttle body control motor. The latter controls the opening/closing of the throttle body.
What Causes ETC to Malfunction?

There are three main reasons why your car’s lightning warning light will appear on your dashboard. According to cartreatmwents.com, they are as follows:
Bad wiring or pedal links
Defective pedal system
ETC system problems

Aside from these three main causes, there are other reasons why your vehicle’s ETC system may fail. They are the following:

ACV Throttle Valve Problems
Malfunction sensor of the throttle body actuator

How to fix a faulty ETC?

There are only two general ways to repair a faulty ETC system: you can clean it if it’s full of dirt, or you can replace it entirely. In general, if the ETC system fails, the usual culprit is a faulty engine sensor or throttle body actuator.

If you know how to visually inspect this actuator, you will see if it is full of carbon deposits. In such a case, you can try cleaning the actuator and see if that solves your problem. Otherwise, you must replace the actuator or its sensor with a new unit.

RepairPal also recommends taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic when the ETC system warning light comes on on your dash. A certified mechanic is the best person to diagnose and repair what caused the warning light to come on.
How to replace your car’s electronic throttle body?

If you have determined that your vehicle’s electronic throttle body is failing and you have good maintenance skills and the proper tools, you can attempt to replace it yourself. Doing this task is simple. It will only take you more than half an hour to do it.
Tools

The tools you will need are the following:

A set of socket wrenches
Standard, flat and Phillips screwdrivers
Rags to clean the throttle body gasket seat

Steps

The steps to replace an electronic throttle body are as follows:
Remove the intake hose from the throttle body and the other vacuum lines.
Disconnect the throttle body connector.
Remove faulty throttle body
Clean the seat of the old gasket; remove it if it is already damaged and replace it with a new gasket.
Place the new gasket in its seat
Install the new throttle body
Reconnect all vacuum lines and the throttle body connector.
Reinstall the intake hose over or above the new throttle body
How can the electronic throttle control system be reset?

If you fixed the ETC system problem, you need to reset it to remove it from your dashboard. This is the procedure to reset the ETC system:
Insert your car key into its hole and turn on the ignition. Don’t start the engine yet.
Initially, you will see all the warning lights on your dashboard. Wait until all these lights go out on the dashboard. The Check Engine light may be the only light that will remain on the dash.
Slowly press the accelerator pedal all the way down.
Then slowly release the pedal until it returns to its original position.
Now, turn off the ignition key.
After a while, turn on the ignition key and start the engine.
Check if the throttle body is already working by stepping on the accelerator and see if the engine revs up.
How much will it cost to repair an electronic throttle control?

According to RepairPal, if a faulty sensor is causing the problem, the usual fix will only cost you $150-$200. However, if your concern is the throttle valve, including throttle body issues, you can spend around $ 650 or more on repair.

For problems related to the throttle position module or pedal linkages, the usual repair can cost approximately €438. It would be best to ask a certified mechanic to diagnose the problem and recommend the proper solution to get the most accurate repair cost.
In conclusion

If lightning suddenly shoots out of your dash, it means there is a problem with your car’s electronic throttle control system.

To be sure, you should use a code reader to scan the engine for any logged codes. The light could mean there is a fault and you need to reset your vehicle’s ETC system.

If the light remains on your dash after you reset the light, there is an underlying cause of the problem. You should seek the help of a certified mechanic to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.

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